Q: Why did mankind develop such high intelligence? I mean, it’s not as if less intelligent creatures are having trouble sustaining their respective species. So why do we have this brilliant feature to begin with? – Yousaf Bajwa …
Q: Can you explain why, when I have no external forces determining my schedule, I tend to gravitate naturally toward a nocturnal state? -Marty …
The mind seems to be wired for negative thoughts. Common wisdom says that pessimism is a problem. The anti-pessimists warn us: “don’t think like that or you’ll doom yourself to failure!” But common wisdom can be wrong, and pessimism can be helpful – if it is done correctly. So cinch up your belt and suspenders, and let’s find the positive side of negative thinking! …
Q: Nature pushes polygamy. Culture pushes monogamy. How does someone deal with polygamous urges in a monogamous country in a healthy manner? -Kei …
How Can I Embrace Monogamy While My Genes Crave Polygamy?Read More »
Q: Can I really get addicted to the Internet? How is that possible? Do I need to mainline my Internet cable? And can you tell me how to do that? -A.J.
Q: Is it just me, or have you also noticed everyone seems to have an addiction of some sort? Or are my acquaintances of questionable mental health? -Spike …
Q: Can children have bipolar disorder? If so, how are they diagnosed? –Lynn …
Q: How do you account for what seems to be a worldwide mass delusion regarding the belief in something like “global warming” despite the existence of opposing scientific views and data? –Shar Z. …
Are Global Warming Proponents Suffering From Mass Delusion?Read More »
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 …
