I spent 20 years as a Psychologist before having to retire early due to a brain tumor. In the years since, I have spent far too much time arguing with people on social media. I am fed up with people but I haven't helped anyone since my retirement so I am far more fed up with myself. It's time to let it go and start helping again. Thanks, Seth.
We live in a world where there are societies that believe that "the earth is flat", "vaccination is a conspiracy", "JFK Jr. is still alive", "the moon landing never happened," etc. You can't argue or change the minds of people with "frozen beliefs".
@@DaveCM I am there too, it's making me more and more depressed. People cannot think beyond themselves, and not even that. People are living in the literal here and now, they cannot even think of the consequences of their actions now, to possible issues even as little as 5 minutes in the future. What ever is easiest, what ever satisfies now. I've talked to people about climate change, they agree it's happening, but it's such a hassle, and I'm not going to be around when the effects hits, and most likely my children either..... They don't seem to think of the effects on their grandchildren, by their own standards, less the effects we are already seeing.
Great talk, Seth. The current state of the culture astonishes me. I'm older, and I remember a time when there were liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats, and most people might vote Republican in one election, and Democrat in the next, depending on current events and issues. Not anymore. Political parties are now exactly like religions, and the country is in the throes of extreme tribalism along those lines. It worries me.
There was more demarcation in the UK in the 80's with Labour & Conservative parties being more extreme. John Cleese sent that up in a Liberal Democrat party political broadcast with a typical fiery delegate speaking at a Conservative conference and the same speaking at a Labour conference. Then Labour & Conservative moved closer together with John Major & Tony Blair. Major wasn't much further to the right than Blair except the latter wanted to bring about devolution & was more internationalist. So divisions are now made on single issues so it is difficult to find somebody who takes a moderate line. Especially on Covid where people either didn't want restrictions at all & ust carry on as usual & others who wanted Chinese style total lockdowns. You were free to go out in the UK during lockdowns but often there wasn't a reason to go out as places were closed. It was like a months long bank holiday or Sunday with only supermarkets, other food shops, pet shops & cycle shops open. There aren't many people who will be happy to be wearing a face mask but not take the vaccine. I didn't mind wearing one at first but after a year & a half I got fed up with them especially in heatwaves. It was like having to wear wellington boots every time you went out. You don't mind at first but soon get fed up. I don't like talking through a face mask either but only because I don't think I would be heard. I didn't take the vaccine but didn't take part in anti vaccine mandate protests because they attract extremists. Then there is the forced teaming so once you've taken an extreme position on one issue you are meant to take certain extreme positions on other unrelated issues.
Sadly, as an innately empathetic, "sensitive" person I have come to realize after 73 years, just how many times that I have been taken advantage of, cheated and lied to. Needless to say, I have become a very cynical person in my "golden" years. I hate it and I fear it. Yet I seem to see it everywhere. A good "offense" seems to mean a good "defense". Is that why so many of us of advanced years are deemed to be "curmudgeons"?
🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶 You don't have to be a six-footer You don't have to have a great brain You don't have to have any clothes on You're a Catholic the moment Dad came 🎼🎶🎵🎶🎵 If a sperm is wasted God gets quite irate Every sperm is sacred Every sperm is great If a sperm is wasted God gets quite irate 🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶
I am a few years younger than you (67), and I don't think it's simply a matter of "older, wiser, more cynical". I noticed the intense polarization in the U.S. getting increasingly worse in the 1990s when the dark horse upstart Bill Clinton became president and Rush Limbaugh discovered that he could lie with impunity and actually attract more followers. That political and social divide has widened and become even more polarized in the ensuing 30 years. And sadly, I don't see a way of narrowing that gap.
I'm only 40 and I feel this deeply. I've come to the conclusion that I need to be kind but firm, and make sure that everyone who knows me doesn't mistake kindness for weakness.
What kills me is the fact that most of my" offenders" are christians who would prefer to ask the clouds for forgiveness than to actually face their consequences. " He's not even christian so it doesn't matter" no one imo is more cold hearted than christians who know the mind of god. !!!!!!! Evil,... all of em
I understand why you feel that way. I've always been a giver (let others with only one item go first, allow others into traffic, walk slowly to a door rather than cut others off, skip handouts of free stuff) rather than a taker... and I don't regret it. But you have to be a fairly confident and humble person to feel that. After many years I can say I am usually that person - with the humility to place it in context. It comes from a position of strength. When we lash out it comes from a feeling of weakness. KNOW that you took the correct stance even when you were cheated or lied to. And let others own their decisions. Always easier said than done, especially if you've been hurt by systems - financial corporations or governmental agencies that seem impersonal and rigged. Keep positive young man. (This post edited to sound a little less self aggrandizing).
"You are evil and must be destroyed." - The mindset of the Christian god in a nutshell. I no longer believe in that god. No longer will I be dominated by that mind set.
Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by stupidity. However, any sufficiently advanced stupidity is indistinguishable from malice. In this case, it was the compounding of the stupidity, he was going to get the ticket anyway. Never make other people pay for your stupidity. His behavior was irrational and self-centered. All he was doing was paying for the next guy in the toll lane. More harm has been done in this world by people trying to cover their mistakes than by the actual mistakes.
Did you come up with that play on "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" yourself or were you borrowing from someone? It's a really clever line, props if you thought of it yourself.
I love this! And this being told by one of the best voices in the world makes it even better. I remember being in a McDonald's drive through getting my kids, st the time, my wife, and myself something to eat. We were behind what looked to be a African American couple who were at the drive through window. As they pulled off, I slowly pulled up to hand the money to the employee, and he says- "The people that just pulled off paid for your order."... There was a pause from both me and my wife, and all we could think to ourselves after we pulled off was that it made us smile and it helped us out. That day was a disaster for my family, and I wish I had the time to explain it. But what those people done for us is looked at as God working in his most unusual and mysterious ways. But all I can think is that if these people do things out of the goodness of their hearts, then why can't God do the same? Oh God works through people you say? Just think about how ridiculous that really sounds, and how ridiculous it actually is. Why will God work through people like that, and not be so "mysterious"? Why do people want to point to the supernatural for an answer, when the evidence is right there in front of their eyes? Why do I have to ask this question when this shouldn't even be something we ever need to worry with? I give religion credit for one thing, and one thing only. And that's the fact that religion forced the human mind to question what it was being told. Our ancestors had to think really hard as to why our leaders had to walk into a cave, climb a mountain, build a sanctuary, a mosque, a temple, or whatever, in order to speak to this god...alone! You could say that we owe some of our brains development to what we call suspicion. We used that feeling of suspicion and asked the question "Why are you so special that God talks to you and you only? I want to see God! I want to have that personal relationship with this god!..Oh God is now beyond our understanding? God is beyond reality you say? But I can still have a personal relationship with this god, but I have to cast all doubt away, put my entire mind and heart into believing that this god did this, did that, and so on, and so on?" These types of questions are what developed our brains into a better understanding of ourselves, our world, our Iives, our species, and our universe. So that credit that I give to religion, is the fact it help human beings develop what we now know is science, and knowledge. Once we can get people to understand this, and that religion was just a stepping stone over the confusing waters of reality, and that we can leave it behind, just like we leave the pacifier behind from being a baby. We no longer need that pacifier! We need to continue our evolutionary growth, and let childish things go.
Seth, in an hour-long speech, you have perfectly encapsulated many of the frustrations I have had personally with today's sociopolitical climate, especially on social media. This needs to be required viewing for EVERYONE. I know there will be those who will eagerly miss your points, and throw a party for doing so. But if even 1 out of 10 people can restore their humanity in this perceptively inhumane world, then that is an impact worth making. Keep up the good work!!
I used to watch Sonia Poulton's Rise programme religiously on the Brand New Tube platform until it was hacked & taken down. She is fairly balanced but some of her guests are extremists. When it was put up again it was no longer user friendly with no chat room & the videos buffering so stopped watching it. I also downloaded the Light newspaper (I came across a print copy outside a health food shop a year ago) from their website every month & back copies until august this year & after that was too preoccupied with first a stomach upset & then intense anxiety to be bothered. Then I suddenly remembered to download it today. I looked through it & realised how right wing it was. It is horribly sexist & pro natalist hating the fact that the UK birthrate is now 1.58 children per woman but that is still higher than in Germany, Italy & Spain. No woman needs to be burdened by more than two children.
You know, he might have a point if the person OWNED THEIR MISTAKE, and didn't pass it on to uncounted others. A person who cared about other would have TAKEN THE TICKET, rather than inconvenience people over THEIR OWN mistake. What is positive about a person making others pay for their mistakes? What, people getting dumped on by a weasel, who can't accept accountability for his actions? I don't think so. If positive means, 'let everyone treat you as if you don't matter', I'm not going to be part of it.
My disagreement is my inevitable tendency to elevate myself over right-wing science deniers, it's not an issue of liking Marvel versus dc, if you can't figure out vaccines work, to pretend we are on equal footing is to commit a debasement of knowledge and human progress.
