Liane Young, a psychologist and neuroscientist, discusses the fascinating concept of 'theory of mind'—the ability to understand what others are thinking. She explains how this cognitive skill develops in children and shapes our moral judgments, often leading to misunderstandings. Fred Luskin, an expert on forgiveness, answers listener questions about grudges, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and open communication. He illustrates how releasing grudges can pave the way for personal peace and healthier relationships.
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Parenting Accidental Misdeeds
Liane Young often yells at her kids for accidents like spilling smoothies or leaving permanent markers open.
She tells them it doesn't matter if it was an accident; what matters is they won't do it again.
insights INSIGHT
Theory of Mind Explained
Theory of mind is our ability to understand others' thoughts, beliefs, and intentions.
This ability enables us to enjoy complex humor like in Mrs. Doubtfire, understanding layered perspectives effortlessly.
insights INSIGHT
Children Develop False Belief Understanding
Young children struggle to understand false beliefs and separate others' knowledge from reality.
By age five, children grasp that others can hold false beliefs differing from reality.
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the missing ingredient for a healthy and lasting relationship
Fred Luskin
Forgive for Love delves into the crucial role of forgiveness in fostering healthy and lasting relationships. It explores how unforgiveness can damage intimate connections and offers practical strategies for cultivating compassion and understanding. The book emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and self-awareness in resolving conflicts and building stronger bonds. It provides tools for navigating difficult emotions and fostering resilience in the face of betrayal or hurt. Ultimately, it aims to guide readers towards more fulfilling and loving relationships by releasing the burden of resentment and fostering genuine connection.
The Remains of the Day
Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day is a novel told through the first-person narration of Stevens, a long-serving butler at Darlington Hall. In the summer of 1956, Stevens embarks on a six-day motoring trip through the West Country, which becomes a journey into his past. The novel explores Stevens' memories of his service during and after World War II, his relationship with the former housekeeper Miss Kenton, and the decline of the English aristocracy. It delves into themes of regret, repression, and the consequences of dedicating one's life to professional duty at the expense of personal happiness. The story is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the reliability of memory, and the human cost of maintaining a rigid professional persona[1][3][5].
Forgive for good
A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness
Frederic Luskin
Fred Luskin
In 'Forgive for Good', Dr. Fred Luskin presents a scientifically-proven nine-step forgiveness method that helps individuals move beyond the negative effects of anger, bitterness, and resentment. The book is based on his research at the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects and includes vivid examples from his work with various groups, such as victims of Northern Ireland's civil war. It emphasizes how true forgiveness can lead to improved physical and mental health, and provides tools and techniques to focus, de-stress, and forgive[1][3][5].
As we go through life, we’re constantly trying to figure out what other people are thinking and feeling. Psychologist Liane Young says this ability to assess other people’s thoughts is an extraordinary feat of cognition. This week, in a favorite episode from our archives, we explore this mental superpower — and how it can lead us astray.
In our conversation with Liane Young, we explore:
*The uniquely human ability to think about the minds of other people, which scientists refer to as "theory of mind."
*How and when young children develop this ability to intuit what's happening in other people's minds.
*Why our understanding of other people's minds affects our moral judgments — and how those judgments can be disabled.
*How misreading another person's intentions can affect our lives in both small and significant ways.
Then, in the second part of this week's show, we welcome back researcher Fred Luskin, who responds to listeners' questions about grudges. If you missed the original conversation with Fred Luskin, listen to our episode No Hard Feelings.
Hidden Brain 
