No Stupid Questions

63. How Contagious Is Behavior? With Laurie Santos of “The Happiness Lab.” (Replay)

75 snips
Dec 31, 2023
Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of "The Happiness Lab," joins to discuss intriguing topics about human behavior and happiness. They explore why we unconsciously mimic others, like adopting accents or gestures. Santos delves into the paradox of success, revealing why achieving goals often leads to dissatisfaction. This conversation also unpacks the hedonic treadmill, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and gratitude in cultivating happiness. It's a thought-provoking look at how our behaviors can shape our emotional well-being.
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ANECDOTE

Accent Mimicry

  • Angela Duckworth adopted a British accent after spending two years in Oxford.
  • Laurie Santos also adopted a British accent and mannerisms while in graduate school.
ANECDOTE

Lost Research Role

  • Laurie Santos lost a research position because she couldn't pronounce "R" sounds correctly.
  • Her accent changed after rooming with people from New Orleans and Pittsburgh.
INSIGHT

Behavioral Contagion

  • Mimicking mannerisms and accents, known as behavioral contagion, is a natural part of human cognition.
  • This behavior is observed in animals, such as fish schooling, and is an evolved trait.
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