Something You Should Know

The Problem with Authenticity & The Psychology That Fuels War

October 16, 2025

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  • Authenticity, as commonly advised, is often misunderstood and practically meaningless because individuals inhabit multiple selves adapted to different social contexts, and research shows it's objectively difficult to measure. 
  • We tend to find others authentic when they exhibit high emotional intelligence and skilled self-presentation (being valuable to others), and people often prefer fake politeness over authentic rudeness. 
  • War appears to be a hardwired part of human nature, as every brain is built to survive a fight, meaning that while peace is desirable, societies must be prepared to fight effectively to avoid being exploited by those who are prepared to do so. 

Segments

Kissing’s Biological Effects
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(00:00:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Kissing triggers the release of oxytocin and endorphins, aids romantic attachment, and involves the use of 30 muscles.
  • Summary: Kissing increases levels of oxytocin (the body’s natural calming chemical) and endorphins (feel-good chemicals), which aids feelings of romantic attachment. The mouth uses 30 muscles during kissing, and the lips and mouth are highly sensitive areas devoted to picking up intricate sensations like taste, smell, touch, and temperature. Furthermore, kissing is thought to boost immunity by passing bacteria that strengthens the body’s defenses.
Critique of Authenticity Concept
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(00:04:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Authenticity is problematic because people inhabit multiple selves, and its measurement is unreliable, often reflecting likeability or political alignment rather than objective truth.
  • Summary: The idea of having one ‘authentic self’ is flawed because individuals adapt their presentation based on context (e.g., work vs. home). Scientific measures of authenticity are unreliable, relying either on self-perception (which is inaccurate) or others’ views, which are contaminated by whether the observer likes the person or agrees with their values. Research shows people often find others authentic when they demonstrate high emotional intelligence and skilled, believable self-presentation.
Authenticity as a Defense Mechanism
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(00:10:49)
  • Key Takeaway: The label of ‘authenticity’ can be used to excuse negative behaviors, as people rationalize success as their ‘authentic self’ while blaming external factors for failures or poor conduct.
  • Summary: The concept of authenticity often focuses only on positive qualities, ignoring the darker, impulsive, or temperamental aspects of a person’s true self. Using authenticity as an excuse allows individuals, like managers, to avoid self-control, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence by claiming negative traits are simply ‘who they are.’ Any action taken, whether in good or bad faith, is technically part of who a person really is, and disowning negative actions as ’not me’ is a form of rationalization.
The Inevitability of War
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(00:29:01)
  • Key Takeaway: War is considered part of human nature because every human brain is fundamentally built to win or survive a fight, making preparation for conflict necessary against those who are willing to fight.
  • Summary: Despite societal advancement, war has been a constant throughout recorded history, suggesting it is inherent to human nature. While thinkers like Steven Pinker suggest wars are decreasing, this is dangerously incomplete because the capacity for conflict remains, and democracies must be prepared to fight effectively or risk being exploited. Wise decision-making, prioritizing long-term strategy over short-term cleverness, is crucial to avoid losing through domestic strife, conventional defeat, or nuclear conflict.
War as Political Tool
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(00:43:35)
  • Key Takeaway: Effective warfare requires understanding it as the continuation of politics by other means, where the goal must align with achievable political objectives, as demonstrated by the British success in Malaya.
  • Summary: In counterinsurgency wars, major powers often lose because they fail to align military action with achievable political goals, as seen in Vietnam, Korea, and Afghanistan. Carl von Clausewitz famously stated that war is the continuation of politics by other means, meaning war must be used as an effective tool to achieve specific political ends. Leaders must be willing to change their minds when circumstances shift, a trait essential for wise decision-making in conflict.
Health Tip: Bag Weight Limits
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(00:50:14)
  • Key Takeaway: A bag should weigh no more than 10% of body weight; anything heavier should ideally be carried as a backpack worn high on the back.
  • Summary: Carrying a bag weighing more than 10% of your body weight can cause back, neck, or shoulder pain. If a bag exceeds this limit, it should be worn backpack-style, with the strap kept short so it sits high on the back to avoid altering gait. Carrying a heavy bag slung over only one shoulder defeats the purpose of weight distribution.