JRE #1091 - Daniele Bolelli

3/14/2018

Joe Rogan Podcast Episode #1091 – Daniele Bolelli: A Deep Dive into History and Human Nature

This podcast episode dives into a fascinating conversation with Daniele Bolelli, an author, professor, and martial artist known for his “History on Fire” podcast. Rogan and Bolelli explore a diverse range of topics, from historical atrocities to the human psyche and the impact of technology on society. Provocative themes emerge surrounding the nature of power, the fragility of civilization, and the enduring power of human resilience.

Major Topics:

1. The Brutal History of Violence and Massacres:

Bolelli’s podcast focuses on extreme and often disturbing aspects of history, highlighting the cyclical patterns of violence and massacre throughout human history.
He analyzes events like the Sand Creek Massacre and My Lai Massacre, contrasting the actions of soldiers who participated in the atrocities with those who resisted.
Bolelli emphasizes the power of mob mentality and the fragility of individual conscience in the face of collective pressure, highlighting how seemingly ordinary individuals can commit horrific acts in the wrong circumstances.
He explores the inherent duality of human nature, showcasing both the capacity for extreme cruelty and the potential for heroism, even in the darkest of times.

2. The Impact of European Diseases on Native American Populations:

The podcast addresses the devastating effect of European diseases on Native American populations, acknowledging the inadvertent introduction of pathogens that wiped out 90% of their numbers.

Bolelli debunks the myth of intentional disease transmission, attributing the tragedy to a lack of immunity among Native Americans to European diseases.

He explores the ecological impact of this demographic disaster, noting the subsequent explosion of the buffalo population due to the absence of Native American predators.

The conversation highlights the profound and unintended consequences of cultural contact, demonstrating how seemingly minor actions can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on vulnerable populations.

3. The Resilience and Adaptability of Coyotes:

The podcast delves into the fascinating adaptability and resilience of coyotes, highlighting their ability to thrive in diverse environments, even in urban settings.
Bolelli shares stories of coyote packs inhabiting downtown LA and their predatory behavior, even against larger animals like moose.
He emphasizes the coyote’s cunning and intelligence, underscoring their ability to navigate complex environments and exploit opportunities for survival.
The conversation serves as a testament to the power of adaptation and the importance of recognizing the intelligence and complexity of seemingly “primitive” creatures.

4. The Paradox of Human Social Structures:

The podcast explores the inherent paradox of human social structures, acknowledging the need for cooperation while also examining the cyclical patterns of power imbalances and abuse.
Bolelli argues that individuals in positions of power often succumb to the allure of control, prioritizing self-gratification and domination over the well-being of those they lead.
He discusses the pervasive tendency for individuals to crave and defer to authority figures, even in the absence of objective justification, highlighting the human desire for clear answers and direction.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and challenging these patterns, encouraging individuals to cultivate a more nuanced and critical perspective on power dynamics.

5. The Importance of Intellectual Honesty and Critical Thinking:

The podcast underscores the importance of intellectual honesty and critical thinking, challenging the prevalent tendency towards black-and-white thinking and rigid ideologies.
Bolelli praises Dan Carlin’s podcast “Common Sense” for its refusal to adhere to dogmatic positions, advocating for a more nuanced and open-minded approach to understanding complex issues.
He criticizes the media’s tendency to sensationalize and simplify complex issues, often focusing on extreme viewpoints that create a false narrative of polarization.
The conversation encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty, to question their own biases, and to cultivate the intellectual courage to challenge conventional narratives.

6. The Power of Storytelling and its Impact on Memory:

The podcast delves into the enduring power of storytelling, particularly through music and song, highlighting its impact on memory and the transmission of cultural knowledge.
Bolelli points to the effectiveness of mnemonic devices like songs and rhymes, noting their ability to embed information in the brain for extended periods.
He examines the role of storytelling in ancient cultures, acknowledging the incredible feats of memory that allowed for the oral transmission of epic poems and historical narratives.
The conversation underscores the enduring power of storytelling as a tool for transmitting knowledge, preserving cultural heritage, and shaping individual and collective identity.

7. The Evolving Relationship Between Humans and Technology:

The podcast explores the rapid pace of technological development and its profound impact on human society, acknowledging the uncharted territory we are navigating.
Bolelli expresses concern over the potential for technological advancements to outpace our ability to understand and manage their consequences, highlighting the risk of creating artificial intelligence that could disregard human values.
He discusses the potential for artificial intelligence to become self-aware and potentially pose a threat to humanity, raising questions about the ethical and existential implications of unchecked technological advancement.
The conversation underscores the importance of ethical considerations and responsible innovation, urging individuals to be mindful of the potential consequences of their creations and to prioritize human values.

8. The Rise of Streaming Services and the Future of Media:

The podcast examines the growing popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, analyzing their impact on the entertainment industry and the consumption of media.
Bolelli discusses the shift from traditional media formats like cable television to on-demand streaming, acknowledging the increasing control these platforms exert over content creation and distribution.
He raises questions about the potential for these services to create echo chambers and influence viewer preferences through algorithms, highlighting the need for critical engagement with online content.
The conversation underscores the importance of media literacy, encouraging individuals to be discerning consumers of information and to recognize the potential for bias and manipulation in online platforms.

