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519: Dacher Keltner | The Power Paradox

Jun 10, 2021

Guest

Dacher Keltner

Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychology professor and author of "The Power Paradox," dives into the intricate dynamics of power. He discusses how power often leads to a loss of empathy and what that means for society. Keltner reveals the lethal effects of powerlessness and emphasizes the need for healthy power dynamics. He redefines power as rooted in social connections rather than manipulation, pointing out the importance of accountability and altruism in effective leadership.

44:29

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insights

INSIGHT

Accountability and Power

Accountability systems, like journalism and satire, are crucial for regulating power.
Public scrutiny and artistic critique help prevent power abuses.

insights

INSIGHT

Gossip and Reputation

Gossip, often viewed negatively, serves as a vital tool for regulating power dynamics.
It helps expose Machiavellian behavior and reinforces prosocial norms within groups.

insights

INSIGHT

Powerlessness and Health

Chronic powerlessness leads to chronic stress, negatively impacting physical and mental health.
Feeling disempowered can contribute to premature aging and various health problems.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring the Intricacies of Power and Its Paradoxes

01:53 • 3min

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Redefining Power: From Dominance to Empathy

04:52 • 9min

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Power, Reputation, and Accountability

13:39 • 16min

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The Interplay of Status, Philanthropy, and Altruism

29:40 • 3min

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The Paradox of Competitive Altruism

32:31 • 7min

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Power Paradox: Bias and Society

39:44 • 7min

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#183

• Mentioned in 122 episodes

The Prince

Niccolo Machiavelli

Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers. Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals. The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess. Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points. The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues. 'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.

#546

• Mentioned in 57 episodes

Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

Doris Kearns Goodwin

This book is a multiple biography centered on Abraham Lincoln's mastery of men and how it shaped the most significant presidency in the nation's history. It explores how Lincoln, despite being a one-term congressman and prairie lawyer, rose to become president by incorporating his rivals—William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates—into his cabinet. The book details Lincoln's extraordinary ability to understand and empathize with others, which enabled him to create an unusual but effective cabinet. It also delves into the challenges Lincoln faced, including incompetent generals, hostile congressmen, and the internal dynamics of his cabinet, highlighting his political genius and managerial skills.

#8817

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

The Analects of Confucius

Confucius

The Analects of Confucius is an anthology of brief passages that present the words of Confucius and his disciples, describing Confucius as a man and recounting some of the events of his life. It emphasizes core concepts such as the Tao (the Way), Li (ritual), Te (virtue), and Jen (goodness), providing insights into Confucian ideals on morality, governance, and personal conduct.

#6154

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

The power paradox

How We Gain and Lose Influence

Dacher Keltner

In 'The Power Paradox', Dacher Keltner challenges conventional wisdom on power by demonstrating that it is not acquired through domination or coercion, but rather through compassion and selflessness. The book explains how people gain power by enhancing the lives of others and how the experience of having power can lead to its abuse. Keltner outlines twenty 'Power Principles' to help retain power and avoid its corrupting influences. He emphasizes that enduring power comes from a focus on others and that power is given by groups to individuals who advance the greater good. The book also explores the personal and social ills associated with powerlessness and provides recommendations for nurturing and maintaining healthy power.

#10

• Mentioned in 458 episodes

The Bible

Various Authors

The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism. It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages. The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread. The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.

Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at University of California in Berkeley, one of the world’s foremost scientists specializing in the study of power, and author of The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence. [Note: this is a rebroadcast from the vault.]

What We Discuss with Dacher Keltner:

You don’t have to be Machiavellian to appreciate that Niccolo Machiavelli was the OG power scientist.
What is The Power Paradox, and how does it affect us and society at large?
The imbalance of power is the greatest threat to society (just after climate change).
Powerlessness can literally be lethal.
Learn how we can increase our power relative to others in a healthy way.
And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/519

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