In Part 1, we discussed why the primal mind is uninterested in providing us with an endless stream of endorphins. It is more interested in keeping us alive than keeping us happy. In Part 2, we looked at the modular design of the mind and a few of the ways in which cryptic, nonverbal messages emanate from its deeper systems. …
What Is The Mind? Part 3: Living With An Unruly MindRead More »
In the first of this series I suggested that the mind’s first job is so important that it overrides even our own happiness. As someone who spends his days (and sometimes the wee hours of the night) dealing with minds that are beating up on their owners, I have come to view minds as learning, worrying machines designed to keep us alive and well. It does plenty of other impressive things too, but it accomplishes nothing if it cannot first keep us safe. …
Hello! I’m French and I like reading your funny and interesting papers on this site. I have a question. What do you mean exactly when you use the word “mind?” Intelligence, brain, thought, or the “mind” found in the mind-body dichotomy? – François Delahaye …
Q: What’s behind the “deer in the headlights” phenomenon? I understand fight or flight is necessary during dangerous situations, but why do people “freeze” when they’re scared? It seems like the worst thing to do when your life is in danger. – Mindy, New York …
Why Do People Freeze During Stressful Situations and Faint at the Sight of Blood?Read More »
Will chewing gum make you smarter? My friends said it won’t. Please help me decide. – Jennifer, Texas …
Q: While we’re bumping up awareness for borderline personality disorder (BPD), perhaps you could help us understand dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). I’ve heard that it’s the only effective therapy for BPD, but I don’t know much about it. I’m often skeptical of magic bullets, and I’m wondering what your take is on this. Thanks! -Ariel P. …
Does DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Cure Borderline Personality Disorder?Read More »
Q: What’s your take on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? I ask because the newly committed H.R. 1005 would create a “BPD Awareness Month” (May, I believe) during which, apparently, the public would be educated about BPD by the federal government in a manner deemed fitting by Congress. As an acute propagandophobic, I’m already starting to break out in hives. Some straight talk from the IS could be just what the doctor ordered. – Fuzzy …
Is Borderline Personality Disorder a Real Condition?Read More »
Q: What do you think about antidepressants? Should I take them? – MK …
In Part One, we looked at one of the handy cognitive shortcuts that separates humanity from other non-verbal earthlings: relational framing. We have the ability to derive relationships that aren’t explicitly taught; other animals don’t, for the most part. That means that our knowledge can increase exponentially whenever we learn a single new piece of information. …
Nothing psychology related this week, just some eye candy from China. It took some planning, but I managed to visit during the worst weather in decades. We drove past the infamous Guangzhou train station and, from the highway, saw tens of thousands of people stranded thanks to bad weather in other parts of the country. It didn’t help that Chinese New Year is approaching. This is like traveling the weekend before Thanksgiving, but with 1/5 of the world’s population. …