@@uncleanunicorn4571 Funny you say, 'right wing' science deniers, instead of plain old science deniers? Also, the use of 'we', as if you're part of a tribe, with a standardized dogma, that everyone accepts. You know, instead of an individual, who's integrity stands on it's own, outside lowly primate tribalism. Seems your disagreement is a tribal one, science free, yet full of absolutisms and platitudes. You know, like a 'right wing science denier' would use. Seems you pretend political cults, runs by politicians and their handlers, are the defining metric of of a fictional false dichotomy. Seems you ARE on equal footing. Now, please tell me 'left wingers' don't deny science, so your circular projection may be compete. Even better, blindly accuse me of being the 'other', so you may further show the binary tribalism you employ, blindly.
I feel stronger by just hearing this talk. Thank you Seth, for ideas that support our better natures! Sliding into more insanity will not help me or my fellowman… Thanks for repairing the cracks in my human foundational knowledge.
Gives an idea of what we see in behavior but repairing any thing is out of the question in reality also proving nothing on any future solvents. How because God so far continues to be the problem solver in any case whether it be delusional or logical. it also repairs what one thinks it repaired.
@@trafficjon400 if nothing can be repaired…then how can a God repair anything? A God that lives in the mind at that. A ‘feeling’ is not proof of a god(s). Will you blame God, when you make the wrong decision?
My goodness this hits so close to home. I have realized that I have often become cruel because over time I had learned that evidence and well reasoned arguments were meaningless online. It was who could whip out the snarkiest most cutting comments and make the other look dumb. But still the arguments weren’t won, the views weren’t changed. It was just hours of wasted replies and speaking to a stranger in a way I would not in real life. Becoming a person I often didn’t recognize.
Thank you for this Seth. I too used to be an right-wing Evangelical Christian who hated liberals/Democrats. But I was a "nice guy" who "knew" I was right. Those on the other side were mean and stupid. But because I actually started civilly engaging with and listening to those on the other side I began to change. I am now a progressive and an atheist. People can change! Now former allies consider me part of the "Satanic cabal" and a hopeless sinner. I am what I used to hate. The irony is overwhelming. I don't consider my former friends evil, just grossly misinformed like I was & living in a bubble.
@@markderamo9229. Yes, Trump will lead you straight into the hands of the Zionist Jews! Your fate will be the Noahide Laws which will not allow you to worship your Jesus! Enjoy your ride!!! But, all presidents and state authorities are serving the Zionist agenda!
@@markderamo9229 We’re all misinformed one way or another. It’s all about perspective. I do not blame you for voting for Trump. A lot of good people were fed up with the system. I don’t care who you vote for as long as you’re civil. It’s your right as an American to voice your opinion at the polls. And I appreciate you for doing so, even if I don’t agree with your ideas.
@@BadPerception The problem is, we were doing much better as a country before the rigged election of 2020. If you voted for Brandon, you voted for an admitted socialist and that messed everything up that Trump accomplished. We are seeing the effects of it everyday with the crime in liberal-run cities, the broken border, gas prices, rent prices, grocery prices, and the world being a much more dangerous place. But misinformed democrat voters don't care about that stuff which is why we're in the current position that we're in. : (
@Octoberfurst I'm glad to hear that you achieved such a major change in your life. Congratulations. I'm a progressive and an atheist, so I guess we're allies. Vote blue in 2024. I'm not a big fan of Old Sleepy Joe, but we can't allow Trump to get back into the White House.
Inspiring presentation. Seth has traveled a long and challenging journey of personal growth to now taking personal responsibility for discovering the TRUTH. 👏👏👏
Thank you for bringing up this topic in such a humorous and relatable manner. The best definition of "extremism" that I've arrived at after having similar introspective experiences is the notion that some malevolent entity is intentionally inflicting suffering on the tribe. Like you mentioned in your talk, this belief is often factual in the case of actual declared feuds between groups or wars between polities. But often, the conflict arises from incompatible solutions to objectively real problems. Inherently dicey situations offer bad actors a ready-made dichotomy to exploit in order to put one or more factions on a war footing toward the others. First World societies compound this vulnerability by making the consequences of our individual actions as opaque as possible. Our situation is pretty cursed at the moment because the only way out, as I see it, is for individuals to willingly put aside the tools that let them exercise control over others; to stop trying to lead people toward utopia or to war against the "Great Satan" and to promise neither redemption nor victory.
Well said. Excellent observations. Divisiveness has become the order of the day and the go-to position for people who cannot defend their position, which is often filled with inaccuracies or outright untruths. This is becoming ubiquitous. I, too, was once on social media and have seen the light and extricated myself from the midst of the trolls and the headaches they bring. I can't imagine what it must be like to get out of bed in the morning for the sole purpose of disrupting the good order of society by wreaking havoc on my fellow citizens. Thank you Seth for such an invigorating presentation. Simply brilliant.
This may be the best speech you've ever given, Seth. And it doesn't have anything to do with Atheism. We all need to keep our outrage and tribalism in check. And I'd pay to hear a discussion between you and John Pavlovitz. That would be a worthy debate.
It took me falling on my face and almost dying and becoming a grandpa five weeks after that happening to wake me up from how I had been wasting so much time and energy on trying to change other people's minds and going down one rabbit hole after another. That all happened in August 2021 and since I now concentrate almost exclusively on my granddaughter, the rest of my immediate family, and my backyard garden. Oh, I still have my opinions and don't mind expressing them. But I stopped worrying about others and I am all the better for it
Six days later, I feel I need to make it clear that I enjoyed this presentation as much as I have all of Seth's previous speeches. (The original comment sort of didn't make it seem as if I did lol)
I had a "discussion" yesterday on Twitter where I said X and the other person argued against Y and insulted me multiple times on multiple levels, no matter how often I explained that I don't argue for Y. I seriously don't understand why they were so stubborn.
Seth Andrews, since the first time I heard you, and more and more, it seems your heart and brain expands! You are what we all need to evolve to!! Though, the 'higher' human animal will of course be darker as we blend all 'races' lol. Thankyou for a fantastic talk👍💙💖☄🥰✌
Wonderful talk! I almost always learn something new & valuable every time you have a new talk/episode/book release. I can’t wait to be able to see one live. Thank you and keep doing what you do!
Very good message. I am a Christian convert, and I'll admit part of what got me interested in learning about religion was the behavior of Atheists online. It seemed to me at the time all Atheists were doing was cutting down people because of their beliefs, and I didn't want to be doing that with my time. Doing that didn't "inspire me" nearly as much as I was getting inspired by actually learning about what those beliefs are all about. Now, because I decided not to go the "hateful Atheist" route, I have a Bible, a Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, a reader on the Upanishads, and a number of Buddhist texts that I draw from on my shelves, and rather than chucking them ALL out (as the "New Atheists" would have me do), I decided to retain them, and keep all this wisdom at my disposal... and I love learning more about all these faiths every day.
Seth, I love how your speeches about human nature, our places in society and how we interact with one another are all intertwined with your personal journey navigating through interactions with people throughout your life. Your use of recognizable examples that illustrate your views clearly; often with a healthy dose of humor thrown into the mix, is inspirational. You've changed my outlook on people and in some respects on life in general. Please keep doing what you're doing for many years to come.
I learned along time ago (50 years ago) that getting All hot bother and mad causing my heart rate and blood pressure to increase. When I realised that the source of my frustration probably did not even know that he had caused me to get mad much less care. The end result is my blood pressure and risk of a heart attack was increased. So all that I accomplished was increased harm to myself. Since them I have relaxed and still here after 80 years and still reasonably healthy.
I also feel curmudgeonly “tree”. The years have added a knowledgeable crust on my persona which is often misinterpreted as mean or cranky. I feel I’m loving and forgiving in my own mind. With constant monitoring, you can be more humane.
You've described the kind of person I think I've become. I'm spending too much time arguing with people for its own sake. I so appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. We have all, to some degree, put down the tool of self-reflection in favor of "scoring points" or "winning" against those we have forgotten to be human. So thank you for this reminder of how easy it is to be caught up in our own tribalism and how easy it is to be, well, human.
I think that nowadays it's very important for everyone to remember that they make their own online experience, not only by how and who they engage in debates with, but by actually thinking which platforms you need to be on and who to follow or unfollow. Yes, the social, political and religious debates are important, but for my mental health they have to be balanced with enough wholesome videos, silly cat memes and beautiful art. And I don't actually need an account on every available platform, just a couple of them to keep tabs on people and events I think are important (Even though I have heard it for years from people how I'm weird and missing out for not being on certain platforms at all). Great and important topic to talk about. Thank you for this, Seth.
Damn, Mr. Andrews, what a long video that will do absolutely nothing to change my views! Now I gotta go link it to my friend and interest groups to stoke tribal anger and pick out the best roasts and insults to applaud! :V
@@CyreniTheMage I'm sure you would class the brony/furry community as a tribe. Do you like it when people roast and insult your views? Surely you of all people would have a bit more respect for other peoples views and not be so judgemental
I’ve been saying this FOREVER. The inherent tribal behavior that served us so well millennia ago when we were roving bands of hunter/gatherers is nothing but detrimental in a 21st century world of 8 billion people. Until we as a species realize that we are ONE tribe, we will continue on the path to destruction. And unfortunately, l don’t see that changing.
