What Causes Trauma? Built-Up Stress Energy (Peter Levine)

A stressed-out man with his hands on the sides of his head illustrates what causes trauma

What happens in our bodies during a traumatic event? Why do some people develop lasting trauma while others don’t? In his groundbreaking book Waking the Tiger, trauma expert Peter Levine explores what causes trauma through the lens of our natural stress responses. He reveals that trauma stems not from permanent damage but from incomplete physiological responses to threatening events. Keep reading to discover how our bodies naturally process trauma and why humans often interrupt this vital healing mechanism.

Where Does Willpower Come From? How Glucose Plays a Role

A woman smiling and holding an orange illustrates where willpower comes from

What drives our ability to resist temptation and stay focused? How can understanding the science of willpower help us maintain better self-control? Where does willpower come from? In their book Willpower, Roy Baumeister and John Tierney reveal that willpower functions like a physical force, powered by the glucose in our bodies. They explore where willpower comes from and how our eating habits directly influence our ability to maintain self-control. Keep reading to discover the fascinating connection between glucose and willpower, and learn practical ways to boost your mental strength through smart dietary choices.

4 Common Symptoms of Trauma (Peter Levine’s Waking the Tiger)

A painting of a young woman with curly brown hair who is afraid illustrates common symptoms of trauma

What does trauma do to your mind and body? Why do some people seem stuck in a constant state of stress and anxiety? In Waking the Tiger, trauma expert Peter Levine explains how our bodies respond to threatening situations and why these responses can become chronic. He outlines the common symptoms of trauma and shows how they stem from our natural survival mechanisms gone awry. Keep reading to discover how trauma affects your nervous system and learn why your body might be stuck in survival mode.

How Trauma Works: Peter Levine Explains the Disorder

A man sitting on a bed with his head in his hands illustrates how trauma works

What happens in your body when you experience trauma? Why do humans get stuck in trauma while animals naturally recover? In Waking the Tiger, trauma expert Peter Levine explores how trauma works in both humans and animals. He reveals the biological mechanisms behind trauma and explains why our natural healing process often gets disrupted. Keep reading to discover what trauma is and learn why your body’s stress response might be keeping you stuck in a cycle of anxiety and fear.

Darwin’s Dangerous Idea (Daniel Dennett): Book Overview

A grey-haired woman with glasses reading a book and sitting on a couch at home with bookshelves and plants in the background

What makes Darwin’s theory of evolution so revolutionary beyond its biological implications? How does understanding evolution change our perspective on human consciousness, culture, and morality? In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, Daniel Dennett explores how evolutionary theory transforms our understanding of life, consciousness, and human nature. He demonstrates that Darwin’s concept of natural selection extends far beyond biology, reshaping our views on everything from religious beliefs to cultural development. Keep reading to discover how Dennett reveals the profound ways evolutionary thinking illuminates the mysteries of human existence and challenges traditional beliefs about our place in the universe.

What Is Random Mutation? Daniel Dennett Explains

A DNA molecule with a red spot illustrates the question, "What is random mutation?"

What exactly happens during random genetic mutations? What is random mutation, and how do these spontaneous changes affect living organisms? Random mutation stands as a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, representing unplanned changes in genetic material that can alter an organism’s characteristics. From Darwin’s early theories to modern scientific understanding, our knowledge of genetic mutations has evolved dramatically over time. Keep reading to get Daniel Dennett’s explanation from Darwin’s Dangerous Idea of how these genetic changes shape life itself.

Natural Selection in Evolution Drives Change (Daniel Dennett)

A white rabbit in winter illustrates natural selection in evolution

What makes some genetic mutations more likely to persist through generations? How does an organism’s environment influence which traits get passed down? In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, Daniel Dennett writes that natural selection shapes the development of species over time. The interplay between random mutations and environmental factors determines which traits become more prevalent in a population, leading to adaptations that help organisms survive. Read more to understand how natural selection in evolution works and the surprising ways even tiny genetic changes can make a significant difference in species survival.

The Double-Edged Sword of Technology: Toxic Self-Improvement

Two cellphones sitting on a desk, one of them with a red X on it, showing the double-edged sword of technology

Is technology good or bad? What’s the double-edged sword of technology? Adam Alter argues that some forms of technology are designed to encourage the doggedly relentless pursuit of personal growth, which can be a good and bad thing. This comes in two forms: skill mastery and all-around perfectionism. Find out how the benefits of technology can also be a disadvantage.

Do You Trust Your Mind? Perhaps You Should Think Again

A confused man in a dark room and a light bulb shining in the background illustrates that you shouldn't fully trust your mind

Why does your mind sometimes fail to recognize real danger? What makes your memories and perceptions less reliable than you might think? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney reveals surprising insights about how our minds can deceive us. From underreacting to threats to forming inaccurate memories, our brains often work in ways that don’t serve our best interests. Keep reading to discover why you shouldn’t always trust your mind and learn practical strategies to overcome these cognitive shortcomings.

2 Steps of Evolution: Daniel Dennett on the Evolutionary Algorithm

A finch perched on a rock illustrates the two steps of evolution in Darwin's theory

What drives the incredible diversity of life on Earth? How can random changes lead to such complex and well-adapted organisms? According to Daniel Dennett, a fascinating algorithmic process transforms simple genetic changes into the rich tapestry of life we see today. In his book Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, he contends that the evolutionary algorithm is a repeated process of two steps over a long period of time. Read on to learn how the two steps of evolution—random mutations and natural selection—work together to create the remarkable adaptations we observe in nature.