Standard Deviations with Dr. Daniel Crosby Dr. Daniel Crosby - Seek Out the Unexpected
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Sep 18, 2025 Discover insights on learned helplessness through the lens of circus animals and how to break free from limiting beliefs. Explore habituation's effects on joy, especially regarding favorite songs, and learn strategies to reignite that excitement. Delve into the importance of diversifying experiences for a richer life, akin to diversifying portfolios. Reflect on Sartre's concept of 'bad faith' and its implications for authentic living. This discussion combines psychology, philosophy, and practical tips to enhance personal growth.
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Elephant Story On Learned Helplessness
- Jorge Bucay recalls a childhood memory of an elephant tied to a tiny stake at the circus that couldn't free itself.
- The elephant learned helplessness from repeated failed escapes and accepted its limited fate despite its strength.
Habituation Helps Emotional Recovery
- Habituation reduces emotional response to repeated stimuli and has adaptive value for recovery after trauma.
- Lottery winners and paraplegics both report substantial happiness due to habituation restoring baseline feelings.
Habituation Can Dull Appreciation
- Habituation can also blind us to everyday beauty and make pleasures feel ordinary over time.
- This same process keeps people tethered to less meaningful lives through unnoticed routines.
