Jonathan Schooler

Jonathan Schooler, a neuroscientist from UC Santa Barbara, joins to tackle the uncomfortable truth about boredom. He reveals how mind-wandering can actually enhance creativity and happiness. Dr. Laurie shares her personal struggles with boredom, but learns to embrace it as a powerful tool for innovation. They discuss how moments of inactivity can lead to profound insights and personal growth, challenging the modern mindset that constantly seeks stimulation. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of accepting boredom in our lives.

Jonathan Schooler is a Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at UC Santa Barbara. He delves into the fascinating interplay between mind-wandering, meta-awareness, and consciousness. The conversation reveals how drifting thoughts influence creativity and reading comprehension. They explore the impact of smartphones on awareness and idea generation. Philosophical discussions on free will and the complexities of emotional awareness add depth, highlighting the role of mindfulness in enhancing cognitive performance and navigating life's challenges.

Jonathan Schooler, an esteemed psychologist and professor, dives into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and consciousness. He discusses the ethical implications of conscious AI and the psychological aspects, including mind-wandering and free will. Schooler speculatively explores whether AI could experience consciousness similar to humans. The conversation also probes into the implications of merging human cognition with AI, considering the future of transhumanism and the potential benefits and risks associated with advanced AI systems.

In this captivating discussion, Jonathan Schooler, a leading consciousness researcher and founder of Meta Lab at UCSB, explores the depths of human awareness. He delves into mind wandering, revealing how it uncovers hidden layers of thought and creativity. Schooler introduces his Nested Observer Windows model, likening consciousness to a hierarchical mosaic of experiences. The conversation also touches on the illusions of introspection, the complexities of time perception, and the intriguing notion of consciousness possibly extending beyond the brain and even beyond death.

Jonathan Schooler, Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at UC Santa Barbara, discusses curiosity and creativity, differences between general interest and deprivation curiosity, the transformative power of asking questions, and the value of curiosity practices and mindfulness. Also, an app to increase curiosity and the analogies of curiosity to clouds and postage stamps.