Battling brain rot

The podcast explores the concept of stupidity, questioning whether society is truly becoming less intelligent. Stuart Jeffreys, author of "A Short History of Stupidity," discusses how the definition of stupidity is a social construct that has varied across cultures and eras, from Socrates's time to Shakespeare's fools. The conversation touches on the impact of technology and AI, with concerns about cognitive outsourcing and the blandification of life. Andrew Budson, a neurologist, explains the brain's memory-making process and neuroplasticity, emphasizing that brains are like muscles that need exercise through social interaction and direct engagement with tasks. The discussion argues against a simple decline in intelligence, advocating for humility, continuous learning, and critical thinking to reclaim our cognitive abilities.