Dr. Phil Zimbardo Part 2: The Stanford Prison Project: How Good People can do Evil Things

In 1971, Dr. Phil Zimbardo, a new professor at Stanford University, decided to do an experimental two-week study in which he put good people in bad places. This (now) infamous study is known globally as The Stanford Prison Project. The experiment didn’t last the two weeks. In this episode, Phil explains why this first-of-its-kind experiment was so insightful in revealing how easily good people can do evil things.

Key takeaways:
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Why one negative event can change your perception of a person forever
What we can all learn about compassion from Ted Lasso

Show Notes

In 1971, Dr. Phil Zimbardo, a new professor at Stanford University, decided to do an experimental two-week study in which he put good people in bad places. This (now) infamous study is known globally as The Stanford Prison Project. 

“[We] walked them down to the basement where the prison was, and then stripped them naked and took off the blindfold. The first thing they see is themselves, we had a big mirror for this reason, and they see themselves standing helpless and naked. And [the ‘guards’] say: Welcome to Stanford Prison.” 

Volunteer students were assigned the role of either prisoner or guard - a role about which they knew nothing. The experiment didn’t last the two weeks; Phil ended it after just six days when five of the prisoners had broken down. 

In this episode of Into The Magic Shop, Phil explains why this first-of-its-kind experiment was so insightful in revealing how easily intelligent participants can change their perception and mentality simply as a result of the social situation they’re in. 

To find out more, download and listen to this latest episode.

On today’s podcast:

• The Stanford Prison Experiment
• Why one negative event can change your perception of a person forever
• What we can all learn about compassion from Ted Lasso

What is Into the Magic Shop?

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many were overwhelmed with stress, anxiety and depression. While this epidemic of stress has been growing over the past decade, it has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the divisive nature of political discourse. As a result, many people feel disconnected, inauthentic, and unhappy, while questioning the source of their unhappiness when they presumably have “everything”—an absence of compassion, for oneself and others, is often the source of the problem.

Many of us don’t understand the nature of self-compassion nor the power of compassion to improve our lives and alleviate our suffering. By entering the “Magic Shop”, Jim will share his wisdom and introduce a variety of techniques to change the course of one’s life and share his own lessons learned through the exchange of untold stories of his guests. He will interview authors and experts in the fields of philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, spirituality and religion, as well as individuals with unique points of view. He will also engage his listeners by answering their questions and also at times interview listeners who are willing to share their own stories of challenge and hardship.