Robin Hanson on Elites, Experts, and the Truths We Resist

Robin Hanson, economist, author, and futurist, sits down with Erik Torenberg to discuss his ideas about status, truth, and obstacles for innovation. We're proudly sponsored by Vanta. Get $1000 off Vanta with www.vanta.com/upstream
Upstream is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co
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LINKS:
The Elephant in the Brain, Robin Hanson and Kevin Simler amzn.asia/d/82WLQX6
Robin Hanson and Agnes Callard’s podcast Minds Almost Meeting mindsalmostmeeting.com/
Agnes Callard on Uptream:
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Episode Preview
(05:38) How Robin developed his theory of the Sacred
(09:07)The Sacred binds people together
(17:17) Why elites drive innovation
(18:00) Sponsor: Mercury | Vanta
(37:20) Gossip networks
(38:00) Sponsor: NetSuite
(39:13) Proposal to fix academia
(45:37) Falsehoods
(01:05:12) Double agents in our minds
(01:08:36) What is cringe?
(01:12:31) Therapy
(01:17:02) How falling fertility will affect innovation
(01:23:49) Social change strategies for reviving fertility rates
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Upstream is brought to you by the Turpentine media network.
Producer: Natalie Toren
Editor: Graham Bessellieu
For inquiries about guests or sponsoring the podcast, please email [e-mail]
Music license:
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[@francismcdonnell8149]

Always a pleasure to listen to Robin Hanson. Thanks a lot.

[@therobotocracy]

Robin reminds me of Lawrence Lessig.

[@UpstreamwithErikTorenberg]

Thank you Robin for being a guest. Timestamp below. Thank you to our sponsors
- Mercury: mercury.com/ Mercury is banking for ambitious companies-a modern partner that can provide you with the tools and resources you need to turn your startup into the best version of itself.
- Get $1000 off Vanta. Just go to www.vanta.com/upstream
- If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: netsuite.com/upstream and download your own customized KPI checklist.
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Episode Preview
(05:38) How Robin developed his theory of the Sacred
(09:07)The Sacred binds people together
(17:17) Why elites drive innovation
(18:00) Sponsor: Mercury | Vanta
(37:20) Gossip networks
(38:00) Sponsor: NetSuite
(39:13) Proposal to fix academia
(45:37) Falsehoods
(01:05:12) Double agents in our minds
(01:08:36) What is cringe?
(01:12:31) Therapy
(01:17:02) How falling fertility will affect innovation
(01:23:49) Social change strategies for reviving fertility rates

[@lorddolphin2935]

I like how the 'controversies' you glossed over about this guy is how he repeatedly talked about how getting cuckolded and cheated on (which is a kink? I think he meant just being cheated on so idk why he referenced cuckoldry) is worse than being raped and how he would rather be raped than cuckolded. Absolutely wild take.

[@kimjin-hyub3413]

Kl

[@Urlocallordandsavior]

At least the art will get better in an age of crisis and population decline.