Invest Like The Best
Episode 367 Optimizing Human Connection
Invest Like The Best

Episode 367: Optimizing Human Connection

Invest Like The Best

Episode 367

Optimizing Human Connection

Robin Dunbar is a biological anthropologist and evolutionary psychologist. We cover the origins and implications of his discovery of Dunbar's number, the evolutionary basis behind our need for social groups, and what primates teach us about spending quality time with each other.

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(00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best

(00:04:39) The Journey to Discovering Dunbar's Number

(00:07:28) Exploring the Layers of Human Connection

(00:12:27) The Significance of the 1.5 Layer in Social Circles

(00:16:55) Surprising Insights from Social Network Studies

(00:20:40) Applying Dunbar's Number to Organizational Structures

(00:27:51) The Science of Social Bonding in Primates and Humans

(00:33:23) Unlocking the Endorphin System Without Physical Touch

(00:34:10) The Power of Laughter, Singing, and Storytelling in Group Bonding

(00:36:00) The Limitations of Digital Interactions for Building Relationships

(00:39:51) Reviving Social Clubs and Activities for Workplace Bonding

(00:44:40) The Importance of Homophily in Friendships and Social Networks

(00:50:40) Challenges and Solutions for Overcoming Loneliness and Building Trust

(00:53:45) The Impact of Technology, Religion, and Mental Health on Social Connections

(00:61:47) Reflecting on Time as a Fundamental Aspect of Social Dynamics

Optimizing Human Connection

Introduction

Patrick
My guess today is Robin Dunbar. Robin is a biological anthropologist, evolutionary psychologist and specialist in primate behavior. He is the man behind Dunbar's number, a theory about the number of stable relationships we can maintain at once.

Robin unravels the thread of research that led him to Dunbar’s number and describes how this plays into every single person's layers of human connection. It was fascinating to hear how his findings on social circles have implications for optimally structured businesses and organizations, as well as the idea of homophily, all of which Robin thoughtfully explains. It was a treat to get to explore these topics with Robin Dunbar himself, so please enjoy this great conversation.

The Origins of Dunbar's Number

Patrick
Well, Robin, thanks for doing this with me. I have to start with the obvious question, which is I would love to hear the story behind you arriving at the incredibly famous Dunbar’s number.

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