Science Archives

24 Fascinating Books to Expand Your Knowledge & Mind

Do you want to open your mind to new ideas? What are the best books to expand your knowledge? Knowledge is one of the most powerful things in the world. Without it, we wouldn’t have scientific discoveries or such a rich history. If you want to learn more about yourself and the world, you need to check out some books that will expand your knowledge. We’ve compiled a list of the best books to expand your knowledge, categorized into three subjects: science, psychology, and history.

Mental Models: What They Are & How to Apply Them

What are mental models? What are some ways mental models can be useful in your everyday life? Mental models are recurring concepts and patterns that explain a wide array of situations. For example, physicists might use Newton’s law of inertia to predict that planets in motion will remain in motion, and biologists might rely on natural selection to explain the origin of the fight-or-flight response. In this article, you’ll learn about the concept of mental models and how they can be useful in everyday life.

Intuitive Thinking: Is Your Gut Instinct Always Right?

Have you ever been in a situation where you intuitively knew the right thing to do but couldn’t explain why or how you arrived at that knowledge? How does intuitive thinking work? Should you always trust your intuition? When we think unconsciously or intuitively, we make judgments without understanding why, or sometimes even without realizing we’ve made them. However, that does not mean that intuitive thinking is a fluke or some higher power guiding us—there is a logical explanation for it. Keep reading to learn how intuition works and how you can access it on demand.

Breaking Down the Possible Causes of ADHD

What causes ADHD? What has research theorized about the neurological causes of ADHD? According to Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey in their book Driven to Distraction, there’s no definite cause of ADHD. However, there are many theories that suggest ADHD can be traced to a neurological source. Let’s dive into what might cause ADHD below.

Evolutionary Mismatch: How the Tables Have Turned

What is evolutionary mismatch? What are some examples of traits that used to be advantageous, but became the opposite? Evolutionary mismatch is a phenomenon where traits that used to aid survival in the past work to our disadvantage in the present. For example, our brains evolved to support our survival as hunter-gatherers—not our survival in modern life. Here’s why humans are biologically not wired for the demands modern life presents.

James Nestor: Breath (Book Overview)

What is James Nestor’s Breath about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In Breath, James Nestor argues that while the power of the breath is central to many Eastern traditions, it’s been largely ignored in the Western world. Modern medicine puts little emphasis on teaching people how to breathe correctly. However, Nestor asserts that by learning how to breathe well, we’ll improve our well-being, balance our emotions, and find more energy to live the lives we want. Below is a brief overview of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor.

How to Breathe Better: 3 Expert Tips

How to Visualize the Life You Want to Have in 3 Steps

Do you breathe correctly? What’s the best way to breathe from a health perspective? Most of us don’t know how to breathe properly. As a result, we unnecessarily tax our respiratory systems and suffer from avoidable breathing problems, such as chronic congestion, fatigue, and infections. Here are some tips on how to breathe better.

Logical Decision-Making: Why Are We So Bad at It?

Three Keys to Making Better Decisions in Life

Why do we make decisions that contradict basic logic? What are some examples of illogical decision-making? One of the most common reasons we fail at logical decision-making is that we mistake correlation for causation. If two variables are correlated, it doesn’t mean one caused the other. In fact, causation is less likely. Here’s how mistaking correlation for causation results in misguided, irrational decisions.

Controlled Breathwork: Techniques and Practices

How does controlled breathing help you tap into your body’s latent capabilities? What are some things you can accomplish with controlled breathing? From Tibetan monks to athletes, there are those who have found ways to use controlled breathing to alter mental states and perform seemingly miraculous feats. Among other things, controlled breathwork techniques can control body temperature, regulate the nervous system, and even alter the heartbeat. Keep reading to learn about controlled breathing practices.

The Dangers of Chronic Overbreathing

What is overbreathing? What are the dangers of chronic overbreathing? Many people have a problem with overbreathing—breathing a greater amount of air than necessary. Overbreathing purges carbon dioxide from the body, which short-circuits the necessary chemical exchange and starves our cells of the very oxygen they need. Keep reading to learn about the effects of overbreathing and what to do about it.