Why Robert Sapolsky's "Determined" Doesn't Convince Me (And It's Not Just Because I'm Stubborn)

A few thoughts off the top of my head (not a review or critique) - with a touch of humor - on a rather very good read by Robert M. Sapolsky

The Premise: Intriguing But Flawed

Admittedly, "Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will" has a very interesting premise—mind-blowing and mind-boggling at times. I just don't think the argument holds water.

Sapolsky first admits that genetics, neuroscience, endocrinology, evolutionary theory, psychology, and science were never able to disprove free will. BUT—and here's where I stared at the ceiling for God knows how long—he claims that "put all the pieces together and you can."

I don't want to be sarcastic, but... dude!

Where I Actually Agree with Sapolsky

I do agree with Robert that the variables controlling our lives and behavior are countless. Ask someone who knows what it's like to keep bumping their head on a mute wall—these forces can steer us in different directions, and it all starts when you're just a fetus (aka: a piece of chewing gum).

HOWEVER, there's a real line between having no say whatsoever in who you are and having limitations, no matter how substantial.

The Meat and Potatoes: The Leptin Example

Let me discuss one example Sapolsky mentions: the hormone leptin, which regulates hunger and energy levels. His argument goes like this: obese people have leptin issues, therefore obesity isn't a behavioral choice but destiny (for lack of a better word).

My Personal Leptin Confession

I get it. I can swear that I have grossly dysregulated leptin levels:

• I eat way more than you'd ever imagine

• I'm almost always hungry

• I cannot stop eating when I start

• I eat fast with a monster appetite

• Food hits all my hedonic pleasure centers

• I literally get high on good food (I giggle, for God's sake!)

  
  

How pathetic is this? Very. But it's not me on trial here—it's Robert's argument.

The Fatal Flaw: The Modern Context Problem

So yes, I believe some people are destined to crave big steaks while others love lettuce and chia seed pudding. But Sapolsky is totally throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

The American Research Blind Spot

Here's the thing: Americans, who lead the way in behavioral research, have this weird assumption that nothing existed before them Yankees. When paleo and carnivore diets are all the rage, their version of "hunter-gatherer cuisine" is beef ribeye, eggs, and butter—all from domesticated animals that only exist in certain parts of the world.

(Don't get me wrong, I'd eat those all day every day, but again, it's not me who's on trial here.)

The Historical Reality Check

What this bro—and many in the fitness industry—forget is that junk food never existed to start with. Whether someone was getting leptin secretion by the bushel or not at all, they could only eat what was locally available:

• Bugs and bananas

• Natural whole foods

• Seasonal varieties

• No 24/7 delivery via Meals on Wheels

  
  

So yes, some would be heavier than others throughout history. But obese? Don't think so.

My Conclusion: Modern Problems, Ancient Genes

Doesn't this make obesity—and so many of our problems—a modern human invention rather than predetermined destiny?

If the premise is wrong, so is the argument.

Curtains closed.

What do you think? Are we truly without free will, or are we just living with Stone Age brains in a Space Age world? Drop your thoughts below—I promise I won't judge your leptin levels.