The Past is Never Dead
Hidden Brain

The Past is Never Dead

May 25, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

<p>How does the culture in which you live shape the life that you lead? We all know that culture affects the languages we speak and the foods we eat. But anthropologist <a href="https://henrich.fas.harvard.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joseph Henrich</a> says the impact of culture goes even further, reaching into our bodies and our minds. He takes us on a journey through time to show how human cultures create a "collective brain," and how that shared knowledge profoundly shapes who we are and how we live.  </p> <p><i>Hidden Brain is headed back on the road this summer, for the latest leg of our Perceptions tour! Join Shankar as he shares key psychological insights from the first decade of the show. More information on tour stops and tickets can be found at </i><a rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>our tour page</i></a><i>. </i></p> <p><a href="https://unsplash.com/illustrations/evolution-of-light-sources-torch-candle-smartphone-CXITObPc0Us" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Episode illustration by Esma Melike Sezer for Unsplash+</i></a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>