How does being polite help us overcome everyday disagreements? According to French philosopher Andre Comte-Sponville, “morality starts at the bottom – with politeness. But it has to start somewhere.” The point is that we are not born virtuous, we have learn to be so – and practising politeness is one of the ways to develop a robust code of ethics to guide us …
Read morePoliteness: the secret weapon to winning an argument?
What makes couples overshare on Facebook and social media? Is it a sign of insecurity, or true love? Couples who gush about their relationship over social media are often treated with a certain amount of envy-tainted-scorn. Others simultaneously want to live such lives; and want the public displays of affection to stop. The good news is, they really are likely …
Does music really boost your productivity at work or is it actually a distraction? Managers are often divided about whether employees should be allowed to listen to music as they work. While some offices allow (and some even promote) using music to focus on one’s tasks; others frown upon the activity as a time-waster. Is there a …
What can modern scientific research tell us about the mysterious power of the gaze? The eyes are called the windows to the soul. They have fascinated thinkers and creators throughout human history. The human eye has been a symbol for gods, for truth and wisdom, and even for power. Poets have waxed eloquent about the effects of looking into a lover’s …
Read moreThe scientific evidence behind the power of the gaze
If you want to know more about philosophy but don’t know where to begin, here are some practical tips to get started. There’s an unfortunate perception that philosophy is, by nature, obscure, difficult and inaccessible for the lay reader. But whilst it’s true that a lot of texts are extremely hard to fathom, philosophy is not just about abstract academic debate and ivory towers. …
Philosophers aren’t renowned for their outrageous behavior, but Diogenes of Synope ranks as one of the most controversial and eccentric thought leaders of all time Imagine lounging by the pool in your bathing suit, soaking up the sun and enjoying a cold drink. Out of nowhere you notice Barack Obama and a secret service agent approaching you. …
Read moreWas this philosopher history’s most successful troll?
Clowns are supposed to be funny, entertaining, and lovable. Unfortunately, adults and children alike seem to frequently dislike, if not fear clowns. The phenomenon is so widespread it even has a name. Around 12% of Americans suffer from coulrophobia – a debilitating phobia that makes it impossible for the sufferer to interact with clowns or to control their …
Read moreClowns make us laugh. So why do we find them so scary?
Accepting a free sample triggers deep psychological responses that make us more susceptible to spending money Think back to your last visit to a supermarket or a mall. Most likely, you passed a stall offering freebies of some product. Free samples are everywhere, and they can add a little excitement to your day. Smaller stores …
Our brains love junk food. So what can you do to avoid those irresistible cravings? Nobody is immune to the lure of junk food. Perhaps you’re in a hurry; or too lazy to cook; or maybe you were seduced by the wafting aroma of a nearby grill house. It’s no surprise. Junk food is designed to be tasty, comforting and convenient. It can give us an instant …
Taking a look at the psychological changes that occur when we wear certain clothes How much thought do you really put into your clothing choices? Most of us think about clothing into silos – casual attire, formal clothes, Friday night outfits – but did you know that the innocent act of donning a pair of …
Read morePsychology of clothes: what you wear changes the way you think
In order to cope with the vast amount of information we encounter every day, our brains are constantly using ‘shortcuts’ to simply our actions and decisions. One of these tricks is to rely on information that strengthens our previously held beliefs. Unfortunately, this can lead to thinking errors as we overlook important, often pertinent evidence. This is known as …
Read moreConfirmation Bias: why some facts ring truer than others
The tradition of story-telling and using fiction to explain human behavior is as old as human civilization itself. Over time, storybooks took the place of the village story-teller; and provided all the same benefits. Generations of children developed a sense of right and wrong through the tales and fables their parents helped them read. Adults used novels to entertain themselves and …