Add to the fact that him running over to that other lane put his life at risk for somebody pulling through, and he effectively paid for the next person pass through. His actions did him absolutely no good.
@@skepticalotter2983 That's probably because you're thinking and not under pressure. In that situation, he was reacting and that's a whole new experience in the head. He probably went home, settled in and thought... "why didn't I just keep going?"
Anyways, EXCELLENT speech Seth as always, and you F'ing NAILED-IT my Atheist ⚛️ friend!! P.S.: Just NEVER FORGET how many had to die in this country to end the slavery of human beings. (We Natives, well, we told them to go F themselves---that we would rather die than be slaves.) Colonel Robert Gould Shaw: th-cam.com/video/UfXzJwExWeA/w-d-xo.html P.S.: Why did so many people (estimated 618,222) have to die for slavery of fellow human beings to finally be ABOLISHED here in the United States??? Because their Bible told them that slavery was not only OKAY, but ENCOURAGED, that's the TRUTH.
Hello Seth, thank you for this very inspiring speech. I needed this, i needed this reality check. Like you said: "Sometimes we need to crush the enemy, but it's so much more rewarding to develop an ally. I will never surrender my snark, but when possible.... 🙂". Hear hear. Thank you again!
I like to use Craig Ferguson’s three questions: 1. Does this need to be said? 2. Does this need to be said by me? 3. Does this need to be said by me NOW?
Excellent. Near the end (55:00) I suddely saw a connection between the point Seth was driving at, and the admonitions on little cards I've made for reading to myself. Before, say, starting to drive (or posting). From the Buddhists' Pali Vinaya I have gleaned this small gem: Is this a good time to speak? Am I telling the whole truth? Is my voice gentle? Am I being kind? Will I be helpful?
Being surrounded by so many evangelical Christians, I do do forget that not all Christians are the same sometimes. My wife is a Christian and I forget that. My wife is liberal and fully supports the LGBTQ, etc... The church she attends has same sex couples.
This is the stuff i seek.and i bteak down with weakness and battle my demons both self inflicted and inflicted upon me.but this is where i find me strength to battle my mental illnesses and morallity issues.
There is something to be said for the urge to document events--it has brought to light some egregious instances of OIS. Just in case that makes you feel any better.
I have to say, Seth, I haven't had the opportunity to watch your videos. There's something about your voice and delivery that is soothing, and to be honest, it's probably a bit of a (positive) primal thing because you still have that "preacher" voice and cadence going on; fortunately, in service to your causes today. Thank you. And speaking to your Canadian example. My wife and I visited Canada last month, went to both Toronto and Montreal. We saw a live football game: Montreal Alouettes vs. Toronto Argonauts. I felt that tribalism, lol. I don't think, though, that the CFL rivalry is as intense as the one between the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens, but I could truly appreciate that. For the record, while we were in Montreal, my wife and I were rooting for the Argos. That was a bit awkward. Oh, and my football tribe opposes Harvard. I think everyone in the Ivy League does so, as well Keep fighting the good fight, and thank you for reminding me of my need to maintain my humanity. Be well, sir.
As always, amazing speech! I would like to add “New Evangelicals” to the list of a Christian who is fighting back against Christian Nationalism. Tim is fantastic and you would really like him and he would be great to have on your show!
Tribalism is taught. Indoctrinated into us at a very young age. We aren't Tribal at birth. We aren't Theist when we are born. None of this is "normal" for Homosapien in any way. I went to 9 schools. I was never part of any group.I was always the "new kid" and at 12 I was 6'2" tall, so I was also rhe Big Kid. My parents were very distant so home wasn't a Tribe... I think Tribes are dangerous, or at best, Effing Hilarious. I play golf ⛳️ because it's a game of the Individual. I prefer the company of animals and birds... My kids are my best friends, but don't belong to me... Humans are individuals by nature, not Tribalist.,,
Thats nonsense. We are instinctively tribal, it's not learned behaviour. Put children in a room together and leave them alone, they will form "tribes" all by themselves. From an evolutionary perspective, it makes perfect sense to be tribal. For most of our history you simply couldn't trust any human outside of your little group, if you did you might end up dead. Projecting your own lack of reliance on social interactions on to the entire species is ridiculous and dumb. Did you never notice how you're the exception? How everyone else just naturally forms peer groups? We are a social species, its why being isolated from other humans literally sends most people mad.
I have to disagree. Human are instinctually tribal. We are at a point in human evolution that we know this and have to strive to be better. We have to acknowledge the negative aspects of tribalism and be better than those before us.
@@bipolarminddroppings really? I'm not "tribal" in any way shape or form... you are what's commonly called an idiot... I wasn't indoctrinated into Tribalism by my Parents, who immigrated to Australia before I was born. They had NO Tribe in Australia... so neither did I. 9 schools failed to indoctrinate me into any sort of Tribe... I'm me... not everyone around me. I don't give a shite about you or my neighbours or family in the end... You people are PATHETIC... Tribes... piss-off Here's some advice... Choose your Family... Play golf by yourself and learn to think for yourself... you'll stop blaming your "Tribe" for your problems...
@@skepticalotter2983 hmm, that's the same argument Theists use to justify their churches... we are born with the need to "Beliefs" about stuff... Tribalism is indoctrinated into us at a very early age... just like Religion.
@@cliftonmanley3882 I've got to agree with the other comments. We are instinctively tribal. It may not be the same way you think but as the human society has evolved, we still need each other to live our lives. I can't make bread on a daily basis so I buy it from someone that can. I can't fix my car so I take it to someone who can. You being in a family could be considered a tribe. The aboriginal people of Australian used to live in tribes and still have their own communities. Of course people can be nomads or hermits but they are a small percentage.
Was the guy at the toll just having a bad day and couldn’t think straight in that moment? Was he ignorant to the rules of that toll? Or was he just rude and trying to save from paying a ticket? Either way, he wasn’t prepared for the rules of the road, he was being a danger to himself and the other drivers, and he rudely held up traffic. Seth, I think you and your instincts made the right decision. Had you of got out of the car, you could have been injured or even killed! Those tolls are dangerous! Especially, the lanes that have a pre-pay pass thing.
I always enjoy your "material". It's a lovely tapestry. I guess we just have to hope, as a village, that the child we raise isn't the village idiot who's going to cause discord later
This was a SPECTACULAR lecture...I am SO glad to have found...you are a voice of reason in the midst of the chaos that is our world....thank you so much Dr Andrews!
This is unrelated to the bulk of your talk, but your opening bit about the toll booths - I actually have a job centered around that. It's called EZPass in New York, and these booths are NOT automatic. The pictures get sent to groups like mine where we key the information on the license plates. The AI isn't advanced enough to accurately capture the license plates on the pictures, much less key them. So when you go through PikePass and get your bill like a week later or whatever, someone looks at the photo and captures the license plate, someone else says what state it is, someone ELSE keys what's on the plate, and finally there's someone to tell what type of vehicle it is (passenger, commercial, motorcycle, etc).
Interesting… only a few minutes in, but what strikes me about the first story is that nobody got out of their freakin cars to help the guy with some more change! Everybody just sits watching (everybody means everybody) and getting pissed. LOL ….. listening on, a couple of minutes more, “why did I just sit there?” Right on. Yes. 😊
Social technology has advanced in 30 years to include interactivity insomuch as in real time, yet most users are passive more than active (social media is the same as television 📺) aside from social conflicts.
When I was a Christian, I used to love listening to Tony Campolo. I saw him on Seth's list of people who he considers an ally. Not sure if Seth has done any interviewing with him, but if so, I'd like to see that.
Anyway, this was a needed speech. People need to recognize that even the "enemy" needs to be treated humanely. I've failed at this at times. But I try to have civility when discussing a topic with a theist...and I prefer it. Heated conversations don't really accomplish anything.
@@DRayL_ Dave Warnock has a youtube show called the GD Show with Genevieve and they interviewed Tony Campolo a month or two ago. It was a really good show.
In addition to Seth's checklist before posting, I'd add: - no posting after 12:00am - is there an argument to respond to, or is there just an unsubstantiated opinion/shitpost? Don't feel obligated to address the latter - try to argue with your own argument. If it's easy to think of a response to your own post, you're probably making a bad argument. - don't try to argue a subject based on speculations. If you don't know anything about the matter, don't debate it.
Ive been in the same situation as Seth except I did help the guy, but for selfish reasons, I wanted to get going so I got out of the car, handed a fiver over to the toll attendant and said "thats for him and me" then walked back to my car. I literally preferred paying for him over waiting for a couple minutes. I've never been able to work out if that makes me a bad person or good person, or if it makes it neutral...
