Habits and Hustle
Episode 410: Robert Greene: Are Great Observers Born or Made? The Nature vs Nurture of Empathy
27 Dec 2024
Listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/VKvDPETfoIM?si=jiFLE73nwYdcNQb3 Have you ever wondered if the ability to empathize and keenly observe others is something you're born with or a skill you can develop? In this Habits and Hustle bonus episode, I talk with acclaimed author Robert Greene as he shares his insights on this very question. We discuss understanding one's own behavior and decisions, the unconscious influences on decision-making, and why it’s important to recognize patterns in personal relationships. We also discuss whether empathy and observational skills can be learned and improved with practice. Robert Greene is an American author known for his books on strategy, power, and seduction. He is the man behind the international bestsellers: The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law (with rapper 50 Cent), Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature. What we discuss: Are empathy and observational skills innate or learned? Understanding one's own behavior and decisions Unconscious influences on decision-making Recognizing patterns in personal relationships Motivation to improve oneself through self-reflection and admitting flaws Empathy and observational skills can be learned and improved with practice The benefits of observing others And more… Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. BiOptimizers: Want to try Magnesium Breakthrough? Go to https://bioptimizers.com/jennifercohenand use promo code JC10 at checkout to save 10% off your purchase. Timeline Nutrition: Get 10% off your first order at timeline.com/cohen Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements Find more about Robert Greene: Website: https://powerseductionandwar.com/
Full Episode
Hi guys, it's Tony Robbins. You're listening to Habits & Hustle. Crush it! Hey friends, you're listening to Fitness Friday on the Habits & Hustle podcast, where myself and my friends share quick and very actionable advice for you becoming your healthiest self. So stay tuned and let me know how you leveled up.
Do you think that there are people who are just maybe, you said you were always really good at giving advice. There are people that are more innately, just more tuned in and keyed into to that type of thing. Like, I mean, there are people who are good to talk to because they're much more self-aware and they're much more empathetic. And so there is that element.
Like you naturally, obviously were that one of those people that it kind of, you came by it honestly, so to speak, right?
Well, it's a good question of is it nature or nurture? So is it something that is your brain wired that way? There's probably an element to it. So for instance, it's a known fact through studies, excuse me, that women are more naturally empathetic than men. Is there something about the way women's brains work?
Or is it from the fact that women are socialized to be more attentive to the needs of other people? How do you answer that question? I think probably from my upbringing, from the relationship to my parents, where I wasn't neglected, but I was sort of left alone.
and so my way of surviving in this world was to observe people you know that was the only way i could feel secure was to understand what so that i wouldn't get hurt i wouldn't my parents weren't abusive at all they were very kind but you know i wasn't getting the attention that i thought i needed so i had to turn myself into a very keen observer and my sister is like that as well
So there's something in, I think, the way we were raised that turned us this way. But I wouldn't write these books if I don't believe it's something you can learn. So because I'm interested in other people, probably for means of protection and defense, so maybe started from something maybe slightly negative.
I spent many years observing right and when you observe and you spend years doing it it becomes a skill It's like I can sense people's energy Really quickly now, you know, I have a feel for who they are I can tell from their body like the things you can't even verbalize because I've been doing it for so long so my point in the book is is
you know you may be 30 years old or 40 you know it's never too late to start because a human being has these innate incredible innate powers they call it theory of mind the ability that we can put ourselves in the shoes of another person and imagine what they're thinking and they've demonstrated that infants at the age of six months old demonstrate that they have this theory of mind no other animal comes close to that although they say maybe dolphins at some point but
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