Reciprocity: The Psychology of Giving Back

Reciprocity: The Psychology of Giving Back

What is the psychology behind reciprocity? Why do we feel the need to reciprocate benevolent behavior? In social psychology, reciprocity is the tendency to return a favor or a benevolent action with another benevolent action. According to Rolf Dobelli, the author of The Art of Thinking Clearly, this phenomenon is a by-product of the human need to belong to a group. Keep reading to learn about the phenomenon of reciprocity, why it occurs, and how it’s used as a tool for manipulation.

The Dangers of the Single-Cause Fallacy

The Dangers of the Single-Cause Fallacy

What is the single cause fallacy? Why does it occur? The single cause fallacy is where you attribute an outcome to a single, simple cause. The single cause fallacy occurs because we dislike uncertainty, and a single-cause pattern provides a sense of understanding. When people feel like they understand a situation, not only are they less uncertain, but they can also better withstand any uncertainty they do feel. Keep reading to learn about the fallacy of the single cause, why it occurs, and how to overcome it.

Rolf Dobelli: What Is the Swimmer’s Body Illusion?

Rolf Dobelli: What Is the Swimmer’s Body Illusion?

What is the “swimmer’s body illusion”? Is a swimmer’s physique the result of training (nurture) or the gift of genetics (nature)? The swimmer’s body illusion is a cognitive bias where you attribute a trait or characteristic to a certain activity, and not the other way around. For example, you might look at a professional swimmer’s toned body and think you can gain that same appearance by swimming. However, these individuals are so good at swimming because they already had that kind of body. Here’s why this effect occurs and how not to fall prey to it.

Heuristic Psychology: Cognitive Errors & Biases

Heuristic Psychology: Cognitive Errors & Biases

What are cognitive errors? Why does the brain make these errors, and how can you override them? Humans have evolved to pay attention to the most memorable or flashy information that comes up, rather than the most pertinent or helpful. The more conspicuous and repeated a piece of information is, the more you’ll believe it. Although it saves the brain’s resources (it takes less time and energy to accept the flashiest information), it results in cognitive errors—faulty ways of thinking that are often inaccurate and/or irrational. Here are some of the most common cognitive errors that result from the brain’s

Buddha Nature Says Humans Are Inherently Good

Buddha Nature Says Humans Are Inherently Good

What is the doctrine of Buddha Nature? If humans are good by their nature, why do they get tangled up in so much conflict and negativity? Buddhists believe that all humans possess what they call “Buddha Nature”—the fundamental nature of all conscious beings. The belief in Buddha Nature is essentially the belief in humans’ intrinsic state of purity and positivity. Anything negative—like conflict and negative emotions such as anger and hatred—are rooted in ignorance or intellect. Keep reading to learn about the Buddhist concept of Buddha Nature.

The 2 Keys to Building Emotional Intimacy

The 2 Keys to Building Emotional Intimacy

How do you understand intimacy? What’s the key to building emotional intimacy? Humans have defined intimacy differently across cultures and time, and there’s no overarching definition. In their book The Art of Happiness, Cutler and the Dalai Lama propose that an intimate relationship is one in which you’re open with the other person and experience a connection. Keep reading to learn about the two keys to building emotional intimacy: compassion and a solid foundation.

The Dalai Lama’s Advice: 5 Steps to Happiness

The Dalai Lama’s Advice: 5 Steps to Happiness

What are the main teachings of the Dalai Lama? What advice does he profess? In his book The Art of Happiness (co-authored with psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler), His Holiness the Dalai Lama walks you down the Buddhist path towards happiness. The Dalai Lama’s advice for achieving happiness is unique in its simplicity and flexibility: learn where your emotions come from and make the effort to change. We’ll discuss several strategies to make that effort.

How to Develop a Positive Mindset

How to Develop a Positive Sales Attitude

Is your mind overwhelmed with negativity? Why do people tend to focus more on the negative and take the positive for granted? Research shows that negative events have a greater impact on you than positive ones—your emotional responses are stronger for negative events than they are for positive ones. But that doesn’t mean that you must give in to all this negativity—you can develop a positive mindset if you’re motivated enough to rid yourself of the negativity. Keep reading to learn how to motivate yourself to change your thinking and rewire your mind for more positivity.