No matter what your personal character might be, your actions in that situation succeeded in moving you closer to your goal and possibly aligned with your values if you believe that "time is money." I think all we can reasonably ask people to do is solve problems in a way that doesn't threaten the health of society.
That raises an interesting religious issue. The act itself is not important. If you did it purely out of self sacrifice and kindness, than it's a good deed and will be helpful on judgment day. But if you did it for selfish reasons, or to feel good about yourself, than it's a sin and, as the expression goes, there will be hell to pay. And you don't get to decide which one is the case.
Think of it this way: Before: you're unhappy. He's unhappy. After: you're happy. He's happy. You've just increased the total amount of happiness in the world. That's a net good!
I enjoy your perspective. On of my go-to's is neuroscience and I have a small point on what you said you 'get' from social media. I realized it might have been a 'throw away' comment. I will likely be indulging myself with this point, but here goes. The social status neurochemical is serotonin, not endorphins. Almost all our our adulting troubles are caused by this. Once you are past the adolescent (sometimes extended) search for oxytocin (mate), it primarily boils done to social status. It's called 'social' media. The ultimate villian in racism and bigotry is due to our biological need for an quest for serotonin. It's just a cheap way to get it as opposed to finding a cure for polio or cancer or being the guy stepping on the moon for the first time. Social media has provided an even cheaper means to the serotonin end. But it doesn't last. None of the neurochemicals last and they begin to habituate so you need to try harder, add more resources. Keep going back to the same slot machine. This was a great topic. I would love to see more of it.
Yes there is an addictive nature to gaming and online interaction as anything which offers potential "reward" - be it physiological and/or emotional = we are hardwired to seek it out. After all if sex was not pleasurable then we would not seek to reproduce - leading to the demise of the species. So the problem here is not one of stimulating a neurochemical response as frankly our entire being is driven by chemical responses of some type or another. The problem as always is = the nature of our society. Moral of the story: we value "success" - which usually means monetary gain which is typically at the expense of others in some manner. Thus individuals who are inculcated into a constant need to "gain" reflect = sociological conditioning - of which neurochemical interplay is involved. So the problem with gaming or (anti)social media is one of its creators purposely exploiting the nature of the experience in order to prey upon our systems vis a vis neurochemical response. That makes it a problem of behavioral psychology. Grocery stores are purposely designed as an example to exploit shopper's behaviors so as to sell products. Companies will pay the store extra to place their product line in "just the right spot" to maximize the chances of it being sold. Similarly online entertainment and media also exploit our need to feel like "we belong" and via repetitive stimulation exploit our response to potentiate the experience so that we keep coming back and stay longer. That coincidentally is exactly what drug dealers do - or gambling venues as you inferred. It is a disingenuous business model which exploits our inherent weaknesses. 🤔
@@varyolla435, I humbly submit, your words having echoed within me ==our entire being is driven by chemical responses of some type or another.== I would add ==chemical calls== and respectfully suggest that your words should indicate further investigation and study to the greater importance of these chemicals as being the single most important force that separates us from inanimate and inorganic materials and from which the nature of our society is derived. Then on the societal level we can begin to address the causes by making sure each one of us is able to juggle our proper neurochemical balance to optimum societal effect.
I have a tough time convincing myself to let go of an argument in the face of an interlocutor who simply will not accept that their arguments are wrong, even when presented with multiple points of demonstrable evidence against it.
It's difficult for me as well. I think what helps is realizing that we're dealing with psychological blockage at that point. It's like trying to make an alcoholic accept that he is an alcoholic. Until one is psychologically ready to be open, no argument in the world will help because we are looking at it from our eyes and not theirs.
"Babdist" No one ever explains how this pronunciation comes about. Two entire consonants completely mispronounced. Why? I've even heard Matt Dillahunty mispronounce this word in a joking way but then he doesn't explain it.
Spirituality used to cause me to make type 2 errors all the fucking time, I had to get victimized countless times due to my benevolence towards people in general before I finally faced the facts about the cold hard dark truth of human nature.
Wonderful speech, Seth, as usual. I will say this about the need to video the Houston guy and the "slacktivism". I think that you, sir, do video work and activism with duch devotion where it is hard to draw a line. I believe that it is hard to feel like we are the "real deal" if we don't take every opportunity to act, and technology makes it impossible to take *every* opportunity. You don't need my approval, I'm aware, but I hope you feel some empathy in the comments. You definitely have mine. Thanks, again.
I am an atheist Republican who believes in Political, Personal, and Economic Freedom. I have a PhD in Applied Mathematics and an avid student of Physics and Cosmology. If there is a God, it is Einstein’s god: The Universe. For all liberal Democrats who believe in strong centralized government, I have a simple suggestion ; Take a basic course in Economics. Until then, you are unable to have a basic idea of what creates most common good for the most people. If you can’t do that,go to TH-cam and watch a few Milton Friedman (Nobel Prize winning Economist).
Clearly you are evil. Hey everyone, I found a nazi to punch! Sarcasm of course. But unfortunately not satire. It’s par for the course for the left (including most atheists) to demonize and other their political opposition.
You believe in all this freedom but you defer to Milton Friedman to do your thinking for you, economics is not science Mr Genius. But the Chicago school of economics did devise a way of looking at economics that gave capital freedom to do whatever it wants regardless of the consequences and you don't have to be dumb to see the problem with that. Trickle down economics is a lie. It was the freedom to gut the land a run away with the jobs and the value that was created by the earth in the first place, not created by the people willing to do the most violence and create a lineage of privilege.
Friedman may have won the Nobel Prize, but even as a layman I can tell you that he's not right about everything. Trickle down theory doesn't work in practice.
@@DavidSmith-vr1nb there’s no trickle down theory in economics. Consult any economics textbook, you won’t find it there, that term only exists in the liberal media. When conservatives talk about “a rising tide lifting all boats,” they just mean that countries that adopt free market reforms see an increase in their living standards overall so that people are lifted out of poverty without having done anything specific on their part.
Earle Steinberg, you’re absolutely correct. Understanding economics is the greatest antidote to stop people from voting in large governments. Milton Friedman was a genius. You can be a conservative and an atheist, true that!!
Before replying I ask myself if I would say this to anyone while sitting in a coffee shop. NO? then don't say it online. Thank you the reminder. Nuanced opinions are tough to maintain in the face of unrelenting binary statements.
I spent 20 years as a Psychologist before having to retire early due to a brain tumor. In the years since, I have spent far too much time arguing with people on social media. I am fed up with people but I haven't helped anyone since my retirement so I am far more fed up with myself. It's time to let it go and start helping again. Thanks, Seth.
We live in a world where there are societies that believe that "the earth is flat", "vaccination is a conspiracy", "JFK Jr. is still alive", "the moon landing never happened," etc. You can't argue or change the minds of people with "frozen beliefs".
I know exactly how you feel!
Yep. I've done the same. I came to the realization that 99.9% of the people will not change their minds. So, it is a waste of time and energy.
@@DaveCM I am there too, it's making me more and more depressed. People cannot think beyond themselves, and not even that. People are living in the literal here and now, they cannot even think of the consequences of their actions now, to possible issues even as little as 5 minutes in the future. What ever is easiest, what ever satisfies now.
I've talked to people about climate change, they agree it's happening, but it's such a hassle, and I'm not going to be around when the effects hits, and most likely my children either..... They don't seem to think of the effects on their grandchildren, by their own standards, less the effects we are already seeing.
@@tedferkin Trying to change people's minds is like "pushing a cork down the water . . . it will immediately jump back up."
Great talk, Seth. The current state of the culture astonishes me. I'm older, and I remember a time when there were liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats, and most people might vote Republican in one election, and Democrat in the next, depending on current events and issues.
Not anymore. Political parties are now exactly like religions, and the country is in the throes of extreme tribalism along those lines. It worries me.
It should worry all of us. Our country is in deep trouble unless we come together as Americans.
There was more demarcation in the UK in the 80's with Labour & Conservative parties being more extreme. John Cleese sent that up in a Liberal Democrat party political broadcast with a typical fiery delegate speaking at a Conservative conference and the same speaking at a Labour conference. Then Labour & Conservative moved closer together with John Major & Tony Blair. Major wasn't much further to the right than Blair except the latter wanted to bring about devolution & was more internationalist.
So divisions are now made on single issues so it is difficult to find somebody who takes a moderate line. Especially on Covid where people either didn't want restrictions at all & ust carry on as usual & others who wanted Chinese style total lockdowns. You were free to go out in the UK during lockdowns but often there wasn't a reason to go out as places were closed. It was like a months long bank holiday or Sunday with only supermarkets, other food shops, pet shops & cycle shops open. There aren't many people who will be happy to be wearing a face mask but not take the vaccine. I didn't mind wearing one at first but after a year & a half I got fed up with them especially in heatwaves. It was like having to wear wellington boots every time you went out. You don't mind at first but soon get fed up. I don't like talking through a face mask either but only because I don't think I would be heard. I didn't take the vaccine but didn't take part in anti vaccine mandate protests because they attract extremists.
