Big Think Your brain’s survival algorithm is outdated. Here’s how to upgrade it | Amanda Ripley
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Jul 13, 2025 
Amanda Ripley, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on human behavior in crises, delves into how our minds react when disaster strikes. She reveals the concept of 'disaster personality' and discusses how denial often leads to poor decisions. With insights from survivors and her research, Ripley highlights the importance of preparation and community trust in severe situations. The podcast also features gripping stories from events like 9/11, revealing how people can change their responses for better survival outcomes.
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Your Disaster Personality
- People have disaster personalities different from their everyday selves.
- In disasters, responses range from denial and freezing to heroism and decisive action.
The Normalcy Bias Explained
- Normalcy bias makes people deny emergencies and carry on as if nothing is wrong.
- This bias often delays reaction even when danger is very close and obvious.
Stress Can Impair Survival Skills
- Excessive fear impairs physical and sensory functions necessary for survival.
- High stress narrows focus and causes sensory distortions, reducing situational awareness.
