Plain English with Derek Thompson cover image

Plain English with Derek Thompson

How to Be Happy and the Science of Cognitive Time Travel

Aug 9, 2024
Laurie Santos, a Yale cognitive scientist and host of the ‘Happiness Lab’ podcast, shares her insights on happiness research. Discover how our perceptions of time shape our well-being, from grappling with regrets to harnessing nostalgia. She explains the concept of psychological distancing to reduce anxiety and illustrates how writing to our future selves can enhance happiness. Dive into the importance of genuine connections, the effects of technology on social interactions, and the intricate balance between fleeting joy and lasting life satisfaction.
01:07:19

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Temporal displacement contributes to unhappiness as individuals often dwell on past regrets or future anxieties rather than living in the present.
  • Utilizing cognitive time travel effectively allows for personal growth by enabling reflections on past experiences and planning for future goals.

Deep dives

The Sony Pictures Hack and Its Impact

In 2014, a significant breach at Sony Pictures resulted in the unauthorized release of confidential documents, marking the largest security breach in Hollywood history. This incident not only caused a major international stir but also had far-reaching implications on the movie industry and the lives of many individuals involved. The attack shed light on the vulnerabilities in cybersecurity within major corporations and emphasized the risks associated with digital information management. The repercussions were felt broadly, altering the production landscape and prompting a reevaluation of security protocols across similar organizations.

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