Then there is the forced teaming so once you've taken an extreme position on one issue you are meant to take certain extreme positions on other unrelated issues.
I think tribalism has been greatly enabled by the Information Age (unfortunately).
Well said and getting truer all the time
well said.
Sadly, as an innately empathetic, "sensitive" person I have come to realize after 73 years, just how many times that I have been taken advantage of, cheated and lied to. Needless to say, I have become a very cynical person in my "golden" years. I hate it and I fear it. Yet I seem to see it everywhere. A good "offense" seems to mean a good "defense". Is that why so many of us of advanced years are deemed to be "curmudgeons"?
🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶
You don't have to be a six-footer
You don't have to have a great brain
You don't have to have any clothes on
You're a Catholic the moment Dad came
🎼🎶🎵🎶🎵
If a sperm is wasted
God gets quite irate
Every sperm is sacred
Every sperm is great
If a sperm is wasted
God gets quite irate
🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶
I am a few years younger than you (67), and I don't think it's simply a matter of "older, wiser, more cynical". I noticed the intense polarization in the U.S. getting increasingly worse in the 1990s when the dark horse upstart Bill Clinton became president and Rush Limbaugh discovered that he could lie with impunity and actually attract more followers. That political and social divide has widened and become even more polarized in the ensuing 30 years. And sadly, I don't see a way of narrowing that gap.
I'm only 40 and I feel this deeply. I've come to the conclusion that I need to be kind but firm, and make sure that everyone who knows me doesn't mistake kindness for weakness.
What kills me is the fact that most of my" offenders" are christians who would prefer to ask the clouds for forgiveness than to actually face their consequences.
" He's not even christian so it doesn't matter" no one imo is more cold hearted than christians who know the mind of god. !!!!!!! Evil,... all of em
I understand why you feel that way. I've always been a giver (let others with only one item go first, allow others into traffic, walk slowly to a door rather than cut others off, skip handouts of free stuff) rather than a taker... and I don't regret it. But you have to be a fairly confident and humble person to feel that. After many years I can say I am usually that person - with the humility to place it in context. It comes from a position of strength. When we lash out it comes from a feeling of weakness. KNOW that you took the correct stance even when you were cheated or lied to. And let others own their decisions. Always easier said than done, especially if you've been hurt by systems - financial corporations or governmental agencies that seem impersonal and rigged. Keep positive young man. (This post edited to sound a little less self aggrandizing).
If Seth opens a secular church, I would attend 🙂
Why? It would still end up having the same problems of co dependency and power play and group dynamic.
@@Plethorality- perhaps that’s a form of human nature and healing?
Did you watch the video?
"You are evil and must be destroyed." - The mindset of the Christian god in a nutshell. I no longer believe in that god. No longer will I be dominated by that mind set.
I broke up with Calvin years ago. He no longer dictates what God is.
@@Plethorality
Why believe in God at all?
Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by stupidity. However, any sufficiently advanced stupidity is indistinguishable from malice.
In this case, it was the compounding of the stupidity, he was going to get the ticket anyway. Never make other people pay for your stupidity. His behavior was irrational and self-centered. All he was doing was paying for the next guy in the toll lane. More harm has been done in this world by people trying to cover their mistakes than by the actual mistakes.
Did you come up with that play on "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" yourself or were you borrowing from someone?
It's a really clever line, props if you thought of it yourself.
I love this! And this being told by one of the best voices in the world makes it even better. I remember being in a McDonald's drive through getting my kids, st the time, my wife, and myself something to eat. We were behind what looked to be a African American couple who were at the drive through window. As they pulled off, I slowly pulled up to hand the money to the employee, and he says- "The people that just pulled off paid for your order."... There was a pause from both me and my wife, and all we could think to ourselves after we pulled off was that it made us smile and it helped us out. That day was a disaster for my family, and I wish I had the time to explain it. But what those people done for us is looked at as God working in his most unusual and mysterious ways. But all I can think is that if these people do things out of the goodness of their hearts, then why can't God do the same? Oh God works through people you say? Just think about how ridiculous that really sounds, and how ridiculous it actually is. Why will God work through people like that, and not be so "mysterious"? Why do people want to point to the supernatural for an answer, when the evidence is right there in front of their eyes? Why do I have to ask this question when this shouldn't even be something we ever need to worry with? I give religion credit for one thing, and one thing only. And that's the fact that religion forced the human mind to question what it was being told. Our ancestors had to think really hard as to why our leaders had to walk into a cave, climb a mountain, build a sanctuary, a mosque, a temple, or whatever, in order to speak to this god...alone! You could say that we owe some of our brains development to what we call suspicion. We used that feeling of suspicion and asked the question "Why are you so special that God talks to you and you only? I want to see God! I want to have that personal relationship with this god!..Oh God is now beyond our understanding? God is beyond reality you say? But I can still have a personal relationship with this god, but I have to cast all doubt away, put my entire mind and heart into believing that this god did this, did that, and so on, and so on?" These types of questions are what developed our brains into a better understanding of ourselves, our world, our Iives, our species, and our universe. So that credit that I give to religion, is the fact it help human beings develop what we now know is science, and knowledge. Once we can get people to understand this, and that religion was just a stepping stone over the confusing waters of reality, and that we can leave it behind, just like we leave the pacifier behind from being a baby. We no longer need that pacifier! We need to continue our evolutionary growth, and let childish things go.
Seth, in an hour-long speech, you have perfectly encapsulated many of the frustrations I have had personally with today's sociopolitical climate, especially on social media. This needs to be required viewing for EVERYONE. I know there will be those who will eagerly miss your points, and throw a party for doing so. But if even 1 out of 10 people can restore their humanity in this perceptively inhumane world, then that is an impact worth making. Keep up the good work!!
Social media is easy. I simply block anyone I find annoying.
I used to watch Sonia Poulton's Rise programme religiously on the Brand New Tube platform until it was hacked & taken down. She is fairly balanced but some of her guests are extremists. When it was put up again it was no longer user friendly with no chat room & the videos buffering so stopped watching it.
I also downloaded the Light newspaper (I came across a print copy outside a health food shop a year ago) from their website every month & back copies until august this year & after that was too preoccupied with first a stomach upset & then intense anxiety to be bothered. Then I suddenly remembered to download it today. I looked through it & realised how right wing it was. It is horribly sexist & pro natalist hating the fact that the UK birthrate is now 1.58 children per woman but that is still higher than in Germany, Italy & Spain. No woman needs to be burdened by more than two children.
You havent got nearly enough 'likes' for this brilliant and positive speech. Nicely done Seth!
You know, he might have a point if the person OWNED THEIR MISTAKE, and didn't pass it on to uncounted others. A person who cared about other would have TAKEN THE TICKET, rather than inconvenience people over THEIR OWN mistake.
What is positive about a person making others pay for their mistakes? What, people getting dumped on by a weasel, who can't accept accountability for his actions? I don't think so. If positive means, 'let everyone treat you as if you don't matter', I'm not going to be part of it.
My disagreement is my inevitable tendency to elevate myself over right-wing science deniers, it's not an issue of liking Marvel versus dc, if you can't figure out vaccines work, to pretend we are on equal footing is to commit a debasement of knowledge and human progress.
@@uncleanunicorn4571 Funny you say, 'right wing' science deniers, instead of plain old science deniers? Also, the use of 'we', as if you're part of a tribe, with a standardized dogma, that everyone accepts. You know, instead of an individual, who's integrity stands on it's own, outside lowly primate tribalism.
Seems your disagreement is a tribal one, science free, yet full of absolutisms and platitudes. You know, like a 'right wing science denier' would use. Seems you pretend political cults, runs by politicians and their handlers, are the defining metric of of a fictional false dichotomy.
Seems you ARE on equal footing.
Now, please tell me 'left wingers' don't deny science, so your circular projection may be compete. Even better, blindly accuse me of being the 'other', so you may further show the binary tribalism you employ, blindly.
Bringing the background 2 the fro-front, find, wired wrong , monkey business, a murky past indeed,
@@kennethc2466
You need to chillax.
I feel stronger by just hearing this talk. Thank you Seth, for ideas that support our better natures! Sliding into more insanity will not help me or my fellowman…
Thanks for repairing the cracks in my human foundational knowledge.
Gives an idea of what we see in behavior but repairing any thing is out of the question in reality also proving nothing on any future solvents. How because God so far continues to be the problem solver in any case whether it be delusional or logical. it also repairs what one thinks it repaired.
@@trafficjon400 if nothing can be repaired…then how can a God repair anything? A God that lives in the mind at that. A ‘feeling’ is not proof of a god(s). Will you blame God, when you make the wrong decision?
@@ruthokelley5833 Don't know sounds like a personal problem.
Thank you Seth, for reminding us to be kind to the people who drive us nuts. It's not so easy in this political climate these days
My goodness this hits so close to home. I have realized that I have often become cruel because over time I had learned that evidence and well reasoned arguments were meaningless online. It was who could whip out the snarkiest most cutting comments and make the other look dumb. But still the arguments weren’t won, the views weren’t changed. It was just hours of wasted replies and speaking to a stranger in a way I would not in real life. Becoming a person I often didn’t recognize.
