JRE #1557 – Gad Saad

29-Oct-20

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Gad Saad, Professor of Marketing at Concordia University and an expert in evolutionary psychology, discussing his book "The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas are Killing Common Sense." It tackles a wide range of provocative topics, including the current state of COVID regulations, the politicization of science, the rise of online extremism, the role of intellectuals in society, and the importance of free speech. The podcast delves deep into the underlying themes of intellectual honesty, critical thinking, the dangers of groupthink, and the importance of individual responsibility.

Major Topics and Summary

1. COVID-19 Restrictions and the Impingement of Freedoms:

   1. Gad Saad expresses frustration with ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Canada and California, deeming them draconian and inconsistent.
   2. He compares the situation to inconsistent parenting, highlighting the stress and unpredictability caused by ever-changing regulations.
   3. Saad argues that the initial justification for lockdowns has become invalid, given the lower-than-expected mortality rates and the devastating economic and social consequences.
   4. He calls for a return to a more balanced approach, considering the costs of the lockdown versus its benefits, and emphasizing individual responsibility.

2. The Politicization of Science and the Rise of Ideological Bias:

   1. Saad criticizes the tendency to dismiss scientific findings based on ideological alignment, highlighting the dangers of using political labels to discredit evidence.
   2. He discusses the prevalence of "fast and frugal heuristics" in decision-making, where people rely on simple, often biased shortcuts instead of engaging in critical analysis.
   3. He argues that the current climate fosters a dangerous form of anti-intellectualism, where individuals are labeled and ostracized for holding dissenting views.
   4. Saad advocates for a return to a more nuanced and open dialogue, where ideas are debated on their merits rather than dismissed based on preconceived notions.

3. The Importance of Free Speech and the Dangers of Censorship:

   1. Saad emphasizes the importance of free speech, arguing that it is essential for the advancement of knowledge and the healthy functioning of a democratic society.
   2. He criticizes the censorship practices of social media companies, particularly Twitter, highlighting the arbitrary and politically motivated nature of these decisions.
   3. Saad suggests that social media platforms should be regulated as public utilities, ensuring equal access to information and protecting freedom of expression.
   4. He argues that the best antidote to bad speech is not censorship, but rather the promotion of reasoned discourse and the dissemination of accurate information.

4. The Role of Intellectuals in Society and the Importance of Intellectual Honesty:

   1. Saad discusses the perceived elitism within academia, criticizing the tendency to prioritize narrow specialization over intellectual breadth and public engagement.
   2. He argues that intellectuals have a responsibility to engage with a wider audience, using diverse platforms like podcasts to disseminate their research and promote critical thinking.
   3. Saad highlights the importance of intellectual honesty, emphasizing the need to challenge prevailing narratives and embrace rigorous inquiry, even when it leads to uncomfortable conclusions.
   4. He encourages academics to become "intellectual honey badgers": tenacious and fearless in defending truth and logic, even in the face of intense criticism.

5. The Psychology of Pornography and the Sperm Competition Hypothesis:

   1. Saad explores the evolutionary basis of pornography, discussing the "sperm competition hypothesis" which suggests that men are aroused by seeing other men having sex.
   2. He explains how this hypothesis could explain the prevalence of polyandrous depictions in pornography aimed at heterosexual men.
   3. Saad touches on the controversy surrounding the "Sperm Wars" theory, which proposed that men have different types of sperm with specific functions (fertilizing, blocking, and killing).
   4. He highlights the irony of how scientific theories are often embraced or rejected based on their alignment with prevailing ideologies, leading to a distortion of the truth.

6. The Homeostasis of Victimology and the Manipulation of Language:

   1. Saad introduces the concept of "homeostasis of victimology," arguing that there is a constant drive to maintain a sense of victimhood in society, even when it is manufactured or exaggerated.
   2. He explains how language is often manipulated to create a narrative of victimhood, redefining words and concepts to fit a predetermined agenda.
   3. He criticizes the use of labels like "racist" and "sexist" as a form of "fast and frugal heuristics" to silence dissent without engaging in genuine debate.
   4. Saad emphasizes the importance of clear definitions and precise language in order to avoid deception and promote a more accurate understanding of complex issues.

7. The Impact of Wealth on Happiness and the Importance of Personal Fulfillment:

   1. Saad discusses the concept of diminishing returns when it comes to wealth, suggesting that after a certain point, increased financial success doesn’t necessarily lead to increased happiness.
   2. He emphasizes that true happiness stems from personal fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and engaging in activities that align with one’s passions.
   3. Saad shares his own experience with the pressure and scrutiny that come with achieving significant wealth, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective.
   4. He advocates for a focus on personal growth and development, engaging in activities that challenge and stimulate the mind, and finding satisfaction in the journey rather than solely in the destination.

