4 Preferences That Make People Susceptible to Influence

a smiling woman on a city street holding a sign that says "I'm in!" illustrates that people are susceptible to influence

Have you ever wondered why some people are more easily swayed than others? What makes certain individuals more susceptible to influence? In his book Pre-Suasion, Robert Cialdini explores the factors that make people more open to persuasion. He identifies key preferences that can be leveraged to steer attention and shape decisions. These include consistency, authority, likability, and unity. Read on to discover how you can use these insights to become more persuasive in your personal and professional life.

Why a Neuroscientist Recommends the Middle Way of Buddhism

a person standing on a path that splits into three paths ahead illustrates the middle way of Buddhism

What’s the true nature of your self? What if science could confirm ancient Buddhist wisdom about the illusion of identity? In his book No Self, No Problem, Chris Niebauer explores how neuroscience aligns with Buddhist teachings on the non-existence of the self. He presents three potential paths for navigating this revelation, focusing on the middle way of Buddhism as a balanced approach to life. Read on to discover how embracing this middle way could transform your perspective and bring more peace to your daily experiences.

History of Oral Hygiene: Why Ancient Humans Had Better Oral Health

An ancient caveman smiling with great oral hygiene and straight teeth

How did ancient humans, with no toothbrushes, have better oral hygiene? How are we hindering our jaw development with modern diets? In the book Jaws, Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich explain that our ancestors tended to have healthier mouths than we have now, even though they didn’t have dentists or toothbrushes. This is due to a number of factors, including our modern diet. Here’s a look at the history of oral hygiene, including how ancient humans maintained their oral health by simply using their jaws as they were meant to be used.

The 4 Major Disadvantages of City Life (The Nature Fix)

A person looking out the window of a small city apartment building, displaying the disadvantages of city life

What are the disadvantages of city life? Are city-dwellers really more stressed? How do cities affect sleep? In the book The Nature Fix, Florence Williams explains that people who live in cities suffer from excess stress, poor sleep quality, a lack of sunlight, and less empathy. While cities do offer numerous advantages for employment, socialization, and entertainment, the benefits may not outweigh the downsides. Here’s an in-depth look at the real cost of urban living.

Kanner and Asperger’s Autism Research: The 4 Major Differences

Two boxing mitts with names on them that read Kanner and Asperger

What were the differences between Kanner and Asperger’s autism research? Whose research came out on top? In the post World War I era, there were two famous doctors studying autism: Leo Kanner in the US and Hans Asperger in Austria. In his book NeuroTribes, Steve Silberman compares the two men’s approaches and points out the differences. Here’s a look at the differences in the autism research.

The Top 4 Benefits of Time in Nature for Mental & Physical Health

A man enjoying the benefits of time in nature by roasting marshmallows on a campfire

In what ways can nature heal you? What are the benefits of listening to songbirds? Why does smelling eucalyptus make you feel relaxed? If you’re feeling stressed, depressed, or in a funk, consider the last time you went outside. In The Nature Fix, Florence Williams contends that humans have an innate affinity for nature, and thus the antidote to many of our physical and mental ailments is a good dose of the outdoors. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of time in nature, according to Williams.

Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic (Book Overview)

A woman with braces reading a book while sitting on a dentist chair in a dental office

Did you know that ancient humans had better oral health than we do today? Why are jaw problems so common around the world? What can you do to prevent jaw deformities? Jaws discusses how our modern lifestyle has created an epidemic of jaw deformities, leading to widespread health problems. Orthodontist Sandra Kahn and ecologist Paul R. Ehrlich say that a decrease in average jaw size is contributing to health issues. Keep reading for an overview of Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic.

The Consequences of Mouth Breathing: Decay, Halitosis, & More

A colorful, artistic depiction of air coming from a person's open mouth

How can mouth breathing jeopardize your oral health? How common is mouth breathing? The consequences of mouth breathing can go way beyond bad breath, according to the book Jaws by  Orthodontist Sandra Kahn and ecologist Paul R. Ehrlich. They explain that mouth breathing can contribute to deformed jaws, gum disease, tooth decay, and more. Keep reading to learn why you should breathe through your nose, if you can.