Thank you for this wonderful video. A needed message for everyone, definitely including me.
This was a fantastic speech, thank you for sharing it with the world!
I have always thought you were just who you are. On the real. No made up shit. Courageous reality. Showing what religion has done to us!! Thx
This really made me think and apply some much needed self-reflection . Thanks Seth!
Thank you for this Seth. I too used to be an right-wing Evangelical Christian who hated liberals/Democrats. But I was a "nice guy" who "knew" I was right. Those on the other side were mean and stupid. But because I actually started civilly engaging with and listening to those on the other side I began to change. I am now a progressive and an atheist. People can change!
Now former allies consider me part of the "Satanic cabal" and a hopeless sinner. I am what I used to hate. The irony is overwhelming. I don't consider my former friends evil, just grossly misinformed like I was & living in a bubble.
I'm a conservative and I vote for Trump. Am I misinformed and do you have tolerance for me?
@@markderamo9229. Yes, Trump will lead you straight into the hands of the Zionist Jews! Your fate will be the Noahide Laws which will not allow you to worship your Jesus! Enjoy your ride!!! But, all presidents and state authorities are serving the Zionist agenda!
@@markderamo9229
We’re all misinformed one way or another. It’s all about perspective.
I do not blame you for voting for Trump. A lot of good people were fed up with the system. I don’t care who you vote for as long as you’re civil. It’s your right as an American to voice your opinion at the polls. And I appreciate you for doing so, even if I don’t agree with your ideas.
@@BadPerception The problem is, we were doing much better as a country before the rigged election of 2020. If you voted for Brandon, you voted for an admitted socialist and that messed everything up that Trump accomplished. We are seeing the effects of it everyday with the crime in liberal-run cities, the broken border, gas prices, rent prices, grocery prices, and the world being a much more dangerous place. But misinformed democrat voters don't care about that stuff which is why we're in the current position that we're in. : (
@Octoberfurst I'm glad to hear that you achieved such a major change in your life. Congratulations. I'm a progressive and an atheist, so I guess we're allies. Vote blue in 2024. I'm not a big fan of Old Sleepy Joe, but we can't allow Trump to get back into the White House.
One of the most EXCELLENT presentations you have given so far!
Inspiring presentation. Seth has traveled a long and challenging journey of personal growth to now taking personal responsibility for discovering the TRUTH. 👏👏👏
Excellent. Really makes me think, assess my past beliefs and behavior and consider how I want to behave and think going forward. Thanks, Seth.
Boy, did I need this! The religious, political climate keeps me in outrage. Thank you Seth!
So many well stated points that or country, and probably everyone everywhere needs to hear, especially right now.
Thank you for this!
Excellent speech. Of course.
I was there. Awesome presentation Seth!
So good! Im encouraged to self reflect!
Thank you for bringing up this topic in such a humorous and relatable manner. The best definition of "extremism" that I've arrived at after having similar introspective experiences is the notion that some malevolent entity is intentionally inflicting suffering on the tribe. Like you mentioned in your talk, this belief is often factual in the case of actual declared feuds between groups or wars between polities. But often, the conflict arises from incompatible solutions to objectively real problems. Inherently dicey situations offer bad actors a ready-made dichotomy to exploit in order to put one or more factions on a war footing toward the others. First World societies compound this vulnerability by making the consequences of our individual actions as opaque as possible. Our situation is pretty cursed at the moment because the only way out, as I see it, is for individuals to willingly put aside the tools that let them exercise control over others; to stop trying to lead people toward utopia or to war against the "Great Satan" and to promise neither redemption nor victory.
Well said. Excellent observations. Divisiveness has become the order of the day and the go-to position for people who cannot defend their position, which is often filled with inaccuracies or outright untruths. This is becoming ubiquitous. I, too, was once on social media and have seen the light and extricated myself from the midst of the trolls and the headaches they bring.
I can't imagine what it must be like to get out of bed in the morning for the sole purpose of disrupting the good order of society by wreaking havoc on my fellow citizens. Thank you Seth for such an invigorating presentation. Simply brilliant.
This may be the best speech you've ever given, Seth. And it doesn't have anything to do with Atheism. We all need to keep our outrage and tribalism in check. And I'd pay to hear a discussion between you and John Pavlovitz. That would be a worthy debate.
This makes so much sense. Yay, Seth!
It took me falling on my face and almost dying and becoming a grandpa five weeks after that happening to wake me up from how I had been wasting so much time and energy on trying to change other people's minds and going down one rabbit hole after another. That all happened in August 2021 and since I now concentrate almost exclusively on my granddaughter, the rest of my immediate family, and my backyard garden. Oh, I still have my opinions and don't mind expressing them. But I stopped worrying about others and I am all the better for it
So, you "won an argument?" What does it mean? The person who "lost" doesn't care, and probably doesn't even think they "lost."
Six days later, I feel I need to make it clear that I enjoyed this presentation as much as I have all of Seth's previous speeches.
(The original comment sort of didn't make it seem as if I did lol)
I had a "discussion" yesterday on Twitter where I said X and the other person argued against Y and insulted me multiple times on multiple levels, no matter how often I explained that I don't argue for Y. I seriously don't understand why they were so stubborn.
Seth Andrews, since the first time I heard you, and more and more, it seems your heart and brain expands! You are what we all need to evolve to!! Though, the 'higher' human animal will of course be darker as we blend all 'races' lol. Thankyou for a fantastic talk👍💙💖☄🥰✌
Wonderful talk! I almost always learn something new & valuable every time you have a new talk/episode/book release. I can’t wait to be able to see one live. Thank you and keep doing what you do!
I have said things in anger that I wish I had not. Most unkind, thanks... good insights
Very good message. I am a Christian convert, and I'll admit part of what got me interested in learning about religion was the behavior of Atheists online. It seemed to me at the time all Atheists were doing was cutting down people because of their beliefs, and I didn't want to be doing that with my time. Doing that didn't "inspire me" nearly as much as I was getting inspired by actually learning about what those beliefs are all about. Now, because I decided not to go the "hateful Atheist" route, I have a Bible, a Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, a reader on the Upanishads, and a number of Buddhist texts that I draw from on my shelves, and rather than chucking them ALL out (as the "New Atheists" would have me do), I decided to retain them, and keep all this wisdom at my disposal... and I love learning more about all these faiths every day.
This was a great talk.
The Walking Dead is a crash course on tribalism. Love your check list!
Seth, I love how your speeches about human nature, our places in society and how we interact with one another are all intertwined with your personal journey navigating through interactions with people throughout your life. Your use of recognizable examples that illustrate your views clearly; often with a healthy dose of humor thrown into the mix, is inspirational. You've changed my outlook on people and in some respects on life in general. Please keep doing what you're doing for many years to come.
Damn. Seth is cutting deep on this one
I wish you could get a national platform for a speech like this Seth.
I learned along time ago (50 years ago) that getting All hot bother and mad causing my heart rate and blood pressure to increase. When I realised that the source of my frustration probably did not even know that he had caused me to get mad much less care. The end result is my blood pressure and risk of a heart attack was increased. So all that I accomplished was increased harm to myself. Since them I have relaxed and still here after 80 years and still reasonably healthy.
👍♥️ Good on you.
I also feel curmudgeonly “tree”. The years have added a knowledgeable crust on my persona which is often misinterpreted as mean or cranky. I feel I’m loving and forgiving in my own mind. With constant monitoring, you can be more humane.
You've described the kind of person I think I've become. I'm spending too much time arguing with people for its own sake. I so appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. We have all, to some degree, put down the tool of self-reflection in favor of "scoring points" or "winning" against those we have forgotten to be human. So thank you for this reminder of how easy it is to be caught up in our own tribalism and how easy it is to be, well, human.
Wow! Seth , you are aging gorgeously. Keep those manicures going;). Great lecture, thanx.
I think that nowadays it's very important for everyone to remember that they make their own online experience, not only by how and who they engage in debates with, but by actually thinking which platforms you need to be on and who to follow or unfollow. Yes, the social, political and religious debates are important, but for my mental health they have to be balanced with enough wholesome videos, silly cat memes and beautiful art. And I don't actually need an account on every available platform, just a couple of them to keep tabs on people and events I think are important (Even though I have heard it for years from people how I'm weird and missing out for not being on certain platforms at all). Great and important topic to talk about. Thank you for this, Seth.
Bravo
Damn, Mr. Andrews, what a long video that will do absolutely nothing to change my views! Now I gotta go link it to my friend and interest groups to stoke tribal anger and pick out the best roasts and insults to applaud!
:V
I'm sure the brony/furry sub reddit will love to roast this video!
@@thesatinbowebird
What? REDDIT? Screw Redditors, they suck! Small, niche old-school sci-fi forums are where it's really at!
