The art of thinking straight
How to use your brain properly to discern the bias — and wisdom — in conspiracy theories.
Is it collusion, or incompetence, or there’s really nothing to see here?
Empathy
Empathy is a pet topic of mine. It’s a key component of Emotional Intelligence and so can to a large extent be learned.
I’m considering writing a book about how the skill of empathy, or its lack, lies at the foundation of all human progress and failure. Perhaps I will. For now, here are some articles that make mention of it…
The courage to be disliked
What’s your disapproval personality type? If I told you it’s possible to learn to tolerate criticism and disapproval, would you want to?
A fascinating exposition of resilience, from the habit of people-pleasing to psychopathy in global politics.
Warning: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) may harm your relationships
Research shows that the way some painkilling drugs work may significantly suppress your ability to feel empathy for others’ pain and pleasure.
You’re smarter than you think
Do you think only with your brain? Or is intelligence an embodied phenomenon?
This article explores the science and subjectivity of perception and interoception – and the profound, untapped wisdom of your body.
Should presidents and prime ministers have mental health selection criteria?
If the US presidency were a regular job, Psychologists would draw up selection criteria and candidates would be screened for stability and competence.
How might the world look if more leaders were earnest public servants instead of unstable egoists and sociopaths?
Is your boss a corporate psychopath?
Does this remind you of anyone? Superficially charming, even warm. Extreme intimidation of others. Manipulative and controlling. Bad tempered. Self-obsessed. Lacking remorse.
Then you may be working with a corporate psychopath. Contrary to popular understanding, psychopathology is not always about murderousness. It’s defined broadly as …
And there’s a surprising amount of it about. One woman in 200 is classifiable as a psychopath, as is one man in 80. Chances are, you have a psychopath in your building. Read more…