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.
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insights INSIGHT
The Novelty-Seeking Human
Humans are naturally drawn to novelty and quickly become bored with familiar experiences.
This desire for change is ingrained in us, stemming from our ancestors' need to adapt to environmental shifts.
insights INSIGHT
Thinking Outside the Brain
Thinking isn't confined to the brain; we utilize external resources like body movements, surroundings, and tools.
Gestures, for example, often precede conscious thought, offering hints about what we're about to say.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Free Up Your Mind
Offload routine mental tasks like remembering information to external tools or devices.
This frees up mental bandwidth for higher-level cognitive activities like planning and creating.
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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].
The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness
Robert Waldinger
Marc Schulz
This book, written by the directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, argues that the key to a happy and fulfilling life is strong relationships. The study, which has followed the lives of over 1,300 individuals from two generations of families for more than 80 years, reveals that good relationships predict better health and happiness. The authors present insights from the personal stories of the study's participants, supported by findings from numerous other scientific studies. The book emphasizes that relationships in all forms—friendships, romantic partnerships, families, and more—contribute to a happier and healthier life, and it provides practical advice on how to strengthen and build these connections[2][3][5].
Quiet
The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Susan Cain
In 'Quiet', Susan Cain presents a comprehensive argument that modern Western culture misunderstands and undervalues the traits and capabilities of introverted people. She charts the rise of the 'Extrovert Ideal' and explores how it permeates various aspects of society, including workplaces, schools, and social interactions. Cain draws on research from biology, psychology, neuroscience, and evolution to demonstrate that introversion is common, normal, and valuable. The book offers advice for introverts on functioning in an extrovert-dominated culture and advocates for changes to support and recognize the contributions of introverts. It also distinguishes between introversion, shyness, and anti-social behavior, and highlights the unique strengths of introverts, such as deep thinking, persistence, and excellent negotiation skills.
We humans love novelty. We seek it out. While that can be good, it can also get us in trouble. This episode begins by exploring why we seek out new things, places and experiences and what happens after we do. Source: Winifred Gallagher author of the book New (https://amzn.to/3XsAxRb)
Did you know that one of the reasons we gesture with our hands when we talk is to help us figure out what to say next? That is just one example of how thinking isn’t all about what goes on in the brain, according to my guest Annie Murphy Paul. She is science writer whose work has appeared in the Boston Globe, Scientific American, Slate, Time magazine and she is author of the bestselling book The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain (https://amzn.to/3Hp3k3R)
Imagine if you followed and studied a group of people for decades and watched how they lived? You would discover a lot about what makes people healthy and happy over time. That’s what The Harvard Study of Adult Development is all about. Researchers have followed the lives of two generations of individuals from the same families for more than 80 years. Listen and you will be amazed by what they found. My guest is Robert J. Waldinger, who directs the study and is author of the book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness (https://amzn.to/3HpbFVc)
Where are you on the introvert/extrovert scale? Listen as I explain the difference between extroversion and introversion and how to tell which one you are. You will also discover the difference between being shy and being introverted. And it’s a big difference. Source: Susan Cain author Quiet (https://amzn.to/3XQUH7d)
Something You Should Know 