@@CyreniTheMage I'm sure you would class the brony/furry community as a tribe. Do you like it when people roast and insult your views? Surely you of all people would have a bit more respect for other peoples views and not be so judgemental
@@thesatinbowebird
But *my* tribe is better than all the other tribes! Everyone else likes things I don't like and therefore their groups are bad!
I absolutely loved this, thanks..
I’ve been saying this FOREVER. The inherent tribal behavior that served us so well millennia ago when we were roving bands of hunter/gatherers is nothing but detrimental in a 21st century world of 8 billion people.
Until we as a species realize that we are ONE tribe, we will continue on the path to destruction. And unfortunately, l don’t see that changing.
Poor guy running himself ragged for some change, and still drove through the wrong lane and was probably billed anyway. 👌
Add to the fact that him running over to that other lane put his life at risk for somebody pulling through, and he effectively paid for the next person pass through. His actions did him absolutely no good.
If I was him, I would have just kept going and paid the fine when it was mailed to me.
@@skepticalotter2983 That's probably because you're thinking and not under pressure. In that situation, he was reacting and that's a whole new experience in the head. He probably went home, settled in and thought... "why didn't I just keep going?"
Wow that was awesome!!
That world map slide really needs tweaking. Especially in Australia.
Anyways, EXCELLENT speech Seth as always, and you F'ing NAILED-IT my Atheist ⚛️ friend!!
P.S.: Just NEVER FORGET how many had to die in this country to end the slavery of human beings. (We Natives, well, we told them to go F themselves---that we would rather die than be slaves.)
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw:
th-cam.com/video/UfXzJwExWeA/w-d-xo.html
P.S.: Why did so many people (estimated 618,222) have to die for slavery of fellow human beings to finally be ABOLISHED here in the United States??? Because their Bible told them that slavery was not only OKAY, but ENCOURAGED, that's the TRUTH.
Hello Seth, thank you for this very inspiring speech. I needed this, i needed this reality check. Like you said: "Sometimes we need to crush the enemy, but it's so much more rewarding to develop an ally. I will never surrender my snark, but when possible.... 🙂". Hear hear. Thank you again!
Your best presentation ever! *chef's kiss!*
I like to use Craig Ferguson’s three questions:
1. Does this need to be said?
2. Does this need to be said by me?
3. Does this need to be said by me NOW?
My daughter will sometimes look at me and say are you fighting on the internet. Lol
My fiancee does that to me lol.
My boyfriend looks at my face and asks that
Excellent. Near the end (55:00) I suddely saw a connection between the point Seth was driving at, and the admonitions on little cards I've made for reading to myself. Before, say, starting to drive (or posting). From the Buddhists' Pali Vinaya I have gleaned this small gem:
Is this a good time to speak?
Am I telling the whole truth?
Is my voice gentle?
Am I being kind?
Will I be helpful?
TLDR version of Seth's speech: Don't feed the trolls.
Excellent talk, Seth!
Hello everyone, from Manila, Philippines.
philippines is doomed
Being surrounded by so many evangelical Christians, I do do forget that not all Christians are the same sometimes. My wife is a Christian and I forget that. My wife is liberal and fully supports the LGBTQ, etc... The church she attends has same sex couples.
You can also be a conservative and be an atheist, it’s very common.
One of my favourite speakers giving some timely, apt and honest nuggets of wisdom, and awkward home truths.
Thank you Seth. You really are a beacon.
This is the stuff i seek.and i bteak down with weakness and battle my demons both self inflicted and inflicted upon me.but this is where i find me strength to battle my mental illnesses and morallity issues.
Brilliant good sir!! ✅️🥰
Thank you Seth. This speech is one of your best. I needed this. Thanks again.
There is something to be said for the urge to document events--it has brought to light some egregious instances of OIS. Just in case that makes you feel any better.
I have to say, Seth, I haven't had the opportunity to watch your videos. There's something about your voice and delivery that is soothing, and to be honest, it's probably a bit of a (positive) primal thing because you still have that "preacher" voice and cadence going on; fortunately, in service to your causes today.
Thank you.
And speaking to your Canadian example. My wife and I visited Canada last month, went to both Toronto and Montreal. We saw a live football game: Montreal Alouettes vs. Toronto Argonauts. I felt that tribalism, lol. I don't think, though, that the CFL rivalry is as intense as the one between the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens, but I could truly appreciate that. For the record, while we were in Montreal, my wife and I were rooting for the Argos. That was a bit awkward.
Oh, and my football tribe opposes Harvard. I think everyone in the Ivy League does so, as well
Keep fighting the good fight, and thank you for reminding me of my need to maintain my humanity. Be well, sir.
Pedicures are great. I have huge callouses on my big toes and it was nice to get them taken off
As always, amazing speech! I would like to add “New Evangelicals” to the list of a Christian who is fighting back against Christian Nationalism. Tim is fantastic and you would really like him and he would be great to have on your show!
Now, with Twitter collapsing under Elon Musk, fogettabaddit!
Tribalism is taught. Indoctrinated into us at a very young age. We aren't Tribal at birth. We aren't Theist when we are born.
None of this is "normal" for Homosapien in any way.
I went to 9 schools. I was never part of any group.I was always the "new kid" and at 12 I was 6'2" tall, so I was also rhe Big Kid.
My parents were very distant so home wasn't a Tribe...
I think Tribes are dangerous, or at best, Effing Hilarious.
I play golf ⛳️ because it's a game of the Individual.
I prefer the company of animals and birds...
My kids are my best friends, but don't belong to me...
Humans are individuals by nature, not Tribalist.,,
Thats nonsense. We are instinctively tribal, it's not learned behaviour. Put children in a room together and leave them alone, they will form "tribes" all by themselves.
From an evolutionary perspective, it makes perfect sense to be tribal. For most of our history you simply couldn't trust any human outside of your little group, if you did you might end up dead.
Projecting your own lack of reliance on social interactions on to the entire species is ridiculous and dumb.
Did you never notice how you're the exception? How everyone else just naturally forms peer groups? We are a social species, its why being isolated from other humans literally sends most people mad.
I have to disagree. Human are instinctually tribal. We are at a point in human evolution that we know this and have to strive to be better. We have to acknowledge the negative aspects of tribalism and be better than those before us.
@@bipolarminddroppings really? I'm not "tribal" in any way shape or form... you are what's commonly called an idiot...
I wasn't indoctrinated into Tribalism by my Parents, who immigrated to Australia before I was born. They had NO Tribe in Australia... so neither did I.
9 schools failed to indoctrinate me into any sort of Tribe...
I'm me... not everyone around me. I don't give a shite about you or my neighbours or family in the end...
You people are PATHETIC...
Tribes... piss-off
Here's some advice...
Choose your Family...
Play golf by yourself and learn to think for yourself... you'll stop blaming your "Tribe" for your problems...
@@skepticalotter2983 hmm, that's the same argument Theists use to justify their churches... we are born with the need to "Beliefs" about stuff...
Tribalism is indoctrinated into us at a very early age... just like Religion.
@@cliftonmanley3882 I've got to agree with the other comments. We are instinctively tribal. It may not be the same way you think but as the human society has evolved, we still need each other to live our lives. I can't make bread on a daily basis so I buy it from someone that can. I can't fix my car so I take it to someone who can. You being in a family could be considered a tribe.
The aboriginal people of Australian used to live in tribes and still have their own communities.
Of course people can be nomads or hermits but they are a small percentage.
And one wonders why aliens don't come a calling for a friendly chat! This should be a Fermi paradox entry.
22:20 defeats the principle of embarrassment that apologists like to use. Nice subtle debunk.
Captivated by the entire speech, Seth. It was perfect for my 4 mile run 🖤
Was the guy at the toll just having a bad day and couldn’t think straight in that moment? Was he ignorant to the rules of that toll? Or was he just rude and trying to save from paying a ticket?
Either way, he wasn’t prepared for the rules of the road, he was being a danger to himself and the other drivers, and he rudely held up traffic.
Seth, I think you and your instincts made the right decision. Had you of got out of the car, you could have been injured or even killed! Those tolls are dangerous! Especially, the lanes that have a pre-pay pass thing.
I could listen to this man talk all day. A fine example of a person translating a lifetime of experience into the betterment of their fellow humans.
I always enjoy your "material". It's a lovely tapestry.
I guess we just have to hope, as a village, that the child we raise isn't the village idiot who's going to cause discord later
This was a SPECTACULAR lecture...I am SO glad to have found...you are a voice of reason in the midst of the chaos that is our world....thank you so much Dr Andrews!
This is unrelated to the bulk of your talk, but your opening bit about the toll booths - I actually have a job centered around that. It's called EZPass in New York, and these booths are NOT automatic. The pictures get sent to groups like mine where we key the information on the license plates. The AI isn't advanced enough to accurately capture the license plates on the pictures, much less key them. So when you go through PikePass and get your bill like a week later or whatever, someone looks at the photo and captures the license plate, someone else says what state it is, someone ELSE keys what's on the plate, and finally there's someone to tell what type of vehicle it is (passenger, commercial, motorcycle, etc).
