Know Thyself 21: Dr. Paul Zak on Connection, Trust, and a Life of Meaning

We take a well-earned break from the worst people in history to speak about the factors that influence what is best in us. Dr. Paul Zak is a renowned and prolific public intellectual, author, corporate advisor, and researcher. His groundbreaking work on the role of oxytocin in sociality has been profoundly and broadly influential.  In this interview we discuss the role of oxytocin in moral [read:pro-social] behavior, how it is released, and the significant life benefits that accrue from the behaviors it engenders. I raise Dr. Zak's hackles asking about psychopathy among corporate CEOs and question him about potentially contrary effects of oxytocin release.  Dr. Zak responds and teaches with characteristic grace and practical wisdom. I typically do my best to avoid sharing any kind of practical or useful knowledge with my audience. I am afraid I failed splendidly in this episode. Dr. Zak is famous: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_J._Zak And handsome: http://pauljzak.com/ And respected: https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_zak_trust_morality_and_oxytocin So do something nice for yourself: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-factor-paul-j-zak/1123811026 Paul J. Zak's Amazon Page          Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-being-human--5806452/support.