The use of placebos can have a significant impact on improving subjective experiences such as anxiety, pain, and mental functioning, even if they cannot physically treat conditions like setting broken bones or shrinking tumors. It is important to recognize the influence of placebos on a person's perception of their condition and to not dismiss the potential improvements in suffering that can result from a placebo, whether it is given openly or not.
Faith has always been a strong force in human history – but in modern times, it may feel antiquated to have it. Psychology professor and author David DeSteno has conducted research exploring questions about the benefits of faith, and in this episode he shares his findings, and why he believes even in the age of science, we shouldn’t leave spiritual wisdom behind.
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