Dr. Abigail Marsh, an Associate Professor at Georgetown University and author of "Fear Factor," delves into the nature of fear and its transformative potential. She discusses the trainable aspects of courage and how overcoming fear can enhance altruistic behavior. Marsh explores the connection between personal suffering, empathy, and altruism, while highlighting the role of fear in fostering human connection. Through relatable examples, she challenges perceptions of bravery, advocating for compassion and community resilience, especially in the face of societal challenges.
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Highway Rescue
Abigail Marsh was once stranded on a freeway overpass, fearing for her life.
A stranger risked his life by running across the freeway to help her.
insights INSIGHT
Fear and Altruism
Truly fearless people, like psychopaths, are less likely to be altruistic.
Altruistic individuals are acutely aware of fear, allowing them to empathize and act bravely.
insights INSIGHT
Automatic Altruism
Altruistic actions often happen without much conscious thought.
Marsh jumped into a pool to save her daughter, mirroring the automatic responses of altruists.
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The novel centers around 13-year-old Theodore Decker, whose life dramatically changes after he survives a terrorist attack at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where his mother is killed. During the chaos, Theo takes the famous Dutch painting 'The Goldfinch' by Carel Fabritius. The story follows Theo's journey through grief, guilt, and his complex relationships, including his friendship with Boris and his involvement in the art underworld. The novel spans several years, detailing Theo's struggles with identity, loss, and the impact of the painting on his life[5][6][2].
The Overstory
Richard Powers
The Overstory is a sweeping and impassioned work of environmental fiction that follows the lives of nine individuals whose paths are intertwined by their connections to trees. The novel is structured in four parts – 'Roots', 'Trunk', 'Crown', and 'Seeds' – mirroring the parts of a tree. It delves into themes of ecology, climate change, and the interconnectedness of trees and humans, using a blend of science, history, and magical realism. The book advocates for the protection of trees and the natural world, posing critical questions about humanity's relationship with the environment and the long-term consequences of human actions[2][4][5].
The Fear Factor
How One Emotion Connects Altruists, Psychopaths, and Everyone In-Between
Abigail Marsh
In 'The Fear Factor', Abigail Marsh delves into the neuroscience behind human kindness and cruelty by studying the brains of psychopaths and extreme altruists. She reveals that the key to understanding these extremes lies in how our brains respond to others' fear, with altruists being more sensitive to fear and psychopaths less so. The book offers insights into the evolutionary roots of altruism and how we can cultivate more compassionate behaviors.
There’s no shortage of fear these days -- the virus, the climate, racial injustice, political tumult… I could go on. But can you change the way your brain reacts to fear? Moreover, can you train courage? Abigail Marsh says yes; overcoming fear is a trainable skill. She’s an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at Georgetown University. She’s also the author of the book Fear Factor: How One Emotion Connects Altruists, Psychopaths, and Everyone In-Between. This is a classic TPH podcast conversation: an ace scientist whose area of expertise illuminates key aspects of the human condition. Enjoy. Where to find Dr. Abigail Marsh online: Website: http://www.abigailmarsh.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/aa_marsh Book Mentioned: Fear Factor: How One Emotion Connects Altruists, Psychopaths, and Everyone In-Between by Abigail Marsh: https://bookshop.org/books/the-fear-factor-how-one-emotion-connects-altruists-psychopaths-and-everyone-in-between/9781541697195 We care deeply about supporting you in your meditation practice, and feel that providing you with high quality teachers is one of the best ways to do that. Customers of the Ten Percent Happier app say they stick around specifically for the range of teachers, and the deep wisdom they impart, to help them deepen their practice. For anyone new to the app, we've got a special discount just for you. If you're an existing subscriber, we thank you for your support. To claim your discount, visit tenpercent.com/reward We would appreciate it if you can take a few minutes to help us out by answering a survey. The team here is always looking for ways to improve. Please go to www.tenpercent.com/survey. Thank you. Other Resources Mentioned: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: https://bookshop.org/books/the-goldfinch/9780316055420 Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg: https://bookshop.org/books/lovingkindness-the-revolutionary-art-of-happiness/9781611808209 The Overstory by Richard Powers: https://bookshop.org/books/the-overstory/9780393356687 Clara Barton: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/clara-barton.html Additional Resources: Ten Percent Happier Live: https://tenpercent.com/live Coronavirus Sanity Guide: https://www.tenpercent.com/coronavirussanityguide Free App access for Frontline Workers: https://tenpercent.com/care Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/dr-abigail-marsh-287
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