Risky Business: The Evolution of Dangerous Behavior

“Because it’s there” was George Mallory’s famous explanation for why he risked (and lost) his life trying to become the first person to summit Everest. We don’t all want to climb Everest, but we all, to some degree, take risks. Why does this behavior survive natural selection? What’s going on in our brains when we put ourselves in danger? Is there a line between courageous and crazy? In search of answers, we bring together extreme risk takers and the scientists who study them. What can we learn from people who BASE jump from buildings, climb cliffs without ropes, or leap into danger to save a stranger? Join us for an exhilarating adventure—all from the safety of your seat.

PARTICIPANTS: David Sloan Wilson, Omer Mei-Dan, Cynthia Thomson, Abigail Marsh, Chad Lindsey

MODERATOR: Bill Weir

MORE INFO ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND
PARTICIPANTS:

TOPICS
0:03 - Extreme sports montage
0:59 - Moderator & program introduction
2:09 - Panelist introductions
3:24 - What is the definition of risk?
6:27 - How does risk-taking behavior vary across age and culture?
10:11 - Panelist backgrounds in studying risk taking behaviors
14:13 - Alex Honnold “Free Solo” climb
23:19 - Mt. Everest’s deadly climbing season
26:06 - Sensation seeking vs. impulsivity
28:08 - Studying fear in the brain
34:14 - What role does risk play in evolution?
38:54 - Dopamine and serotonin in sensation seekers
40:20 - Addictive behaviors and sensation seeking
42:19 - Social benefits from risky behaviors
43:10 - Panelists’ extreme sports experiences
46:24 - Male vs. female differences in risk taking
49:03 - BASE jumping fatalities and the development of the wingsuit
52:23 - Recovery from extreme sport related injuries
54:51 - Chad Lindsey “subway hero” introduction
1:02:40 - Studies in motivations for altruistic behavior
1:04:56 - Selfishness and altruism in society
1:08:17 - Training for altruistic behavior
1:10:04 - Psychopathy in the human species

PROGRAM CREDITS
- Produced by Jonathan Schienberg
- Associate Produced by Laura Dattaro and Emmalina Glinskis
- Music provided by APM
- Additional images and footage provided by: Getty Images, Shutterstock, Videoblocks

This program is part of the BIG IDEAS SERIES, made possible with support from the JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION.

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