Posts Tagged ‘evolution’
New book suggest ways to understand behavior and boost happiness in light of human evolution
We humans evolved to be social creatures. By gaining the skills to cooperate with others, we were able to stave off predators, eat more consistently, and care for each other’s young, allowing our genes to carry forward. So, why do we still struggle at times to get along—even to the extent that we war on…
Read MoreTranscript: David DiSalvo on How Cultural Evolution Outpaces Natural Evolution and Old Brain Metaphors
Below you can find the full transcript of our engaging Q&A session today with David DiSalvo, author of What makes your brain happy and why you should do the opposite, moderated by Alvaro Fernandez. You visit previous Q&A Sessions Here. Full Transcript (Lightly edited) of Live Q&A held on December 9th, 2–3pm ET
Read MoreThe Evolution of Empathy
(Editor’s Note: we are pleased to bring you this article thanks to our collaboration with Greater Good Magazine). The Evolution of Empathy Empathy’s not a uniquely human trait, explains primatologist Frans de Waal. Apes and other animals feel it as well, suggesting that empathy is truly an essential part of who we are. Once upon a…
Read MoreTraining Attention and Emotional Self-Regulation — Interview with Michael Posner
(Editor’s Note: this is one of the 20 interviews included in the book The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness: How to Optimize Brain Health and Performance at Any Age) Michael I. Posner is a prominent scientist in the field of cognitive neuroscience. He is currently an emeritus professor of neuroscience at the University of Oregon (Department…
Read MoreUse It or Lose It, and Cells that Fire together Wire together
Everyone has heard of “Use It or Lose It.” Now…what is “It”? Last week I gave a talk at the Italian Consulate in San Francisco, and one of the areas attendees seemed to enjoy the most was learning about what our brains are and how they work, peaking into the “black box” of our minds. Without understanding…
Read MoreDarwin’s adult neuroplasticity
Charles Darwin (1809–1882)‘s autobiography (full text free online) includes some very insightful refections on the evolution of his own mind during his middle-age, showcasing the power of the brain to rewire itself through experience (neuroplasticity) during our whole lifetimes-not just when we are youngest. He wrote these paragraphs at the age of 72 (I have bolded some key…
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