The Human Paradox

There is something deeply puzzling about humanity.

Each of us carries DNA from ancestors who survived billions of years of famine, wars, plagues, ice ages, floods, droughts, and nearly every catastrophe imaginable. Our lineage is heroic in the most literal sense: an unbroken chain of survival stretching back to the dawn of life.

And yet today, what is your greatest threat?
You!

We are more likely to create our own demise with our behavior. How can that be true for a species that is so remarkably resilient, adaptable, and indomitable?

We are the most intelligent, powerful, accomplished, and abundant animals that have ever lived. In many ways, we are the "1%" of all people who have ever existed, experiencing daily wonders that even kings and queens could not imagine a few hundred years ago.
Yet, countries experiencing record-breaking stability, prosperity, and connectedness also have record-breaking rates of people feeling chronically anxious, lonely, scared, and sad.
We can take care of robots millions of miles away on Mars, yet we can't prevent millions of children on Earth from going to sleep every night unfed, unhoused, and unprotected from violence.
Something strange is clearly going on.

What if many of our societal grand challenges aren't just failures of our intelligence or morals - but predictable side effects of an evolutionary tension that can be resolved?
It seems everyone has gone completely mad, evil, or both. But that explanation is too simple - and doesn't offer any real solutions.

This talk will present a far more interesting and useful explanation that synthesizes surprising research across diverse disciplines.

You'll leave with:

• Much more clarity on the root causes of chronic societal challenges
• New, compassionate insight into the struggles you and those around you are likely experiencing
• Concrete strategies for improving our lives, our communities, our work, and our world

This talk is the first public presentation of the Human Paradox Project, and audience input will help shape how the project evolves.

ABOUT BESCY
We are Bescy (Behavioral Science + You) https://www.bescy.org/
Every month, we gather to discuss all aspects of designing for behavior change. Join us for lively discussion, networking, presentations, workshops and more!
Be sure to:

• RSVP
• Put this event on your calendar
• Invite friends!

Premier Sponsors:
LIVE NEURON LABS - [www.liveneuronlabs.com]
Large-Scale Behavior Change for Good

STATION AUSTIN:
Thank you to Station Austin for sponsoring Bescy Austin. Station Austin is the center of gravity for entrepreneurs in Texas. They bring together the best entrepreneurs in the state and connect them with their first investors, employees, mentors, and customers. To sign up for a Station Austin membership, click here.