Psychology Archives

Embrace the Absurd: Albert Camus’s Advice for a Fulfilled Life

Don't Wait to be Happy — Use Love to Get Happiness

What’s the meaning of life? Why does Albert Camus think that’s a ridiculous question to ask? The existentialist philosopher Albert Camus believes that, ultimately, life is absurd. We search in vain for meaning and purpose because it’s impossible to find them. He says we can choose to live in denial of this reality, end our own lives, or accept the absurd reality we inhabit. Keep reading to learn why Camus believes we should embrace the absurd.

Martin E. P. Seligman’s Flourish: Book Overview

What is Flourish by Martin E. P. Seligman about? What’s the key to living well and enjoying life to the fullest? Many of us think happiness is the answer to a good life. In his book Flourish, Martin E. P. Seligman challenges this idea and argues that there’s more to life than happiness. Read below for a brief Flourish book overview.

The Neurology of ADHD: 2 Psychiatrists Explain the ADHD Brain

What, exactly, is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? What term for this condition might be more accurate and less judgmental? Edward Hallowell—a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD—and John Ratey—a professor of psychiatry—are the authors of ADHD 2.0. They also have ADHD themselves. Their book, published in 2021, explores recent developments in the field of psychiatry to help people understand this condition. Read more to learn what scientists now understand about the neurology of ADHD.

4 Common ADHD Challenges in Everyday Life

Is it hard for you to keep your attention on something? Do you often show up late to things? In ADHD 2.0, Edward Hallowell and John Ratey describe what it’s like to live with ADHD, highlighting a few of the most typical challenges that people with this condition face in everyday life. They explain that the inability to shift between two kinds of brain activity lies behind many of these challenges. Keep reading to understand some common ADHD challenges and what’s going on in the ADHD brain.

The Importance of Well-Being: Helping You Flourish

What is the importance of well-being in life? How does well-being help you flourish? Flourish by Martin E. P. Seligman proposes that instead of prioritizing happiness as the gateway to a good life, individuals should cultivate well-being. Seligman argues this is because happiness relies too much on a positive attitude, which doesn’t automatically create meaning. Keep reading to learn more about why well-being is important to flourish.

Presence by Amy Cuddy: Book Overview and Takeaways

Do you tend to feel anxious about new situations or performances? Do power poses actually work? How can body language change the tone of a conversation? Perhaps you’ve tried giving yourself a pep talk before an event, but you still didn’t quite feel like you put your best self forward. In Presence, Amy Cuddy says that embodying “presence” allows you to be your true self without thoughts of self-doubt. Read below for an overview of Presence by Amy Cuddy.

4 Advantages of ADHD: The Silver Lining to the Cloud

Does ADHD have any benefits? What’s the “ADHD superpower”? In ADHD 2.0, psychiatrist Edward Hallowell and professor of psychiatry John Ratey argue that people can succeed and thrive because of—not in spite of—having ADHD. One reason for this is that the cloud of ADHD has a silver lining. Continue reading to discover four advantages of ADHD that people with this condition can leverage.

The 5 Key Elements of Well-Being: Explained by Seligman

What are the five elements of well-being? How do these elements cultivate a meaningful life? Well-being is a blend of five elements: positive emotions, engagement, meaning, relationships, and achievement. You can fortify these pillars of well-being by applying the principles of positive psychology in your life. Continue reading for in-depth explanations of the elements of well-being.

What Does It Mean to Have Presence? Definition & Example

Do you ever feel nervous in large crowds or on stage? What does it mean to have presence? Amy Cuddy defines presence as a self-assured confidence that’s not arrogant but allows you to express your true self. Her book Presence says you can achieve presence by leveraging the body-mind connection to change the way you feel about yourself rather than worrying about how others perceive you. Keep reading to learn what it means to embody presence.

Steven Pinker’s Rationality: Book Overview & Takeaways

What does it mean to be rational? Why is being rational important? How can you be a more rational person? According to Steven Pinker, rationality and reason are essential for improving our world and society. But, people often misunderstand them, acting irrationally even when they think they’re not. In his book Rationality, he unpacks this mystery and seeks to help people think and behave more rationally. Continue reading for an overview of this bestselling book.