Something You Should Know cover image

Something You Should Know

Why Thinking Is Not All In Your Head & Secrets From the Longest Study of Happiness - SYSK Choice

Feb 1, 2025
Annie Murphy Paul, a renowned science writer and author of "The Extended Mind," dives into how our thinking extends beyond the brain, highlighting the role of gestures and surroundings in cognitive processes. She explores the benefits of unconventional thinking methods. Robert J. Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist and director of the longest study on happiness, shares insights into how meaningful relationships shape emotional well-being and longevity. Their discussions bridge the gap between cognition, environment, and the essence of happiness.
51:29

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Humans possess an inherent desire for novelty, which drives exploration but can lead to challenges in maintaining sustained interest over time.
  • Strong and reliable relationships are crucial for health and happiness, emphasizing the importance of social connections in managing life's stresses.

Deep dives

The Insatiable Appetite for Novelty

Human beings have an innate drive to seek out novelty, a trait that can be traced back to survival instincts from early human history. This desire for change often leads to quick boredom with new experiences, as demonstrated in research where even newborns show a preference for new stimuli after a brief exposure. Notably, about 15% of individuals are thrill-seekers eager for constant change, while a similar percentage prefers stability, with the majority falling somewhere in between. Understanding where one fits on this novelty-seeking spectrum can help individuals appreciate their own preferences without judgment.

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