Interesting… only a few minutes in, but what strikes me about the first story is that nobody got out of their freakin cars to help the guy with some more change! Everybody just sits watching (everybody means everybody) and getting pissed. LOL ….. listening on, a couple of minutes more, “why did I just sit there?” Right on. Yes. 😊
Social technology has advanced in 30 years to include interactivity insomuch as in real time, yet most users are passive more than active (social media is the same as television 📺) aside from social conflicts.
When I was a Christian, I used to love listening to Tony Campolo. I saw him on Seth's list of people who he considers an ally. Not sure if Seth has done any interviewing with him, but if so, I'd like to see that.
Anyway, this was a needed speech. People need to recognize that even the "enemy" needs to be treated humanely. I've failed at this at times. But I try to have civility when discussing a topic with a theist...and I prefer it. Heated conversations don't really accomplish anything.
@@DRayL_ Dave Warnock has a youtube show called the GD Show with Genevieve and they interviewed Tony Campolo a month or two ago. It was a really good show.
In addition to Seth's checklist before posting, I'd add:
- no posting after 12:00am
- is there an argument to respond to, or is there just an unsubstantiated opinion/shitpost? Don't feel obligated to address the latter
- try to argue with your own argument. If it's easy to think of a response to your own post, you're probably making a bad argument.
- don't try to argue a subject based on speculations. If you don't know anything about the matter, don't debate it.
_ and most definitely, NO posting while under the influence.
@@tklyte yea that's a good thing to add as well
We shouldn't have different countries. I hate that we do.
At the very least there should be no borders. Any person should be able to live anywhere.
It's a fact that will ruin this planet eventually.
Easily my new favorite sub, along with Aron Ra.
Ive been in the same situation as Seth except I did help the guy, but for selfish reasons, I wanted to get going so I got out of the car, handed a fiver over to the toll attendant and said "thats for him and me" then walked back to my car.
I literally preferred paying for him over waiting for a couple minutes. I've never been able to work out if that makes me a bad person or good person, or if it makes it neutral...
Sounds neutral to me.
No matter what your personal character might be, your actions in that situation succeeded in moving you closer to your goal and possibly aligned with your values if you believe that "time is money." I think all we can reasonably ask people to do is solve problems in a way that doesn't threaten the health of society.
@@MrFringehead I dont care about money. I'm just impatient.
That raises an interesting religious issue. The act itself is not important. If you did it purely out of self sacrifice and kindness, than it's a good deed and will be helpful on judgment day. But if you did it for selfish reasons, or to feel good about yourself, than it's a sin and, as the expression goes, there will be hell to pay. And you don't get to decide which one is the case.
Think of it this way:
Before: you're unhappy. He's unhappy.
After: you're happy. He's happy.
You've just increased the total amount of happiness in the world. That's a net good!
A pizza parlour that doesn’t have a basement?
I enjoy your perspective. On of my go-to's is neuroscience and I have a small point on what you said you 'get' from social media. I realized it might have been a 'throw away' comment.
I will likely be indulging myself with this point, but here goes. The social status neurochemical is serotonin, not endorphins. Almost all our our adulting troubles are caused by this. Once you are past the adolescent (sometimes extended) search for oxytocin (mate), it primarily boils done to social status. It's called 'social' media. The ultimate villian in racism and bigotry is due to our biological need for an quest for serotonin. It's just a cheap way to get it as opposed to finding a cure for polio or cancer or being the guy stepping on the moon for the first time. Social media has provided an even cheaper means to the serotonin end. But it doesn't last. None of the neurochemicals last and they begin to habituate so you need to try harder, add more resources. Keep going back to the same slot machine.
This was a great topic. I would love to see more of it.
Is that why people gaslight make stuff up for little hits hits just cruel too be cruel ?I know so but I wish everyone would admit it .
Yes there is an addictive nature to gaming and online interaction as anything which offers potential "reward" - be it physiological and/or emotional = we are hardwired to seek it out. After all if sex was not pleasurable then we would not seek to reproduce - leading to the demise of the species. So the problem here is not one of stimulating a neurochemical response as frankly our entire being is driven by chemical responses of some type or another. The problem as always is = the nature of our society.
Moral of the story: we value "success" - which usually means monetary gain which is typically at the expense of others in some manner. Thus individuals who are inculcated into a constant need to "gain" reflect = sociological conditioning - of which neurochemical interplay is involved. So the problem with gaming or (anti)social media is one of its creators purposely exploiting the nature of the experience in order to prey upon our systems vis a vis neurochemical response.
That makes it a problem of behavioral psychology. Grocery stores are purposely designed as an example to exploit shopper's behaviors so as to sell products. Companies will pay the store extra to place their product line in "just the right spot" to maximize the chances of it being sold. Similarly online entertainment and media also exploit our need to feel like "we belong" and via repetitive stimulation exploit our response to potentiate the experience so that we keep coming back and stay longer. That coincidentally is exactly what drug dealers do - or gambling venues as you inferred. It is a disingenuous business model which exploits our inherent weaknesses. 🤔
@@varyolla435, I humbly submit, your words having echoed within me ==our entire being is driven by chemical responses of some type or another.==
I would add ==chemical calls== and respectfully suggest that your words should indicate further investigation and study to the greater importance of these chemicals as being the single most important force that separates us from inanimate and inorganic materials and from which the nature of our society is derived. Then on the societal level we can begin to address the causes by making sure each one of us is able to juggle our proper neurochemical balance to optimum societal effect.
Greetings from Tucson, Arizona..
I've been trying to contact you but the 'contact' link on your site doesn't work.
*Sigh* I have made the realization that I am a slacktivist.
😐
I have a tough time convincing myself to let go of an argument in the face of an interlocutor who simply will not accept that their arguments are wrong, even when presented with multiple points of demonstrable evidence against it.
It's difficult for me as well. I think what helps is realizing that we're dealing with psychological blockage at that point. It's like trying to make an alcoholic accept that he is an alcoholic. Until one is psychologically ready to be open, no argument in the world will help because we are looking at it from our eyes and not theirs.
"Babdist"
No one ever explains how this pronunciation comes about. Two entire consonants completely mispronounced. Why? I've even heard Matt Dillahunty mispronounce this word in a joking way but then he doesn't explain it.
Did you collaborate with Ted-Ed? They just released a video covering the same topic only 2 days after this video.
Spirituality used to cause me to make type 2 errors all the fucking time, I had to get victimized countless times due to my benevolence towards people in general before I finally faced the facts about the cold hard dark truth of human nature.
Wonderful speech, Seth, as usual. I will say this about the need to video the Houston guy and the "slacktivism". I think that you, sir, do video work and activism with duch devotion where it is hard to draw a line. I believe that it is hard to feel like we are the "real deal" if we don't take every opportunity to act, and technology makes it impossible to take *every* opportunity. You don't need my approval, I'm aware, but I hope you feel some empathy in the comments. You definitely have mine. Thanks, again.
I am an atheist Republican who believes in Political, Personal, and Economic Freedom. I have a PhD in Applied Mathematics and an avid student of Physics and Cosmology. If there is a God, it is Einstein’s god: The Universe. For all liberal Democrats who believe in strong centralized government, I have a simple suggestion ; Take a basic course in Economics. Until then, you are unable to have a basic idea of what creates most common good for the most people. If you can’t do that,go to TH-cam and watch a few Milton Friedman (Nobel Prize winning Economist).
Clearly you are evil. Hey everyone, I found a nazi to punch!
Sarcasm of course. But unfortunately not satire. It’s par for the course for the left (including most atheists) to demonize and other their political opposition.
You believe in all this freedom but you defer to Milton Friedman to do your thinking for you, economics is not science Mr Genius. But the Chicago school of economics did devise a way of looking at economics that gave capital freedom to do whatever it wants regardless of the consequences and you don't have to be dumb to see the problem with that. Trickle down economics is a lie. It was the freedom to gut the land a run away with the jobs and the value that was created by the earth in the first place, not created by the people willing to do the most violence and create a lineage of privilege.
Friedman may have won the Nobel Prize, but even as a layman I can tell you that he's not right about everything. Trickle down theory doesn't work in practice.
@@DavidSmith-vr1nb there’s no trickle down theory in economics. Consult any economics textbook, you won’t find it there, that term only exists in the liberal media. When conservatives talk about “a rising tide lifting all boats,” they just mean that countries that adopt free market reforms see an increase in their living standards overall so that people are lifted out of poverty without having done anything specific on their part.
Earle Steinberg, you’re absolutely correct. Understanding economics is the greatest antidote to stop people from voting in large governments. Milton Friedman was a genius. You can be a conservative and an atheist, true that!!
Before replying I ask myself if I would say this to anyone while sitting in a coffee shop. NO? then don't say it online. Thank you the reminder. Nuanced opinions are tough to maintain in the face of unrelenting binary statements.
💯👊 only if people use their brains 🧠. 😬