![Adam Grant Gives Trevor An Intellectual Wedgie [VIDEO]](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/35/b3/91/35b391ed-93e5-7dac-3c8c-8c745f4afc46/mza_7744198519946469214.jpg/400x400bb.jpg "Adam Grant Gives Trevor An Intellectual Wedgie [VIDEO]")
Adam Grant Gives Trevor An Intellectual Wedgie [VIDEO]
10Digest
Trevor Noah and Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, delve into a wide range of topics, including the importance of exercise, the concept of "collective effervescence," the need to challenge beliefs and embrace change, and the challenges of bridging divides and building trust in a polarized world. They explore the science behind these concepts, drawing on sociological and psychological research. Noah shares his personal approach to staying in shape and his skepticism towards astrology, while Grant emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, curiosity, and humility in engaging with others. They discuss the relationship between willpower and motivation, the dangers of "prosecuting" others with facts, and the importance of complexity and nuance in science and communication. The conversation highlights the need for critical thinking, self-reflection, and a willingness to challenge our own biases in order to build stronger relationships and a more just society.
Outlines
Staying in Shape and Embracing Change
Trevor Noah shares his personal approach to staying in shape and emphasizes the importance of making exercise a part of his routine. He also discusses the importance of being open to change and challenging one's beliefs.
Introducing Adam Grant and Organizational Psychology
Trevor Noah welcomes Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, to the podcast. He highlights Grant's expertise in improving the quality of life at work and beyond.
Collective Effervescence and Group Dynamics
The conversation delves into the concept of "collective effervescence," a term coined by sociologist Dirk Heim, which describes the feeling of energy and purpose experienced when individuals come together in a group for a shared goal.
Astrology, Scientific Inquiry, and Open-Mindedness
Trevor Noah shares his skepticism towards astrology, but acknowledges his own Pisces zodiac sign. He explores the possibility of a scientific basis for astrology, while emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry.
Preachers, Politicians, and Prosecutors: Persuasion and Knowledge
Adam Grant distinguishes between preachers, politicians, and prosecutors in terms of their approach to knowledge and persuasion. He highlights the dangers of "prosecuting" others with facts and studies, emphasizing the importance of open-mindedness and curiosity.
Bridging Divides and Building Trust in a Polarized World
The conversation shifts to the challenges of bridging divides and building trust in a world increasingly polarized by social media and algorithms. Grant emphasizes the importance of humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness in engaging with those who hold different views.
Keywords
Collective Effervescence
A term coined by sociologist Dirk Heim, describing the feeling of energy and purpose experienced when individuals come together in a group for a shared goal. It's often associated with religious gatherings, social movements, and other forms of collective action.
Organizational Psychology
A branch of psychology that focuses on the behavior of individuals and groups within organizations. It examines topics such as leadership, motivation, teamwork, and organizational culture.
Marshmallow Test
A psychological experiment used to measure self-control and delayed gratification in children. It involves offering a child a single marshmallow immediately or waiting a short period to receive two marshmallows.
Counterfactual Thinking
A cognitive process that involves imagining alternative scenarios or outcomes to a given situation. It can be used to understand the impact of our choices and to develop more nuanced perspectives.
Binary Bias
A cognitive bias that leads people to oversimplify complex issues into two opposing categories. It can contribute to polarization and prejudice, as it limits our ability to see nuance and complexity.
Cognitive Complexity
A cognitive style characterized by the ability to consider multiple perspectives and to integrate different pieces of information. It is often associated with creativity, critical thinking, and open-mindedness.
Tensile Strength
A measure of a material's ability to withstand tension or pulling forces without breaking. In the context of relationships, it refers to the carrying capacity of a relationship, its ability to withstand stress and conflict.
Mercury Retrograde
A period of time when the planet Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit from Earth's perspective. In astrology, it is believed to be a time of communication breakdowns, delays, and misunderstandings.
Q&A
What is the concept of "collective effervescence" and how does it relate to group dynamics?
Collective effervescence is a term coined by sociologist Dirk Heim, describing the feeling of energy and purpose experienced when individuals come together in a group for a shared goal. It's often associated with religious gatherings, social movements, and other forms of collective action. This feeling of shared purpose and energy can enhance group cohesion and motivation.
How can we bridge divides and build trust in a world increasingly polarized by social media and algorithms?
Adam Grant suggests that we should approach conversations with humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we might be wrong and being willing to listen to and consider different perspectives. He also encourages us to focus on building strong relationships with those we disagree with, as this can create a foundation for trust and understanding.
What is the relationship between willpower and motivation?
Adam Grant argues that willpower is not a finite resource, but rather a reflection of motivation and desire. He suggests that when we are motivated to achieve a goal, we are more likely to find the willpower to overcome obstacles and resist temptations.
How can we overcome prejudice and in-group bias in society?
Adam Grant suggests that we need to challenge our own in-group biases and recognize that our group affiliations are often based on accidents of birth or circumstance. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging in counterfactual thinking, which involves imagining alternative scenarios or outcomes to a given situation. This can help us to develop more nuanced perspectives and to see the similarities between ourselves and those we perceive as different.
Show Notes
What do you do when your values are tested? Trevor and organizational psychologist Adam Grant discuss this very timely question, as well the importance of discourse in reducing prejudice, the science of keeping an open mind, and whether Trevor might have missed his true calling.
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