Man as Social Animal: TED talk of David Brooks

David Brooks has been a political journalist for the New York Times for many years.  Recently he has developed an interest in cognitive neuroscience and the importance of social factors in philosophy and human life.  Here are my notes from his 18 minute recent TED talk:

Politicians are all "emotional freaks" of one variety or another

They have a "logodementia"--Talk so much they drive their self insane

But they do have exceptional social skills

Mitt Romney anecdote--able to remember names of everyone he met in the diner

However, in making political decisions this social skill is of little assistance

We have made little progress in education

People learn from people they bond with emotionally

Why are politicians dehumanized when talking about policy?

We have pushed out emotion in making decisions about our lives

We have lost the ability to understand the importance of character and we have lost the ability to talk about using our social intelligence

We pressure our children to jump through competitive hoops

We don't emphasize the importance of developing a philosophy of life

Cognitive neuroscience is providing insight into a new way of thinking about life:

1.) The unconscious mind does most of the work--The unconscious mind is quite smart

2.) Emotions are at the center of our thinking (Antonio Dimasio speaking on this issue later in the TED program)--Brain is a record of our entire life feelings

3.) We are deeply social animals-our brain and thinking are connected to those around us

How do we see human capital?

Reason is often week, sentiments are strong and trustworthy

For humans to thrive humans need:

Mind sight--ability to see into the minds of others and understand their thinking (ability to attach to other versus an avoidant att

Equipoise--having the serenity of analyze are our own biases

Street Smarts--ability to pattern recognize and 

Sympathy--the ability to work in groups on common task--group effectiveness not affected by 

Blending--using diverse view points to blend a new way of thinking

Limericks- unconscious mind hungers for moments of transcendance--these moments occur in relationships with our closest relationships

David has a NY Times bestseller book in this topic area: The Social Animal.  I have not read the book and so can not comment on it's merit.  It is on my future reading list as soon as a copy is available at my local public library.