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Why is a psychologist claiming “patent rights” for a basic psychological technique that he did not invent and does not own the patent for?

Whether or not you believe there’s a problem, we’re all part of the solution. “‎Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on […]

Technological progress has moved without exception in a forward direction, and along with it, our gross domestic product has increased steadily. But are we happier as a result?

The momentousness of certain situations can undo us.

Slow Down Your Brain to Get More Done, with Steven Kotler The best-selling author discusses hypofrontality — literally the slowing of the brain’s prefrontal cortex — and how it allows […]

Many of us marry people who don’t necessarily share our financial values or tendencies. Communication, above everything else, is key to ensuring a happy and lasting relationship.

There are some industries in which a company that embraces quirkiness can thrive and succeed on the strength of its authenticity. 

Environmentally friendly office space makes employees happier and more productive, according to a broad range of studies that have examined temperature, sunlight, and plants. 

A new “happiness” is needed. The goal many pursue now ignores useful old wisdom and the logic of our biology. A verb capturing the necessary recurring effort would improve on […]

The way the Universe has unfolded, to bring us about in this moment, has been remarkable. Be thankful for it all. “We live in an atmosphere of shame. We are […]

There’s a chance the Earth will turn green, and even though there’s no such thing as a green star, perhaps someday, the Sun will, too. “‘You are a different kind […]

People are going to extremes to take better selfies and they aren’t climbing to mountain tops to do it. They’re going under the knife and getting plastic surgery.

We’ve known for a very long time that our body language influences others. What we’re only now beginning to understand is how our body language alters the way we ourselves perceive the world.

“If it feels good, do it” is no formula for happiness. Happyologist and free-marketeer Arthur Brooks rightly calls it popular but “life ruining advice.” His essay mixes old wisdom with […]

It’s been a rather somber summer for anyone who reads the news, but in recent months few tunes have penetrated listeners’ hearts quite the way Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” has. The […]

The United State owns the market on personal data with companies like Facebook and Google. This puts America in a position of power when talking about privacy rights. But that may mean being at odds with the international community.

How a funny idea to ship your enemies glitter turned into an empire. “There is a concept that is the corrupter and destroyer of all others. I speak not of […]

Sometimes it’s important to do absolutely nothing at work, or least not the job you’re supposed to be doing.

The popular party drug causes the brain to release huge amounts of serotonin, dopamine, and other pleasure-inducing chemicals. But when the body seeks to restore equilibrium, sometimes too many of the chemicals get destroyed leaving the user with a depressing and lethargic hangover.

Taking long walks, dimming the lights down low, mussing up your desk–we all have our tricks to get the creative juices flowing. But there’s another way to invigorate the right-side of your brain: a sense of entitlement.

Sir William Beveridge (1879-1963) was a British economist and social reformer best known for his 1942 report titled “Social and Allied Services” (PDF), though often simply referred to as the […]

While previous studies have found that people who overshare personal information on social media have a stronger need to belong to a group, the same doesn’t appear true of those who share about their relationship. 

If a freak incident leaves you medically incapacitated, are your loved ones prepared to make medical decisions in line with your wishes? If not, it’s time to take action. It never hurts to be prepared.

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

If you’re not routinely keeping your brain fit through physical and mental exercise, you’re putting yourself at risk for an early descent into Age Related Cognitive Decline (ARCD). Do your brain a favor and feed it what it likes.

The English writer Mary Wollstonecraft (1759 – 1797) is best known for her early feminist treatise A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, published in 1792. Two years earlier, Wollstonecraft […]

Instead of preparing students for the intellectual rigors of life and career, colleges place too much of a focus on keeping them happy. The relative lack of success among recent graduating classes is a consequence of this approach.

In her recent Big Think interview, Perel explains that sexuality and marriage have experienced a radical shift over the past few generations. What was once considered a dutiful bond now serves our more individualistic culture driven by love and desire. Where these two feelings meet and diverge is at the core of eroticism.

Architect Frank Gehry’s raised many controversial buildings over the years, but few as controversial as the middle finger he recently raised during a press conference in Spain. During a press […]

Happiness has gotten confusing. Despite its importance it’s puzzling even our smartest scientists. “Bentham’s bucket error” is to blame, but “Plato’s Pastry” parable and a rare case of reality in […]