The Elephant in the Brain. Book Summary

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Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson

What’s inside

The Elephant in the Brain explores the hidden motives behind our behaviors and social interactions, revealing the unconscious instincts that drive human actions.

You’ll Learn

  • Insight into unconscious motives
  • Better understanding of social interactions
  • Awareness of our own biases and self-deception
  • Improved critical thinking about societal norms and policies

Key Points

  • The hidden layers of human cognition
  • Self-deception and its role in social behavior
  • Our brains as press secretaries
  • Status as a central human motive
  • Competition for social status through conspicuous consumption
  • The social and evolutionary roots of our behaviors
  • Implications for understanding society and public policy

Who’s it For

  • Psychology enthusiasts
  • Sociology students
  • Behavioral economists
  • Anyone interested in human behavior and social dynamics

About the author

Kevin Simler is a writer and technology enthusiast, while Robin Hanson is an economist and researcher with interests in decision theory and artificial intelligence.