On this episode of Conversations with Tom, professor and author of ‘The Parasitic Mind,’ Dr. Gad Saad, joins Tom Bilyeu to discuss such important matters and more as they explore how ideas can act as parasites to the mind and what you should be mindful of in this age of identity politics. They discuss the dangers of post-modernism, the changing culture in the western world, the void of common sense, nature versus nurture, why people latch onto ideas that separate them from true reality, how America is closer to a civil war than one might think, and how identity politics is a slippery slope that leads to dangerous consequences. Purchase Gad’s book, “The Parasitic Mind”: https://www.amazon.com/Parasitic-Mind-Infectious-Killing-Common/dp/162157959X This episode is brought to you by: Indeed: Go to Indeed.com/IMPACT for a FREE $75 credit to boost your job post. Grammarly: Get 20% off Grammarly Premium when you sign up using your desktop or laptop computer by visiting grammarly.com/TOM  PATLive: Get 10% off your first year of service after a 14-day free trial. Visit patlive.com/impact SHOW NOTES:  Nature vs Nurture | Gad discusses the moving forces that define who we are. [0:15] Hierarchy of Needs | Gad discusses the universal drivers all humans share. [3:58] Idea Pathogens | Gad reveals the dangers of idea pathogens to humans. [13:04] Reality | Gad discusses why people latch onto ideas that separate them from reality. [17:30] Prestige | Gad discusses the difference prestige has for a man and a woman. [24:28] Biological | Gad discusses why humans are ego-defensive and escape reality. [27:06] Self-Delusion | Gad discusses how self-delusion has healthy-practical benefits. [33:23] Self-Deception | Gad discusses why we’re so good at bullshitting ourselves. [40:09] Costly Signaling | Gad discusses why sexual signals must ultimately be costly. [48:57]  Threats | Gad shares a story of receiving death threats and dealing with anxiety. [01:01:03] Civil War | Gad discusses the inevitable civil war in the western world. [01:08:12] Gender Pronouns | Gad shares his story as a challenger of gender-pronoun policing. [01:17:57] The Left | Gad reveals the reality of why it appears he only criticizes the political left. [01:24:06] Ethics | Gad shares differences between deontological and consequentialist ethics. [01:35:57] Humility | Gad and Tom discuss humility and the mindset needed to see one’s self. [01:40:08] Self-Help | Tom shares his journey to identifying ‘self-help’ as his purpose. [01:46:25]  FOLLOW GAD: Website: gadsaad.com YouTube: youtube.com/c/GadSaad Twitter: twitter.com/GadSaad Facebook: facebook.com/Dr.Gad.Saad Are You Ready for EXTRA Impact? If you’re ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you. This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day. Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, more New episodes delivered ad-free Exclusive access to Tom’s AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading list You’ll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more: Legendary Mindset: Mindset & Self-Improvement Money Mindset: Business & Finance Relationship Theory: Relationships Health Theory: Mental & Physical Health Power Ups: Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PCvJaz Subscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices