JRE #1816 – Gad Saad

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience delves into various topics with Gad Saad, a professor of marketing and expert on evolutionary psychology. The conversation covers his weight loss journey, his views on the “woke” culture and its impact on society, and the importance of intellectual courage in a world dominated by idea pathogens. Underlying themes explore the power of discipline, the dangers of groupthink and ideological extremism, and the importance of objective truth.

Major Topics and Summary

1. Gad Saad’s Weight Loss Journey

   This podcast opens with a discussion about Gad Saad’s impressive weight loss journey. He shed a staggering 86 pounds, revealing his strategy and the impact it had on his life.

   • Saad emphasizes the importance of discipline and consistency. He details his daily routine, including 15-20 thousand steps, a structured diet tracked by his fitness pal app, and weekly weigh-ins.
   • He highlights the need to shift one’s mindset from “all or nothing” to incremental progress, focusing on daily improvements.
   • Saad’s transformation goes beyond physical changes, revealing how it improved his mental and emotional well-being. He describes the positive impact on his relationship and self-esteem.
   • Saad emphasizes the importance of health, not just vanity, as a driving force behind his weight loss, underscoring the link between physical and mental health.

2. The “Parasitic Mind” and the Rise of “Woke” Culture

   Saad dives into his latest book, “The Parasitic Mind,” exploring how infectious ideas can spread and undermine common sense.

   • He criticizes concepts like “fat phobia” and “body positivity,” arguing that they can be used as ego defenses rather than encourage healthy choices. He challenges the notion that obesity is simply a matter of “different body types” and promotes the importance of health.
   • Saad discusses the phenomenon of “idea pathogens” and how they can spread through online communities and academia. He highlights the dangers of ideological capture and the stifling of open discourse.
   • He expresses concerns about the “Ministry of Truth” – the idea that certain ideas are deemed “misinformation” and censored, citing the example of Naomi Wolf’s suspension from Twitter.
   • Saad argues against hate speech laws, stating that freedom of speech should be upheld even for those who hold offensive views. He emphasizes the importance of debate and the autocorrective power of a free marketplace of ideas.

3. The Importance of Intellectual Courage

   Saad delves into the importance of intellectual courage in challenging prevailing ideologies and defending objective truth.

   • He critiques the lack of intellectual courage within academia, highlighting how professors often prioritize appeasing groupthink over defending truth.
   • Saad advocates for an “intellectual Navy Seal” approach, where professors are selected not only for their intelligence but also for their willingness to challenge prevailing narratives.
   • He argues that adhering to the scientific method and seeking objective truth should be paramount, even if it means facing criticism and challenging dominant ideologies.
   • Saad highlights the dangers of “consequentialist ethics,” where truth is sacrificed in pursuit of a perceived “higher good” like inclusivity or avoiding offense. He emphasizes the importance of “deontological ethics,” which prioritizes adherence to moral principles and truth.

4. The Impact of “Woke” Culture on Society

   The conversation explores the ramifications of the “woke” culture on various aspects of society, including education, politics, and social interactions.

   • Saad provides examples of how “woke” culture has infiltrated institutions and influenced policies, citing the rise of “social justice mathematics” and the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida.
   • He expresses concerns about the increasing emphasis on “feelings” over facts and how this undermines rational discourse and critical thinking.
   • Saad challenges the notion that men can get pregnant and argues against the promotion of “gender fluidity” among young children. He criticizes the inconsistency of censoring advertising targeted at children while promoting “gender identity” education to them.
   • He highlights the dangers of indoctrination, particularly within education, and expresses concerns about the potential for abuse and manipulation of young and impressionable minds.

5. The Power of Discipline and Hard Work

   The conversation highlights the importance of discipline and hard work in achieving personal goals and navigating a complex world.

   • Saad emphasizes the link between exercise and mental well-being, citing clinical studies that show the benefits of exercise for anxiety and depression.
   • He discusses the role of personal agency and challenging one’s comfort zone. He believes that hard work and effort are essential for personal growth and fulfillment.
   • Saad points out the hypocrisy of advocating for “body positivity” while simultaneously advocating for “equity” and “fairness” in other areas of life, arguing that these ideals can’t be selectively applied.
   • He discusses the importance of setting realistic expectations and avoiding the “all-or-nothing” mentality. He encourages gradual progress and celebrates incremental wins.

6. The Role of Open Mindedness and Debate

   The podcast underscores the importance of open-mindedness and the power of debate in navigating a diverse and complex world.

   • Saad argues that open-mindedness is essential for understanding different perspectives and engaging in productive conversations. He highlights the Joe Rogan Experience as a model for open discourse.
   • He criticizes the intolerance of the left, noting how they often dismiss or demonize those who hold differing views.
   • Saad believes that intellectual discourse should be encouraged, even if it involves challenging one’s own beliefs. He promotes the idea of engaging with ideas, not just people.
   • He emphasizes the importance of “epistemic humility,” recognizing the limitations of one’s knowledge and being open to learning and revising one’s views.

7. The Importance of Choosing the Right Spouse and Career

   Saad concludes the podcast with a discussion about the importance of making sound choices regarding one’s spouse and career, two crucial elements for a fulfilling life.

   • He emphasizes that finding a spouse who is genuinely good and enjoyable to be around is essential for long-term happiness. He advises people to look for shared values and compatibility over superficial traits.
   • Saad stresses the importance of choosing a career that aligns with one’s passions and provides a sense of fulfillment. He notes how his own career path has been guided by his love for learning and sharing knowledge.
   • He cautions against seeking validation and approval from others, particularly regarding career choices. He encourages people to follow their own paths and pursue their genuine interests.
   • Saad underscores the value of authenticity in all aspects of life, suggesting that true happiness comes from living in accordance with one’s values and passions.

Memorable Quotes

1. “There are 1000 different temptations in a day for you to violate your goal. And you can almost never fail. You don’t have to be so punishing. But 997 out of the 1000 temptations in the road, you have to take the right road. And so do that enough days, enough times, get 9.97 out of a 1000, and suddenly you’ll be 30, 40, 50 pounds lighter. Just trust the process.”
2. “It’s a lot easier for me to construct an alternate universe that basically says that Joe Rogan and my physician saying that I’m overweight is going to reduce my longevity. They’re just part of the fat complex that are trying to marginalize differently weighted people.”
3. “It is never okay to lie. Right? Now the reality is for most things in life, we typically are consequentialist, and that’s fine. But when it comes to the truth or foundational principles, then you should be completely deontological.”
4. “We are the only time in this world we’re living in in 2022. This era from, like, whatever it was, maybe 1970, 1980 on, where poor people are fat.”
5. “If I have to murder truth so that I appear empathetic and loving and accepting of all people, goodbye truth. It was nice knowing you.”