We all self-censor at times. We keep quiet at dinner with our in-laws, or nod passively in a work meeting. But what happens when we take this deception a step further, and pretend we believe the opposite of what we really feel? In this favorite episode from 2020, economist and political scientist Timur Kuran explains how our personal, professional and political lives are shaped by the fear of what other people think.
A Conspiracy of Silence Read More »
Emmanuel is having trouble moving furniture into his first adult apartment when strangers come to his aid.
Emmanuel Dzotsi’s Story Read More »
Ritch remembers a friend from high school, and how her act of generosity changed the course of his life.
Ritch Addison’s Story Read More »
When Renée’s boyfriend loses his passport at the airport, she can tell he’s about to take his anger out on her. But then, a kind man appears and defuses the situation.
When disaster strikes — from the explosion of a space shuttle to the spread of a deadly virus — we want to know whether we could have avoided catastrophe. Did anyone speak up with concerns about the situation? And if so, why didn’t someone listen? This week, we revisit a favorite episode about the psychology of warnings, and how we can all become better at predicting the future.
You Don’t Need a Crystal Ball Read More »
On the way to an important meeting, Vige trips and is injured. Two kind strangers come to her aid.
Vige Barrie’s Story Read More »
Karl decides to quit piano lessons when he’s 12, because his new teacher is too strict. But then she says something that changes his mind, and transforms their relationship.
Karl Goldstein’s Story Read More »
After giving birth to her second child, Mary is struggling with her identity as a stay-at-home mom. But then an older woman says something to her that makes all the difference.
Mary Amato’s story Read More »
Do you ever stop to wonder if the way you see the world is how the world really is? Economist Abhijit Banerjee has spent a lifetime asking himself this question. His answer: Our world views often don’t reflect reality. The only way to get more accurate is to think like a scientist — even when you’re not looking through a microscope.
Putting Our Assumptions to the Test Read More »
