Episode Details

David Pinsof is self described as an 'Evolutionary social scientist, co-host of Evolutionary Psychology (the podcast), and he writes about the psychology and sociology of bullshit.' This was one of the best podcasts I've ever done. I ask David all the big questions from why we've evolved to deceive ourselves to the purpose of consciousness. This was one of those where I could let me curiosity guide me and ask a world class expert ANYTHING knowing I'll get a banger answer. Enjoy xSubscribe to David's Substack: https://substack.com/@everythingisbullshitMy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliotbewick/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliotbewickX: https://x.com/elliotbewickCHAPTERS:

00:00 What Is the Function of Self-Deception?

03:20 Can We Bullsh*T Our Way Through Bullsh*T?

04:58 Is Self-Delusion Necessary for Success?

10:26 Why Does It Only Make Sense to Care About the Truth?

12:00 What About Truths That Obstruct Success?

14:20 the Crippling Impact of Prioritising Our Desires

17:00 Plantinga’s Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism

18:59 Error Management Theory

21:02 Is Self-Delusion More Beneficial in 2025?

25:21 Thoughts on ‘Fake It Till You Make It’

28:50 Accept the Limitations of Your Biology, Now Anything Is Possible

30:32 Jordan Peterson’s Conception of Truth vs Lies

33:24 Is It Easier to Spot Someone Else’s Lies or Your Own?

37:46 Show Me the Incentive and I’ll Show You the Outcome

40:23 Steven Pinker: How the Brain Works

46:47 Creating the Most Powerful Incentives to Ensure Success

49:46 Matthew McConaughey’s Motivation Technique

56:06 Does True Altruism Actually Exist?

59:13 Is ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ an Evolutionary Bi-Product for Survival?

1:00:54 Why Has Consciousness Evolved?

1:09:14 the Hard Problem of Consciousness

1:14:14 Does Emotion Dictate Everything We Do?

1:19:11 Why Do We Laugh?

1:28:30 the Biggest Evolutionary Mismatches in 2025

1:32:50 Is Evolution De-Selecting Liberals?ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION: In a world saturated by social media and marked by skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and ADHD among Gen Z, young people are growing up in a landscape of chaos and contradiction. While protests swell in city streets and activists hurl soup at famous artworks to demand climate action, a quieter crisis unfolds within - the mental and emotional battles faced by a generation trying to make sense of it all.The Next Generation is hosted by 20-year-old Elliot Bewick, offering a raw and honest look at the world through the eyes of those living in it. Bringing together insight from professionals and young people on the ground, this podcast isn’t here to complain or chase clout. It’s here to bend the arc of the modern world towards solutions, truth and a love for the beautiful adventure of life itself.