Measuring Up - The Human Obsession with Quantification
Manage episode 408451979 series 3464669
Ever find yourself counting every calorie you consume or obsessing over the number of likes on your latest social media post? Our newest podcast episode uncovers the deep-seated reasons behind humanity's fixation on measurement. From the life-or-death decisions of our hunter-gatherer ancestors to the modern-day metrics that dictate our notions of achievement and self-worth, we explore the psychological and evolutionary underpinnings that compel us to quantify our lives. We also inject a dose of levity into the conversation, because who doesn't need a good laugh when contemplating the absurdity of measuring pet happiness or the clout scores of yesteryear?
Laugh, learn, and perhaps even wince as we challenge the effectiveness of certain office productivity tools and the scientific basis (or lack thereof) for some of society's most bizarre quantifications. We tackle the darker side too, examining how this measurement mania can morph from a reassuring quest for control to an all-consuming stressor with real implications for mental health. Our chat isn't just a series of numbers and facts; it's an invitation to reflect on the numbers that dominate our lives and to consider the ancient instincts fueling our modern obsession. Join us on this insightful journey through the numbers that define our existence—we promise it's a calculation worth making.
122 episodes