Sahil Aujla's Key Ideas from Behave
by Robert M. Sapolsky

Hormones play a major role – Chemicals like cortisol (stress) and oxytocin (trust) influence how we act.

Genes aren’t destiny – Your DNA lays the foundation, but life experiences sculpt who you are.

Childhood experiences leave lasting marks – Early stress or love profoundly affects how we handle challenges later.

Environment drives decisions – Your actions can change based on who you’re with, your surroundings, or even cultural norms.

We are social creatures – Group dynamics, peer pressure, and tribal instincts heavily impact our choices.

Empathy has boundaries – We naturally care more about people we feel close to or identify with.

Fear and aggression have roots – Threats trigger fight-or-flight instincts shaped by evolution.

Compassion and cruelty coexist – Humans are capable of immense kindness and terrifying violence, often in the same circumstances.

Morality isn’t fixed – What we consider “right” or “wrong” depends on culture, upbringing, and biology.

Our sense of fairness is universal – Even animals dislike being treated unfairly, showing this instinct runs deep.

Justice can be biased – Decisions about punishment often reflect emotions, not logic.

Wars and peace have similar roots – Both arise from cooperation within groups but competition between them.

Power influences behavior – Authority can either corrupt or lead to great responsibility, depending on personality and context.

Free will is complicated – Our decisions are shaped by biology, environment, and experiences—yet we still strive to make moral choices.

Understanding leads to change – By knowing what drives our actions, we can build a kinder, fairer society.

Sapolsky invites readers to embrace the complexity of human nature, highlighting how science and compassion can help us understand ourselves and each other better.

If this content resonated with you and added value to your day, you’ve already taken the first step toward mastery—seeking wisdom. To continue this journey together and never miss an insight, hit that FOLLOW button. Your support inspires me to create more for us to grow and thrive.