8. The Importance of Self-Criticism and the Pursuit of Excellence:

   1. Saad highlights the importance of self-criticism as a crucial tool for maintaining sanity and achieving excellence.
   2. He suggests that being your own worst critic can be a powerful motivator, pushing you to constantly strive for improvement and avoid complacency.
   3. Saad emphasizes the dangers of both excessive criticism and self-congratulation, arguing that a balanced approach is essential for maintaining a healthy perspective.
   4. He advocates for a mindset of continuous improvement, embracing challenges, and finding satisfaction in the process of learning and growing.

9. The Power of Intimacy in Conversation and the Importance of Authentic Connection:

   1. Saad discusses the power of intimate conversations, suggesting that the genuine connection between two individuals can create a powerful and lasting impact on listeners.
   2. He emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment of trust and openness, where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.
   3. Saad highlights the unique appeal of long-form conversations, allowing for a deeper exploration of complex topics and the development of nuanced perspectives.
   4. He believes that the ability to connect with people on a personal level is essential for effective communication and building meaningful relationships.

10. The Evolution of Humor and the Importance of Self-Awareness:

    1. Saad explores the evolutionary perspective on humor, arguing that it can serve as a proxy for intelligence and a key element in courtship rituals.
    2. He discusses the challenges faced by female comedians, highlighting the higher bar they often have to meet due to societal perceptions and biases.
    3. Saad emphasizes that true humor comes from authenticity, self-awareness, and the ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
    4. He highlights the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in the creative process, even when facing rejection and setbacks, and the importance of constantly challenging oneself to grow and evolve as a comedian.

11. The Importance of Finding Passion and Purpose in Life:

    1. Saad emphasizes the importance of pursuing a career that aligns with one’s passions, arguing that it is a key factor in achieving happiness and fulfillment.
    2. He warns against choosing a career solely based on financial security or societal expectations, highlighting the potential for long-term dissatisfaction and regret.
    3. Saad encourages individuals to explore their interests, identify their strengths, and pursue a path that allows them to fully utilize their talents and contribute to something meaningful.
    4. He believes that finding purpose and meaning in one’s work is essential for a fulfilling life, even if it requires sacrifices and navigating challenges along the way.

12. The Dangers of Groupthink and the Importance of Individual Responsibility:

    1. Saad criticizes the tendency toward groupthink, where individuals conform to prevailing ideologies and suppress dissenting voices.
    2. He argues that this tendency is particularly dangerous in academia and politics, where it can lead to the spread of harmful ideas and the suppression of truth.
    3. Saad emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in challenging groupthink, promoting critical thinking, and advocating for a more balanced and nuanced approach to complex issues.
    4. He encourages individuals to embrace a sense of intellectual independence, question authority, and stand up for what they believe in, even when it is unpopular or challenging.

13. The 2020 US Presidential Election and the Future of Democracy:

    1. Saad discusses the 2020 US presidential election, highlighting the deep divisions within the country and the potential for increased polarization after the election.
    2. He criticizes the role of mainstream media in perpetuating these divisions, highlighting the lack of objective fact-checking and the emphasis on sensationalism over truth.
    3. Saad advocates for a more balanced and nuanced approach to political discourse, encouraging individuals to engage with opposing viewpoints and avoid falling prey to tribalism and echo chambers.
    4. He expresses concern about the future of democracy, arguing that the erosion of free speech, the spread of misinformation, and the increasing polarization of society are all threats to the democratic process.

Memorable Quotes:

• "I analogize it too. You know, if you wanna raise children well, you need to have, you know, consistent parenting so that the child knows what he or she needs to do to get the strokes and what he or she needs to do if they’re going to get punished. When you have a haphazard parental style, it’s a form of mind if I might say for the child because they don’t know when to expect your love or your scorn. And in a sense, I view the current COVID regulations akin to a inconsistent parent."
• "The honey badger is an incredibly ferocious animal, as you know, Joe. So he could withstand the approach of 8 adult lions. The honey badger is the size of, you know, a small dog. How how could it be that lions are intimidated by the honey badger? Well, because he’s ferocious."
• "I don’t have to really engage the merits of your point. You’re a Nazi shut up. We’re done. And as you said, I mean, it is the height of anti intellectualism."
• "The world is shaped by people who are unorthodox. Right? Whether it be sigmund Freud telling us about the unconscious mind, or Charles Darwin developing his theory of select you know, natural selection or Galileo or Socrates, the world is shaped by those who weren’t fence sitters."
• "The only way that, as you know, you could survive in the cesspool of academia saying the things that I say is, 1st of all, to be, as you said, happy and optimistic, but also to be so I talk about in chapter 8 of the book. I talk about you know, activating your inner honey badger."