59. Robert Sapolsky: The psychology behind Donald Trump, the science of stress, and the illusion of ‘free will’

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics, Professor Robert Sapolsky, an acclaimed primatologist and neuroscientist, joins the conversation. The podcast dives into the intriguing similarities between baboon social behavior and human political dynamics, focusing on how social rank, stress, and inequality influence both individual lives and society as a whole. Drawing from his 25-year study of baboon troops in Kenya, Sapolsky shares his insights on dominance hierarchies and how social status affects health. He ties these observations back to human society, highlighting the harmful impact of chronic stress and inequality on our mental and physical well-being. The discussion also touches on the concept of free will, where he presents arguments against its existence while still championing the importance of personal responsibility and the potential for social change.