Robert M Sapolsky

Robert M Sapolsky

Author ‘Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst’

Robert M. Sapolsky holds degrees from Harvard and Rockefeller Universities and is currently a Professor of Biology and Neurology at Stanford University and a Research Associate with the Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya. His books include New York Times bestseller, Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst and Determined.

An old drawing of a man with his hand in his head, exploring the depths of free will.
Neural imaging has shown that the brain has “decided” what we’re going to do before we make a conscious choice — but is this even relevant to free will?
Three illustrated human brains in a row on an orange background.
8 min
You’ve heard about your "lizard brain." But what about the other two?
John Templeton Foundation
Two men engaging in a brain-teasing game at a table.
And how to make it think differently.
A painting showing a large open-mouthed face with miniature people and boats entering the mouth; the scene is dark and surreal.
6 min
Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky on the science of temptation, and the limitations of your brain’s frontal cortex.
7 min
Don't let your reptile brain tell you what to do.
4 min
Neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky explains how your first 25 years will shape the next 50.
4 min
We've all heard the line "free will is an illusion". But it may be much more an allusion—to society and culture and our surroundings—than we've ever given it credit for.