Showing results by narrator "Jamil Zaki" in All Categories

Cynicism is a disease, with a history, symptoms and a cure. Through science and storytelling, Jamil Zaki imparts the secret for beating back cynicism: hopeful scepticism. This approach doesn't mean putting our faith in every politician or influencer. It means thinking critically about people and our problems, while simultaneously acknowledging and encouraging our strengths.

Philosophers, evolutionary scientists and indeed former President Obama agree that an increase in empathy could advance us beyond the hatred, violence and polarisation in which the world seems caught. Others disagree, arguing it is easiest to empathise with people who look, talk or think like us. As a result, empathy can inspire nepotism, racism and worse. Having studied the neuroscience and psychology of empathy for over a decade, Jamil Zaki thinks both sides of this debate have a point.

Cynicism is making us sick, but Stanford Psychologist Dr. Jamil Zaki has the cure. "A ray of light for dark days” —Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author In 1972, half of Americans agreed that most people can be trusted; by 2018, only a third did. Different generations, genders...