Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst

Why do humans act the way they do? This question has puzzled thinkers for centuries, often leading to oversimplified explanations. In this short that explores the multilayered nature of human behavior, Robert Sapolsky reveals how our actions emerge from a complex web of influences across different time scales. From split-second neural firings to millennia of evolution, from hormone fluctuations to cultural inheritance, each layer adds essential context to understanding human conduct. The short methodically examines these influences through topics like early development, group dynamics, morality, and the origins of war and peace. By breaking down behavior into its component parts while showing their interconnections, Sapolsky's demonstrates that our actions arise from an intricate combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.