Delayed gratification is often touted as one of the secrets to a fulfilling life.

The famous marshmallow experiment concluded that children who were able to delay the reward of a marshmallow for a larger reward of more marshmallows had better outcomes later in life.

But is this really the case? Are we actually better off favoring long-term good over short-term pleasure?

In this episode, Thom explains that this is more than just a philosophical question, it’s actually a question that has implications for evolution of the species.

And the answer might surprise you…

Episode Highlights

00:45 It's All About Knowledge

03:26 Evolution is Not a Straight Line

07:41 We Have to Have a Blend

12:07 There's No Such Thing as Perfection in the Relative World

14:19 Disruption Causes Adaptation to Occur

17:46 Q: What can you tell us about freeze reactivity?

17:58 A: Catatonia is the Extreme

20:38 Practice Vedic Meditation to Remove Irrelevant Neurochemistry

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/B3a7BvY50Tw

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Registration is now open for Thom’s only rounding retreat for 2026, in Sedona from May 21-25.

This is your one and only opportunity this year for deep rest, stress release and consciousness expansion through industrial-strength meditation, along with twice-daily knowledge sessions with Thom.

You’ll enjoy delicious retreat-friendly meals and the beauty and healing powers of the Red Rocks of Sedona.

Register before February 28th and you’ll save $500 on your retreat fee.

You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.