We use Prof. Axelrod's research to illustrate the value of collaboration in outsourcing relationships. It helps break down traditional win-lose thinking by showing procurement professionals that it's smarter to collaborate. We've discussed this at http://blogspot.scvisions.com and built a practice called http://www.vestedoutsourcing.com to show companies how to implement collaboration successfully.

Listening to the segment of the Christmas truce and its aftermath moved me to tears, even though I had heard this story before. It's astounding to think that a few nice people can alter the game plan. Every year I spend a week or two in Fairfield, Iowa, practicing the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program in a group of 2,000 or so. The effects have been measured by independent sociologists who have found a wide range of beneficial results, from lowered crime rates, war deaths, accident rates and absence of major hurricanes from US shores during this time. This is explained as being similar to the Meissner effect in superconductors: the square root of one per cent of a population practising Transcendental Meditation and the TM-Sidhi Programme, morning and evening together in one place, is sufficient to neutralize negative tendencies and promote positive trends throughout the whole population. More about this here:

http://maharishi-programmes.globalgoodnews.com/maharishi-effect/

Axelrod says if you play nice around 10% of the time you will change the effect of the game, but there's still a chance that the opponent will retaliate. What would happen with a large enough group creating a coherent field and playing this game? Possibly that the thought of hostile action on the part of the opponent would never even arise. I'd love to see a segment that explores this...thanks for all your great programs. Best wishes, D. Sosin

Today's episode began with a striking quote about the violence of nature... I'd like to see it in written. Could someone post it? Thanks, Julia

An elegant and entertaining explanation of the logic of cooperation and societal cohesion.

The Origins of Virtue: Human Instincts and the Evolution of Cooperation by Matt Ridley
Permalink: http://amzn.com/0140264450

I enjoyed your program exploring the "Prisoner's Dilemma." Here's a version that I adapted for use in the classroom. A great tool to explore decision-making and communications.
http://www.edteck.com/lessons/decision.htm

pavel, the closing song is arena by suuns

When you help your friends and others close to you (people in your ethnic group, culture, whatever), you also indirectly help spread your genes as those individuals are more likely to care for your relatives. It seems to come naturally and doesn't have to be judged as either right or wrong.

And what about the altruistic behavior we see when people are willing to donate their money and or time to help people hit by a natural disaster in another country? Or the sacrifice soldiers make to fight for their country?

I really appreciate the show and the podcasts. But I'd just like to point out one problem I have. I understand that you need a bit of cash to support the costs of keeping the site up; hence the support of Pro-Flowers. Can I just point out that when ExxonMobile supports NOVA, they don't stop several times in the middle of the show to promote a Gas sale. . .

What song closes out the show? I really liked it, but have no idea what it is.