How Our Stone Age Brain Gets In The Way Of Smart Politics

By Adam Gopnik

How do we make sense of the political turmoil that has engulfed the world in recent years? From the rise of populism and nationalism to the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, it seems like our political discourse has become increasingly polarized and irrational.

Political Animals: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics

by Rick Shenkman

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

In his new book, *How Our Stone Age Brain Gets In The Way Of Smart Politics*, acclaimed author Adam Gopnik argues that the root of this problem lies in our evolutionary history. Our brains, he says, are still wired for a world that no longer exists. We are still driven by the same instincts that helped our ancestors survive in a dangerous and unpredictable environment. These instincts, however, are not well-suited for the complex challenges of the modern world.

One of the most important of these instincts is our tendency to divide the world into "us" and "them." This instinct helped our ancestors to identify potential threats and to band together for protection. In the modern world, however, this instinct can lead to us to see our political opponents as enemies rather than as fellow citizens.

Another instinct that can get in the way of smart politics is our tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs. This instinct helped our ancestors to avoid danger by staying within their comfort zones. In the modern world, however, this instinct can lead us to ignore important information that challenges our beliefs.

Gopnik argues that we need to be aware of these instincts and to learn how to override them when necessary. We need to be able to think critically about information and to be willing to consider different perspectives. We also need to be able to empathize with people who are different from us and to see them as fellow human beings.

*How Our Stone Age Brain Gets In The Way Of Smart Politics* is a timely and important book that offers a new perspective on the challenges facing our democracy. Gopnik's insights are both fascinating and thought-provoking, and his book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the political turmoil of our time.

Here are some of the key takeaways from Gopnik's book:

* Our brains are still wired for a world that no longer exists. * Our instincts can get in the way of smart politics. * We need to be aware of our instincts and to learn how to override them when necessary. * We need to be able to think critically about information and to be willing to consider different perspectives. * We also need to be able to empathize with people who are different from us and to see them as fellow human beings.

If you are interested in learning more about how our Stone Age brain gets in the way of smart politics, I encourage you to read Gopnik's book. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking read that will give you a new perspective on the challenges facing our democracy.

Political Animals: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics

by Rick Shenkman

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE