Dualism and Free Will: Where the Connection Fails (Pinker)

A depiction of a human brain illustrates the concepts of dualism and free will

Is there more to the human mind than just physical processes? Could our consciousness be something beyond the material world? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker examines the age-old debate about whether our minds are separate from our bodies. Pinker challenges the traditional view that connects dualism and free will, and he presents scientific evidence to back up his argument. Read on to get into this thought-provoking exploration of consciousness, free will, and the nature of the human mind.

How to Practice Intentional Grief for Literal & Symbolic Losses

A woman standing in front of an urn in her living room, practicing intentional grief

Are you mourning a loss in your life? How can practicing intentional grief help you process your loss? Practicing intentional grief involves deliberately setting aside time in your day to grieve. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, being laid off from a job, the end of a marriage, or something else. The important thing is that you allow yourself to process the loss. Here’s how intentional grief works, the different types of mourning, and advice for practicing it.

Will AI Have Emotions? Mo Gawdat Explores the Potential

Two human-like robots with smiles and bright eyes raise the question, "Will AI have emotions?"

Are you ready for a world where machines have feelings? Will AI have emotions at some point in the future? In Scary Smart, Mo Gawdat explores the fascinating possibility of AI developing emotions and other human-like traits. He argues that, as AI becomes more intelligent, it may acquire the ability to feel, express emotions, and even develop an instinct for self-preservation. Continue reading to learn about the prospect of emotional AI.

The RAIN Meditation for Parents: Accepting Your Emotions

A mother meditating with her baby in her lap

How helpful is meditation for parents? What’s the RAIN meditation? Hunter Clarke-Fields says that developing a mindfulness practice and increasing your self-awareness can help minimize your stress and emotional outbursts. However, she emphasizes that difficult emotions are natural—for parents and children—and you shouldn’t feel any shame for having them.  Continue reading to learn how meditation can change your life as a parent.

How to Cope With Emotions That Accompany Grief

A woman sitting on a bed looking sad and stressed who is learning how to cope with emotions

Do you struggle to cope with emotions? How can you overcome the emotions that arise with grief? Bruce Feiler’s book Life Is in the Transitions deals with overcoming major life changes called “lifequakes.” When changes happen, it’s normal to grieve the life you used to have. However, learning how to handle those emotions is an important part of moving forward. Here’s Feiler’s advice for learning to cope with fear, sadness, and shame.

3 Mental Representations Our Brains Use (Steven Pinker)

A man imagining a green apple (in a thought bubble over his head) illustrates mental representations

How do our brains represent the world around us? How accurate are these mental representations? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker argues that the mainstream view of human nature is false. Then, he seeks to replace it by showing that science establishes an alternative conception of human nature. The first component of the scientific view of human nature is accurate mental representations. Read more to understand why Pinker believes our brains have evolved to use categories, languages, and images to accurately represent the world.

Why Is AI Scary? 3 Reasons to Sound the Alarm (Mo Gawdat)

Shadowy silhouettes of humans behind a sophisticated and ominous AI robot raises the question, "Why is AI scary?"

Why is AI scary? Should it be? Do you know how it might impact the world and your life? In Scary Smart, author Mo Gawdat explores the potential outcomes of superintelligent AI. He discusses three main problems we may face: misuse by bad actors, unintended consequences from mistakes, and a shift in how we value human contributions. Read on to discover Gawdat’s insights and learn why AI’s rapid advancement is both exciting and concerning.

Are Male and Female Brains Different? Steven Pinker Weighs In

An artistic depiction of a male brain and a female brain illustrate the question, Are male and female brains different?

Are male and female brains different? How does this impact our understanding of gender roles in society? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker explores the scientific view of human nature and its implications for gender differences. He argues that genetics play a role in shaping cognitive disparities between men and women, challenging the idea that socialization alone determines these differences. Keep reading for Pinker’s thought-provoking analysis, and discover how science sheds light on an age-old question.

Conservatism vs. Progressivism: Steven Pinker Picks a Winner

Two men in suits debating each other with red, white, and blue clouds in the background depicts conservatism vs progressivism

Are humans inherently selfish and corruptible? How does our view of human nature shape our political beliefs? Steven Pinker’s The Blank Slate explores the age-old debate of conservatism vs. progressivism through the lens of human nature. He argues that traditional conservative views align more closely with scientific findings about our inherent traits and tendencies. Continue reading to discover how Pinker’s insights challenge long-held assumptions and potentially reshape our understanding of political ideologies.

How to Calculate Expected Value & Make Better Decisions

A poker player with a pile of chips in front of him illustrates how to calculate expected value

How good are you at predicting the outcomes of your decisions? What’s a simple way to improve this skill? In Doing Good Better, William MacAskill uses the concept of expected value to help readers make more informed decisions about their altruistic efforts. He explains how this principle, commonly used in betting and poker, can be applied to career choices and charitable giving. Read on to discover how to calculate expected value to make better decisions.