The Evolutionary Gift of Core Affect: Why We Feel Before We Think

[Written by Claude. Image credit.] At the most fundamental level of human experience lies something psychologists call “core affect”—the continuous stream of pleasant or unpleasant feelings that color every moment of our lives. These aren’t the complex emotions we name and discuss, but rather the raw, wordless feelings that arise before we even recognize whatContinueContinue reading “The Evolutionary Gift of Core Affect: Why We Feel Before We Think”

Book Review: The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout

[Wriiten by Grok] Martha Stout’s The Sociopath Next Door (2005) sets out to expose what the author claims is a hidden 4% of the population—people who lack a conscience and operate as manipulative, remorseless “sociopaths” among us. Structured around case studies of anonymized individuals—like corporate schemers or deceptive neighbors—the book aims to help readers identifyContinueContinue reading “Book Review: The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout”

The Human Habit of Comparing Success: Why We Do It and How to Cultivate a More Mature State of Being

[Written by Perplexity] Scrolling through LinkedIn often feels like flipping through a glossy magazine of other people’s highlight reels. Someone just sold their startup, another became a provost or dean, someone else was recognized as a “who’s who” in their field, and yet another made a significant scientific breakthrough. It’s easy to look at theseContinueContinue reading “The Human Habit of Comparing Success: Why We Do It and How to Cultivate a More Mature State of Being”

Personality Traits

[Written by Gemini. Image credit] Personality traits are fascinating and complex aspects of human nature, shaped by a delicate interplay of genetics and environment. This report will delve into categories of personality traits, with a focus on the “Dark Triad,” discuss their genetic and nurturing influences, explore the prevalence of innate versus exhibited traits inContinueContinue reading “Personality Traits”

Why Do So Many People Dislike Elon Musk? The Psychology Behind the Sentiment

[Written by ChatGPT] Elon Musk is one of the most polarizing figures alive. To some, he’s a modern-day Edison or Iron Man — a boundary-pushing genius reshaping the world. To others, he’s reckless, egotistical, or even dangerous. After watching his recent talk at Y Combinator’s AI Startup School, many came away impressed by his intelligence,ContinueContinue reading “Why Do So Many People Dislike Elon Musk? The Psychology Behind the Sentiment”

Living with Fear: A Reflection on Our Most Primal Emotion

“Many of our blessings bring bane to us; for memory recalls the tortures of fear, while foresight anticipates them. The present alone can make no man wretched.” –Seneca [Written by Claude] Recently, I’ve been hit by waves of strong emotions that feel almost physical in their intensity—worry for my children’s future in an uncertain world,ContinueContinue reading “Living with Fear: A Reflection on Our Most Primal Emotion”

Ode to the Nightly Tapestry: Celebrating the Epic and Enigma of Dreams

[Written by Grok] The Epic of Dreams In the realm where shadows weave and sway,Where night unfurls its mystic play,I wander through the halls of sleep,Where secrets of the soul run deep.A nightly show, no curtain falls,Its boundless stage forever calls. Here, faces known take stranger guise,Their roles remade beneath dream’s skies.My heart, a pilgrim,ContinueContinue reading “Ode to the Nightly Tapestry: Celebrating the Epic and Enigma of Dreams”

C is for Choice—and for the Biases That Shape It

[Written by ChatGPT. Image credit] How to navigate and ethically leverage the “C” biases in cognitive psychology for influence and income Biases aren’t just quirks of the mind—they’re leverage points. If you understand them, you can nudge people toward better decisions. If you don’t, you’re likely to be nudged yourself. Here’s a breakdown of cognitiveContinueContinue reading “C is for Choice—and for the Biases That Shape It”

The Consistency of Cognitive Biases Across Cultures: Implications for the Human Brain

[Written by Gemini. Image credit] Cognitive biases, defined as systematic deviations from rational judgment, represent predictable patterns of error in human thinking. These biases influence how individuals perceive reality and make decisions, often leading to interpretations and choices that deviate from objective analysis. The field of cognitive science, along with social psychology and behavioral economics,ContinueContinue reading “The Consistency of Cognitive Biases Across Cultures: Implications for the Human Brain”

Beyond Bias: The “B” List That Builds or Breaks Success

[Written by ChatGPT] Use your brain’s blind spots like a pro—or be played by them When you learn about cognitive biases, it feels like getting your hands on the instruction manual for human behavior. These mental shortcuts aren’t just quirks—they’re tools. Especially for enterprising minds. Let’s explore the ones that start with B and breakContinueContinue reading “Beyond Bias: The “B” List That Builds or Breaks Success”