Episode 93: Robin Dunbar - Why Do Humans Have Friends?

Robin Dunbar is a professor, an evolutionary psychologist, and the author of many books, including "Friends: Understanding the Power of Our Most Important Relationships." During our conversation, Robin talks about how and why he became interested in evolutionary psychology, what evolutionary psychology is, and its explanatory power.

He also talks about human social dynamics, and our "circles of friendship." These concentric circles include the universal findings of how, on average, human numerically structure their social lives: intimate friends (1.5), close friends (5), best friends (15), good friends (50), friends (150), acquaintances (500), and known names (1,500). "Dunbar's number" of 150 is really just one of these tiers.

Finally, Robin discusses why humans have friends, the "seven pillars of friendship," how people vet others for their appropriate tier early in friendship, and the loneliness people often experience when their "inner circles" are not robust and strong. The health and endorphin benefits of real friends, Robin notes, is often better than any therapy or medicine, and is free to all. I loved talking to this fascinating, friendly, and funny scholar, and hope to have him back on the show not too far down the road.

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00:00 Intro

02:51 Why evolutionary psychology?

07:16 Rethinking evolutionary arguments to benefit genes.

15:43 Humanities are actually proper sciences applying evidence.

18:32 Evolution shapes behavior, but brain allows freedom.

26:07 Social groups crucial for primate survival.

29:47 Close friendships crucial for psychological and physical health.

37:16 Research found commonalities in social media posting.

42:27 Club membership based on beer, social interaction.

48:18 In hunter-gatherer societies, 150 descendants are common.

54:40 Friends book explores universal categories for human friendships.

58:41 Close friends can help you live longer.

01:01:39 Building friendships