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.

Jay Heinrichs: Thank You for Arguing—Book Overview

Jay Heinrichs: Thank You for Arguing—Book Overview

What is Jay Heinrichs’s Thank You for Arguing about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book Thank You for Arguing, Jay Heinrichs explains not only how to persuade people to do what you want, but also how to help opposing groups find common ground, get a bully to talk himself down, and spot the faulty logic others use to manipulate you. He also discusses the importance of teaching rhetoric in schools. Here’s a brief overview of the key themes.

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.

Connecting With Others: We Need Others to Be Happy

Connecting With Others: We Need Others to Be Happy

Why do they say that “human is a social animal”? And if so, why do so many of us suffer from loneliness? Humans are social animals—we need interactions with other humans to make us happy. Science confirms this adage: Loneliness has been proven to deteriorate health and even reduce lifespan.  Here’s why connecting with others is vital to mental health.