David Brooks on The Social Animal at TED

Yesterday I posted Thomas Nagel's review of The Social Animal, the new book from David Brooks, op-ed columnist at the New York Times. So today, here is Brooks speaking at the recent TED Conference.

There is much to dislike about this book - and for anyone who follows brain science research it seems to be very shallow. BUT, for a member of the conservative side of the mainstream media to suggest that much of what we believe and desire is pre-conscious and not a matter of choice (or a flaw in our moral character) is a huge step in the right direction.

David Brooks: The social animal

Tapping into the findings of his latest book, NYTimes columnist David Brooks unpacks new insights into human nature from the cognitive sciences -- insights with massive implications for economics and politics as well as our own self-knowledge. In a talk full of humor, he shows how you can't hope to understand humans as separate individuals making choices based on their conscious awareness.

Tags: TED Talks, books, brain, Psychology, morality, culture, David Brooks, The Social Animal, Hidden Sources, Love, Character, achievement, human nature, cognitive sciences, neuroscience, economics, politics, self-knowledge, philosophy