The Art of Manliness

From Plane Crashes to Terrorist Attacks — Who Survives, and Why

116 snips
Jul 29, 2025
Amanda Ripley, author of The Unthinkable, shares insights from her extensive research on human responses to crises. She reveals that passivity, rather than panic, often poses the greatest threat during emergencies. Amanda discusses the critical role of preparedness and informed decision-making, the surprising calm observed in the World Trade Center on 9/11, and how personal experiences affect risk assessment. Her practical tips on improving survival instincts highlight the complex psychology behind our reactions in life-threatening situations.
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INSIGHT

Calm Denial Over Panic

  • People initially respond to disasters with calm denial, not panic, which is contrary to popular belief.
  • This normalcy bias can lead to dangerous delays in taking action during emergencies.
INSIGHT

Passivity Over Panic Threat

  • The biggest threat during emergencies is passivity, not panic.
  • Authority figures often underestimate public resilience and withhold information, worsening distrust and outcomes.
ADVICE

Use Airplane Safety Cards

  • Read the airplane safety card and locate emergency exits beforehand.
  • This situational awareness and muscle memory greatly increase survival chances during airplane emergencies.
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