The psychology of morality, perversion, and revenge, in 67 minutes | Paul Bloom: Full Interview
Big Think
Jul 17, 2026
Psychologist Paul Bloom argues that our innate sense of morality and retribution—while essential for social cooperation—often fuels our worst impulses. By framing conflicts as binary battles between victims and villains, we justify cruelty and vengeance. True progress requires us to dial down these righteous instincts in favor of rational, cost-benefit analysis.
Key insight: Loneliness is not a glitch; it is an evolutionary signal like hunger or thirst, designed to motivate us to seek social connection. When we satisfy that need with AI, we risk losing the essential human drive to interact with others.
