Nathan H. Lents

“If you want to go somewhere quick, go alone. If you want to go somewhere far, go together.” African Proverb

Nathan H. Lents is a professor of biology at The City University of New York. He is also the creator of The Human Evolution blog and This World of Humans Podcast, popularizer science with fascinating insight. His curiosity and passion for biology and human evolution make him an expert and superb teacher of these subjects.

In this episode, we discuss his newest book Human Errors, an illuminating, entertaining tour of the physical imperfections that make us human. Although it may appear his views is a negative spin on the human design it actually serves a grand purpose. If we can understand the strengths and weakness of our human bodies we can work better with them allowing greater collaborative progress.

I absolutely enjoyed this conversation with Nathan and I hope you do also. Enjoy!

Guest Bio

Professor Nathan H. Lents received a PhD in human physiology from Saint Louis University, postdoctoral training at New York University, and has been on the faculty of John Jay College of The City University of New York since 2006. He has authored dozens of scientific articles and book chapters and has received funding from a variety of federal agencies. He is also a popularizer of science and maintains The Human Evolution Blog and a blog at Psychology Today, and has authored articles in the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Skeptic Magazine, and others. He is the author of the 2016 book, “Not So Different: Finding Human Nature in Animals” and the 2018 book, “Human Errors: A Panorama of Our Glitches, from Pointless Bones to Broken Genes.”

Topics of discussion 

• Curiosity and its biological purpose.
• Pattern recognition, cognitive biases and creativity.
• Numbers do not resonate with people, stories and people do.
• Our relationship with food and its biological implications.
• The evolution of eyesight and how we can improve deteriorating human conditions.
• The way forward and how we’ve killed off natural selection.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Being an earlier riser and running.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Stay curious.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

By living a life you find meaningful.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Having multiple desktops on my computer to avoid distractions.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Beef stroganoff

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Teaching.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed: Revised Edition by Jared Diamond

The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies? by Jared Diamond

Human Errors: A Panorama of Our Glitches, from Pointless Bones to Broken Genes by Nathan H. Lents

Not So Different: Finding Human Nature in Animals by Nathan H. Lents

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“If you want to go somewhere quick, go alone. If you want to go somewhere far, go together.” African Proverb

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes, it’s something we all can figure out and create.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

That you’ve convinced yourself that the world is a better place with you having been in it.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

My motivation is to leave the world a little better than I found it and I do that through my teachings.

How to connect with Nathan

You check out all Nathan’s work and connect with him via his website – The Human Evolution blog, here.

You’ll also find him on social media, facebook, twitter and tumblr.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.