Why Is Everyone So Angry? The Science of Outrage | Kurt Gray

Why do we classify some people as victims and others as villains? This week, we dive into some morally gray territory with none other than Kurt Gray, psychology professor and author of Outrage: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. We explore how our moral instincts are rooted in evolution and how our long history as both prey and predator has shaped the way we perceive harm and justice today.

Kurt challenges traditional moral psychology frameworks, arguing that harm is the central thread behind all moral judgments—whether it’s about immigration, gun rights, or free speech. He explains how, across the political spectrum, we’re all motivated by the same concern: preventing harm. The difference? We simply perceive different threats. In our conversation with the second Kurt (a first for the podcast!), we unpack how moral typecasting and our prey vs. predator mindset fuel polarization and conflict.

But division and strife don’t have to be a permanent state. We explore practical strategies for bridging moral divides, including why personal stories are far more persuasive than statistics. If you’re fascinated by human nature, political polarization, or just wondering why outrage seems to be everywhere these days, this is the episode for you!