Join Jay Van Bavel, an NYU psychology professor, and Annie Murphy Paul, a science writer and author, as they explore the fascinating dynamics of human groups. They discuss how collective thinking can tackle societal issues like climate change and polarization. The power of 'groupiness' highlights communication's role in collaboration, and the 'extended mind' concept reveals how our surroundings influence our mental processes. The conversation also touches on inclusivity and the impact of the metaverse on learning, emphasizing the need for meaningful connections.
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insights INSIGHT
Power of Synchrony in Groups
Synchronizing physical movements like walking or stretching creates a sense of groupiness, bonding people together.
Such basic, primal acts foster better communication and collaboration among group members.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Teaching from a Stuck Elevator
Jay Van Bavel taught a class from a stuck elevator during the pandemic while his kids watched.
That unusual shared experience caused students to bond and engage more than in previous semesters.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Shared Goals and Experiences
Create common goals for a group to boost brain synchrony and cooperative behavior.
Shared strong experiences, even difficult ones, can increase group bonding and engagement.
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In 'The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain,' Annie Murphy Paul argues that our minds are not confined to the brain but extend into our bodies, surroundings, and social relationships. The book explores embodied, situated, and distributed cognition, providing practical advice on how to think better by utilizing 'extra-neural' resources such as bodily sensations, physical spaces, and the minds of others. Paul draws on research from neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, and psychologists, as well as examples from artists, scientists, and leaders who have successfully used these mental extensions to solve problems and create new works[2][4][5].
Supercommunicators
How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection
Charles Duhigg
In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the secrets of 'supercommunicators' who excel at connecting with others. He delves into the three distinct types of conversations—practical, emotional, and social—and provides practical strategies and case studies to illustrate how to recognize and navigate these conversations effectively. The book includes examples from various contexts, such as jury deliberations, CIA recruitments, and workplace interactions, to demonstrate how communication can be improved. Duhigg emphasizes the importance of active listening, identifying complex emotions, and matching the type of conversation to enhance connection and understanding.
This episode is from the 2022 Aspen Ideas Festival, but we’re bringing it back because it’s still as relevant as ever. Though it can sometimes feel like conflict and discord is human nature, our brains are actually predisposed to forming groups and working together. In our individualistic society, we may think our minds stop at our skulls, but when people come together and connect effectively, they actually think in different ways, and they all become smarter and healthier together. Science writer Annie Murphy Paul, the author of “The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain,” joins NYU psychology professor Jay Van Bavel for a participatory conversation about uniting people to solve problems and work towards common goals. Again and again, research demonstrates the power of groups, and the panelists help us translate these findings into practical tips for encouraging people to collaborate functionally. New Yorker writer Charles Duhigg moderates the conversation and takes questions from the audience.
Aspen Ideas to Go 
