Why Do We Lie? How We Hide Our Motives

Why Do We Lie? How We Hide Our Motives

Why do we lie about our motives? Why do we seek to deceive others and ourselves about the reasons for our behaviors? At first glance, the idea of hidden motives may seem convoluted. The answer, according to Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson, is that, as a cooperative social species, we evolved to advance our own interests while appearing as selfless as possible—and it’s easier to deceive others if we’ve already deceived ourselves. Let’s explore this theory about why we tell lies about our reasons for doing what we do.

Stolen Focus: Quotes With Explanations

Stolen Focus: Quotes With Explanations

What are the most memorable quotes from Stolen Focus? How can these quotes help you understand the attention crisis? Stolen Focus explores Johann Hari’s evidence of an attention crisis, the seven factors causing this crisis, and his three-part solution. He also says can’t collectively confront the major challenges humanity faces because of the crisis. Below we’ll look at three Stolen Focus quotes that explain his argument.

The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation: Neuroscientist Explains

The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation: Neuroscientist Explains

What is the meaning and importance of intrinsic motivation? Why are intrinsically motivated people usually more successful? Neuroscientist and bestselling author Steven Kotler studied elite performers to understand how they achieve seemingly impossible goals. In Kotler’s book, The Art of Impossible, he explains the importance of intrinsic motivation and how it underpins whether you stick with your goals or give up when feeling overwhelmed. Keep reading to learn the importance of intrinsic motivation, according to Kotler.

How Is Social Science Data Collected? Big Data!

How Is Social Science Data Collected? Big Data!

How can we use big data to study social science? How does data give us more insight into the social sciences? Through search data, researchers can discover psychological and sociological information that traditional surveys couldn’t provide. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, the author of Everybody Lies, uses Freud’s theories of sexuality as an example. Read how to receive social science data with the help of big data.

Human Limitations: How We’re Between Animals and Gods

Human Limitations: How We’re Between Animals and Gods

How are we limited in our pursuit of happiness? Can we still be happy? We can reason, so we’re above the animals. But, we can’t eternally contemplate, so we’re below the gods. In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle addresses human limitations and discusses how we still can strive for happiness, even within constraints. Keep reading for Aristotle’s views on human limitations.

The Struggles of Dealing With Stress and Anxiety

7 Major Causes of Depression and Anxiety

What are the struggles of dealing with stress and anxiety? Why is it so hard to change anxious behavior? According to Dr. Judson Brewer, many people struggle with getting rid of anxiety. He explains in his book Unwinding Anxiety that people are resistant to change because they believe anxiety has some benefits. Let’s look at why anxiety isn’t beneficial and the obstacles you’ll face while coping with anxiety.

Recall Bias in Research: Self-Reporting Issues

Recall Bias in Research: Self-Reporting Issues

What is recall bias in research methodology? Why is self-reporting unreliable as a data-collection method? Recall bias is a major problem in studies where data is collected through self-reporting. Because human memory is not like a tape recorder, our recollection of the past is unreliable. There are significant psychological influences on how a memory is recollected (e.g. the personal meaning we’ve assigned to the events). Keep reading to learn about recall bias.

Human Motives: Why We Hide Our True Reasons

Human Motives: Why We Hide Our True Reasons

What are your true reasons for doing what you do? What do you want people to think your reasons are? In The Elephant in the Brain, software engineer Kevin Simler and economics professor Robin Hanson controversially argue that human behavior is driven by selfish motives—and that your own brain is hiding them from you. They contend that humans evolved to appear selfless even as they put themselves before others. Read more for this intriguing discussion about human motives.