9. The Importance of Individuality and Challenging Conformity:

The podcast emphasizes the importance of individuality and challenging conformity, acknowledging the pressures to conform to societal norms and expectations.
Bolelli stresses the dangers of groupthink and mob mentality, highlighting how individuals can lose their sense of self and critical thinking in the pursuit of belonging and social validation.
He encourages listeners to embrace their individuality, to question societal norms, and to cultivate the courage to stand apart from the crowd.
The conversation serves as a reminder that true strength lies in authenticity and in the willingness to challenge the status quo.

10. The Power of Martial Arts and its Cultural Significance:

The podcast delves into the history and evolution of martial arts, highlighting its cultural significance and its global influence.
Bolelli discusses the origins of jujitsu in Japan, tracing its development from a practical fighting system to a form of self-improvement and discipline.
He analyzes the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its impact on the world of martial arts, acknowledging its revolutionary techniques and its contribution to the development of mixed martial arts.
The conversation celebrates the transformative power of martial arts, highlighting its ability to foster discipline, resilience, and self-confidence, and its potential to bridge cultural divides.

11. The Legacy of Jack Johnson, the First Black Heavyweight Champion:

The podcast explores the remarkable life and career of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion, highlighting his challenges and triumphs in a racially charged era.
Bolelli recounts Johnson’s controversial life, including his defiance of social norms, his boxing prowess, and the widespread backlash he faced from white society.
He analyzes the significance of Johnson’s legacy, acknowledging his impact on racial equality and his role in breaking down racial barriers in professional sports.
The conversation underscores the enduring power of individuals to challenge societal norms and to fight for justice, even in the face of immense adversity.

12. The Significance of Theodore Roosevelt and His Legacy:

The podcast examines the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, acknowledging his controversial views on race while also celebrating his achievements in conservation and his progressive policies.
Bolelli discusses Roosevelt’s embrace of a “strenuous life,” emphasizing his belief in physical strength and his dedication to outdoor activities.
He explores Roosevelt’s complex relationship with Native Americans, acknowledging his role in expanding national parks while also recognizing his support for policies that were harmful to Native American communities.
The conversation encourages listeners to approach historical figures with nuance, acknowledging both their positive and negative contributions to society.

13. The Role of Cultural Practices and Rituals in Shaping Identity:

The podcast delves into the role of cultural practices and rituals in shaping individual and collective identity, examining the significance of rituals like the Sundance and the potential for both positive and negative effects.
Bolelli discusses the practice of self-harm in the Sundance, highlighting its purpose as a means of achieving spiritual connection and strengthening resolve.
He explores the concept of sacrifice in different religions and cultures, acknowledging its diverse manifestations and its potential to bind individuals to their community.
The conversation encourages listeners to be respectful of diverse cultural practices, even if they are unfamiliar or seem unusual, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying meaning and purpose of rituals.

14. The Importance of Recognizing and Addressing Hypocrisy:

The podcast raises awareness about the pervasive nature of hypocrisy in human society, particularly in the realm of moral values and ethical behavior.
Bolelli highlights the double standards that often emerge in the face of cultural differences and societal expectations, demonstrating the contradictions that often exist in human behavior.
He encourages listeners to be critical of their own beliefs and behaviors, to acknowledge the potential for hypocrisy, and to strive for greater consistency in their actions.
The conversation serves as a reminder that true morality requires introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to confront our own biases and contradictions.

15. The Importance of Historical Context and Understanding:

The podcast underscores the importance of historical context and understanding, emphasizing the need to analyze historical events within the context of the time period.
Bolelli argues that judging past actions through the lens of present-day morality can lead to inaccurate interpretations and a distorted understanding of the past.
He encourages listeners to approach historical figures and events with nuance, acknowledging the complexities of the past and the limitations of our own perspectives.
The conversation promotes a greater appreciation for the complexities of history and the importance of understanding the past in its full context.

16. The Need for a More Nuanced Understanding of Human Nature:

The podcast underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of human nature, acknowledging the complexity of human behavior and the diverse motivations that drive individuals.
Bolelli challenges the tendency to simplify human behavior into predetermined categories, urging listeners to recognize the vast spectrum of human motivations and the potential for both good and evil.
He emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, encouraging individuals to approach others with compassion and to avoid making sweeping judgments about their character.
The conversation promotes a more inclusive and compassionate view of humanity, recognizing the interconnectedness of all individuals and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity.

5 Memorable Quotes:

“History is such a fucking awesome subject because people are crazy.”
“The average person is not evil. I don’t think that. I think the average person is weak.”
“Totalitarianism, you know, this idea that you want to control what people think, their choices, is horrible regardless of who’s doing it.”
“I think there’s something that, you know, verbal communication is a very small way in which we communicate. So much more to it.”
“We’re so weird. We’re such a weird animal. Like, if you could study us without being us… you’d be like, what a nutty animal this thing is.”