Cognitive scientist Nafees Hamid studies the minds of people drawn to radical or fringe ideas. This week, he takes us on a deep dive into the motivations of people on the brink of extremism — and those who have already been radicalized. We examine what prompts people to turn to violence, and how to pull them back from the seductive appeal of extremist ideas.
Out Of The Rabbit Hole Read More »
Have you ever had a flash of insight that hit you when you least expected it? How did it change your life? This week, a look at the “jolts” that shake us out of our routines.
Blowing Up Your Life Read More »
From childhood, we’re taught that honesty is the best policy. Yet in everyday life, we hedge, soften our words, and leave things unsaid.
The Things We Don’t Say Read More »
Think about the last time a piece of music stopped you in your tracks, or a novel kept you up late at night. Why do these experiences feel so powerful?
What Art Does For Your Brain Read More »
When we look at the people we love, how clearly do we really see them? This week, how our fears, desires, and insecurities can shape our perceptions of our partners — sometimes creating the very reality we expect.
How to Be a Better Partner Read More »
Some people are remarkably good at reading the emotional temperature of a situation. What’s their secret?
How Feelings Make Us Smarter Read More »
When we’re learning, or trying new things, mistakes are inevitable. Some of these mistakes provide us with valuable information, while others are just harmful. This week, we kick off the new year with researcher Amy Edmondson, who explains the difference between constructive failures and those we should try to avoid.
Making the Most of Your Mistakes Read More »
Stories about unlikely heroes have captivated people for thousands of years. This week, why the “hero’s journey” resonates so deeply, and how the stories we tell about our own lives can shape our sense of purpose.
You Are Not Ordinary Read More »
This week, we look at what’s really happening when we experience pain, and how a better understanding of this process can open up new possibilities for treatment and healing.
How to Combat Pain Read More »
Our brains navigate the world by coming up with mental maps. These maps act like an autopilot system. But sometimes, they can lead us astray.
Changing Our Mental Maps Read More »
