People I (Mostly) Admire 18. Robert Sapolsky: “I Don’t Think We Have Any Free Will Whatsoever.”
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Mar 6, 2021 
Robert Sapolsky, a leading neuroscientist renowned for his research on stress and baboon behavior, dives deep into the intertwining of free will and biology. He reveals why he believes we lack free will and discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding the value of human versus animal lives. Sapolsky shares poignant stories from his fieldwork in Kenya, shedding light on the social dynamics and health impacts of stress among baboons. He also reflects on his disillusionment with the criminal justice system and the heartbreak of witnessing a tuberculosis outbreak among his subjects.
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Baboons as Stress Models
- Baboons are good models for human stress because they have ample free time for social conflict.
- Sapolsky aimed to understand how social rank affects health in baboons, mirroring human psychosocial stress.
Primate of Last Resort
- Sapolsky wasn't always afraid of baboons, learning their moods and avoiding conflict.
- A low-ranking baboon once made a desperate plea for help from Sapolsky against a higher-ranking baboon.
Friendship over Dominance
- Social connections, rather than dominance, are more important for baboon health and longevity.
- Positive personalities and social grooming predict better health outcomes.