Bruce Hood

In this conversation with Bruce Hood, a developmental psychologist and author of *Super Sense*, the exploration of why our brains embrace superstition is captivating. Hood discusses how humans assign meaning to objects, like wearing a murderer’s sweater, and the childhood roots of magical thinking. The interplay between rationality and cultural myths reveals deep psychological insights. Additionally, he delves into cognitive biases behind our belief in the unbelievable and how emotional attachments shape our identities, connecting all of this to everyday life.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Bruce Hood, a noted developmental psychologist and author, unpacks the intriguing idea that our sense of self is an illusion shaped by childhood experiences. He argues that the self arises from social interactions and is deeply linked to brain development. Hood explores how perceptions and narratives construct our identities, the effects of stress on behavior, and the challenges of self-identity in the digital age, highlighting the crucial role of real-life connections amid online personas.