There is a growing body of research demonstrating that humans are far from the rational thinkers and decision makers that we would like us to believe we are. Research has shown, for example, that our mood even smells can alter how we perceive, interpret, and decide about people and situations. Despite our highly developed cerebral [...]
Genius doesn’t usually interest or impress me. My work in performance psychology has frequently exposed me to child prodigies and assorted other geniuses in academia, sports, and the performing arts, so perhaps I have become inured to the experience of people born with special talents. Also, I think genius is often overrated. I have known [...]
A fascinating article in The New York Times describes how superstitions actually do work, but not in the way you think. What they do is reduce worry about an event.
An interesting article in the New York Times describes research that suggests that a messy environment increases creativity. FYI, I am the antithesis of messiness (just look at my office!). :->
Is it just me or are people more self-conscious than ever before? Thanks in no small part to the Internet, it does seem like everyone, at least celebrities such actors, pop singers, and professional athletes, seems to be “under the microscope” these days. They are stalked by the paparazzi, web sites chronicle their every step, [...]
It’s a wonder that good decisions are ever made by the species known as Homo Sapiens. The reality is that the cards are stacked against us whenever we are faced with choices, especially when the decisions are of consequence. Think about all of the horrendously bad decisions that have been made in recent history and [...]
Worry is a natural part of the human condition. It has historically played a vital role in our survival and it helps us cope with many of the challenges we face today. At the same time, worry that is too intense, too frequent, and too unrelenting can definitely cut down on your happiness and enjoyment [...]
In a recent post, I suggested that our survival instinct, which has served us so well for so long, may now be failing us. Why? because the reactions that arise as part of the fight-or-flight response are often no longer effective in a world that is far more complex, unpredictable, and uncontrollable than that of [...]
A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about what I thought was the worst possible emotion. There are certainly enough worthy aspirants including hate, anger, and sadness. But I felt regret was the winner (or should I say loser) because its causes can’t be undone, it slowly eats away at your soul, and it [...]
The human instinct to survive is our most powerful drive. Since animals climbed out of the primordial muck and as our early ancestors rose from all fours to walk upright, evolution has been guided by its ability to help us survive and reproduce. Just about everything that humans have become serves that essential purpose, in [...]