In 'How Minds Change,' David McRaney delves into the latest research from psychologists and neuroscientists to explain why people believe what they do and how those beliefs can change. The book examines various methods such as deep canvassing and social epistemology, and features stories of individuals who have dramatically changed their minds, including a former 9/11 conspiracy theorist and a member of the Westboro Baptist Church. McRaney emphasizes the importance of empathetic conversations over debates and provides practical advice on how to influence others by focusing on their personal experiences rather than presenting facts alone.
Your Brain on Art explores the intersection of neuroscience and art, demonstrating how creative activities can positively impact brain function and overall well-being. The book delves into the neurological processes involved in artistic creation and appreciation, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of art for individuals facing various challenges. It showcases case studies and research findings to support its claims, offering a compelling argument for the integration of art into healthcare and education. The authors emphasize the transformative power of art to foster emotional regulation, cognitive enhancement, and social connection. Ultimately, the book advocates for a broader understanding of art's role in promoting human flourishing.
In this book, Jonathan Haidt draws on twenty-five years of research on moral psychology to explain why people's moral judgments are driven by intuition rather than reason. He introduces the Moral Foundations Theory, which posits that human morality is based on six foundations: care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation, and liberty/oppression. Haidt argues that liberals tend to focus on the care/harm and fairness/cheating foundations, while conservatives draw on all six. The book also explores how morality binds and blinds people, leading to social cohesion but also to conflicts. Haidt aims to promote understanding and civility by highlighting the commonalities and differences in moral intuitions across political spectra.
In this classic work, Csikszentmihalyi investigates 'optimal experience' and reveals that true happiness and satisfaction can be achieved through a state of consciousness called 'flow.' During flow, individuals experience complete concentration on the task, clarity of goals, and immediate feedback. The book demonstrates how this positive state can be controlled and how it can improve the quality of life by unlocking meaning, creativity, and peak performance.
This book argues that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to human existence, allowing for two incompatible versions of the world. The left hemisphere is detail-oriented, prefers mechanisms to living things, and is inclined to self-interest, while the right hemisphere has greater breadth, flexibility, and generosity. McGilchrist takes the reader on a journey through the history of Western culture, illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists from ancient to modern times. He argues that the increasing dominance of the left hemisphere in today’s world has potentially disastrous consequences.
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Discover the intricate dance between our brain's natural tendencies and the relentless flood of modern information. Learn how stress and anxiety can disrupt cognitive biases and alter our perception of the world. Our discussion kicks off with an eye-opening study on neurophysiological responses to polarized environments and the influence of technology and social media in reinforcing echo chambers. We examine the crucial role of discomfort as a catalyst for change, reminding listeners not to demonize opposing viewpoints. Highlighting Marshall McLuhan's 'global village,' we explore how electronic media thrusts us into the affairs of distant places, questioning whether this interconnectedness is more burden than boon.
Our conversation branches into the strain of information overload on our cognitive capacity and its profound effects on decision-making processes. We challenge the brain's finite limits, drawing on Dunbar's number and examining how stress can inhibit creativity and innovation in organizational settings. Dr. Delia McCabe joins us to share her expertise on the transformative potential of shifting mindsets and the role of holistic integration in stress management. From the potential appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in health policy to the complexities of food systems, our dialogue touches on the intricate connections between physical health and brain function.
But the exploration doesn't end there. We venture into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like psilocybin, offering fresh insights into their role in enhancing mental well-being. Our discussion with Dr. McCabe reveals the importance of experienced guidance during psychedelic experiences and warns against the allure of constant enlightenment. We close with a nod to New Year's resolutions, urging listeners to embrace change and aesthetics as we dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience, societal impacts, and the power of art and nature. All this and more await your curious mind on this engaging episode.
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March 25, 2025
Flow Learning Lab
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