Psychologist Matthew Lieberman explains in his new book why our need to connect with people is more important than our need for food and shelter. The book explores the brain’s intense need for social interaction with other people.

According to Lieberman, each of our brains has been up to 10,000 hours learning to make sense of people before we are teenagers. The book makes the point that this primal need for socialization and connection is a primary driver in our actions. Research conducted by Lieberman at UCLA reveals that our brains react to social pain and failures much like physical pain.

How important is being social in your life? Do you feel like it drives some of decisions?

Guest:

Matthew Lieberman, professor at UCLA and author of “Social: Why Our Brains are Wired to Connect”