How to pronounce aesthetic (and other tricky words)

How to pronounce - prejudiuce - poignant - ennui - aesthetic

If you’re like me you love discovering new words in books, in everyday conversation. Expanding your vocabulary just feels… nice. Like you’ve done something good for your brain. And having new words in your linguistic armory is a useful tool whenever you want to explain concepts that are hard to do in more mundane, common … Read more

The psychology of adult thumbsucking

Thumbsucking is a common, perfectly normal behaviour in babies and infants which most of us grow out of. But what does it mean when thumbsucking continues into adulthood? We take a dive into the psychology of adult thumbsucking and the causes, consequences and side effects. First off, let’s take a trip back to the womb…. … Read more

33 Most Overrated Things in 2023

Most overrated things 2023

This is my highly subjective, opinionated list of the most highly overrated things in 2023. Society and politics 1) A formal education Do you really need a college degree to get on in life these days? Well, if you want to become a surgeon, YouTube videos aren’t going to win over 8 years at med … Read more

Is reading subtitles good for your brain?

Is reading TV subtitles good for your brain?

Is reading subtitles good for your brain? Short answer, yes. Reading subtitles while you’re watching TV or a movie has multiple cognitive benefits; strengthening reading skills, boosting comprehension and attention to detail, and improving memory. Subtitles are back in fashion Subtitles are experiencing a renaissance. According to a recent survey 80% of 18-25 year olds … Read more

12 unusual ways to learn foreign vocabulary words fast and effectively

Best foreign language board games

What’s the most important aspect of learning a foreign language? Some say learning grammar is the foundation. Others stress the importance of reading, writing or listening to unfamiliar words and phrases. And of course, speaking the language is fundamental if you want to be fluent in conversation. But arguably, under-pinning all of these elements, focussing … Read more

Philip Zimbardo: Beyond the Stanford Prison Experiment

stanford prison experiment

Dr. Philip Zimbardo is one of the most notorious names in psychology. He is best known for his 2-week experiment in 1971 on prison life: an experiment that had to be cut short when normal, everyday college students acting as guards meted out inhuman treatment to other college students acting as prisoners. Although Dr. Zimbardo spent most of his … Read more

The science behind an impulse purchase

The science of impulse purchase

Retailers love our impulsive shopping habits, but these types of purchases are often a result of our psychological weakness. Impulse shopping, we all do it. For some, our weakness strikes at the end of a crazy day. For others it’s the strategically placed treats straddling the checkout counters. Impulse buying happens when we want to pamper ourselves, or discover a great deal, discount or buying … Read more