What does it mean to be stoic? Many of us assume it means you have a stiff upper lip, or that you suppress your emotions. That’s what Massimo Pigliucci thought — until he started to peruse a book called Meditations. It was written nearly two thousand years ago by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. But Massimo, now a […]
You 2.0: The Wisdom of Stoicism Read More »
This week, we bring you a favorite episode with sociologist Robb Willer. We discuss the common mistakes we make in trying to persuade others of our point of view — and how to break out of our echo chambers. Then, Kenji Yoshino answers your questions about how we hide our true selves.
Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and “Covering” Read More »
Learning to play a musical instrument is hard. So is trying to run a marathon, writing a term paper, and caring for a sick child. These things involve frustration, pain, and disappointment — yet we do them anyway. This week, in part two of our look at the allure of suffering, psychologist Michael Inzlicht explains what we
Doing it the Hard Way Read More »
We generally think of pain as something to be avoided. But psychologist Paul Bloom says that as much as we’re wired to avoid suffering, we also seek it out. This week, we begin a two-part mini series about the curious pleasure we take in certain forms of pain.
Ouch! That Feels Great Read More »
Revenge often feels sweet, but what price do we pay for seeking it out? Researcher James Kimmel, Jr. proposes a radical theory: our desire for vengeance operates like an addiction in the brain. This week, how “revenge addiction” plays out in our everyday lives — and on a global scale.
The Price of Revenge Read More »
Have you ever encountered someone who clearly knows you, but you have no idea who they are? This week, we feature a classic Hidden Brain episode about people on opposite ends of the facial recognition spectrum. Then, in the second part of the show, we bring you another perspective on facial recognition from the Revisionist
Do I Know You? (A Hidden Brain-Revisionist History Special) Read More »
Forgetting something — whether it’s a colleague’s name or where we put our keys — can be deeply frustrating. This week, psychologist Ciara Greene helps us explore the science of forgetting. We look at why our minds hold on to some memories for a lifetime, but discard others within seconds. And we grapple with a question many people ask themselves: Is my forgetfulness a sign that something is wrong with me?
When we head into a negotiation, our focus is usually on getting the other person to agree to our preferred outcome. What we don’t focus on are our own biases and blind spots.
Relationships 2.0: Become a Better Negotiator Read More »
Often in life, we find ourselves wrestling with a decision. But in running these mental calculations, there’s something we rarely consider about the future: we might not be the same person when we get there. This week, philosopher Laurie Paul explores how life-altering events reshape who we are, and offers psychological tools for bouncing back.
The Moments that Change Us Read More »
When should you stay the course in life, and when should you shift with changing tides?
