3 rules for choosing an arch-nemesis

Eric Weinstein explains why choosing a nemesis is both energizing and necessary for success.

  • Eric Weinstein explains the three criteria for choosing an arch-nemesis to help motivate you in your career.
  • Weinstein chose theoretical physicist, Garrett Lisi, who is working on a similar physics problem as him.
  • Rather than hampering progress, Weinstein argues that a nemesis energizes you when you feel discouraged.
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Charles Koch Foundation
Charles Koch Foundation

Befriend your ideological opposite. It’s fun.

Step inside the unlikely friendship of a former ACLU president and an ultra-conservative Supreme Court Justice.

Sponsored by Charles Koch Foundation
  • Former president of the ACLU Nadine Strossen and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia were unlikely friends. They debated each other at events all over the world, and because of that developed a deep and rewarding friendship – despite their immense differences.
  • Scalia, a famous conservative, was invited to circles that were not his "home territory", such as the ACLU, to debate his views. Here, Strossen expresses her gratitude and respect for his commitment to the exchange of ideas.
  • "It's really sad that people seem to think that if you disagree with somebody on some issues you can't be mutually respectful, you can't enjoy each other's company, you can't learn from each other and grow in yourself," says Strossen.
  • The opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect the views of the Charles Koch Foundation, which encourages the expression of diverse viewpoints within a culture of civil discourse and mutual respect.
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How meditation can make you a better learner

Meditation doesn't just reduce stress or make you a more spiritual person; it changes your brain in a variety of ways that can make it easier to learn new information.

  • Mindfulness meditation has been shown to have a wide array of effects on the human brain.
  • Many of those effects work together to improve the human brain's ability to learn new information.
  • If you're interested in becoming a smarter human being, consider incorporating meditation into your daily routine.
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New study details the results of tech-free vacations

A new study highlights the effects of a "digital detox" while traveling.

  • A new study highlights what happens when travelers do not use technology while visiting foreign destinations.
  • Participants initially reported withdrawal symptoms, only to enjoy the experience more as the day progressed.
  • "Digital detox" retreats are growing in popularity, though the cost of many can be prohibitive.
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Should cognitive behavioral therapy be taught in school?

This modern therapy technique has been shown to be effective and easy to learn — could teaching it to students help cut off a growing mental health crisis?

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
Mind & Brain
  • Adolescents are experiencing higher rates of mental disorders than ever before.
  • One possible solution to this crisis would be to teach students cognitive behavioral therapy, an effective, modern therapeutic technique that focuses on addressing "distorted" thinking.
  • What are the arguments for and against teaching cognitive behavioral therapy in school?
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ptsd depression emotions psychology teaching mental health

This optical illusion plays tricks on your brain

Check out these mysterious optical illusions that affect our visual perception.

Mind & Brain
  • Troxler's effect or "fading" causes images to disappear from your field of vision.
  • Scientists don't have a full understanding yet of how this works.
  • The effect is linked to the way neurons are adapted by the visual system.
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Malevolent creativity: When evil gets innovative

We like to think of creativity as an inherently good thing. History and science say otherwise.

Photo by Adam Fossier on Unsplash
Mind & Brain
  • Many of history's most cherished figures were fiercely creative individuals, but creativity by itself doesn't have a moral direction.
  • "Malevolent creativity" is the production of innovative and novel solutions with the express intent of harming others.
  • How does malevolent creativity arise, and how can we manage it?
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