Why radicals can't recognize when they're wrong

It's not just ostriches who stick their head in the sand.

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  • Not only does everyone have personal experience with how difficult it can be to change people's minds, but there's also empirical research showing why this is the case.
  • A new study in Current Biology explains why some people seem to be constitutionally incapable of admitting they're wrong.
  • The study shows the underlying mechanism behind being bull-headed, and there may be some ways to get better at recognizing when you're wrong.
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Jordan Peterson's take on the origins of the Buddha

In this short video, he compares the outset of Buddhism with the biblical garden.

  • During this class, Jordan Peterson describes how overprotective parenting led to the creation of Buddhism.
  • Peterson compares the Buddhist origin myth with the story of Eden.
  • Both tales deal with the onset of consciousness and mortality and therefore are universal in appeal.
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Practicing self-compassion boosts immunity and healing, top British researchers say

The Buddha's teachings seem to be on point.

Photo credit: Ian Stauffer on Unsplash
  • Practicing self-compassion is shown to reduce arousal and increase parasympathetic activation in a new study.
  • Feeling comfortable in your skin leads to higher-order emotions, such as empathy and compassion.
  • Buddha realized this millennia ago when prescribing compassion as the path to self-realization.
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10 powerful quotes to inspire your meditation practice

Sometimes doing nothing means everything.

TORONTO, ON- Kevin Kwok demonstrates meditation techniques in a meditation pod at Mindset Gym. Sean Finnell led Kevin through a five minute meditation for photos. (Rene Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
  • Meditation can have a profound impact in reducing anxiety and stress.
  • While there are many ways to meditate, the ability to sustain your attention on one thing for a period of time is the foundation of them all.
  • The more you practice, the more results you get, though quality of time is more important than quantity
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10 Buddhist koans, and why understanding them is pointless

To go beyond meaning you might need a helpful phrase.

Photo: Sarah Bell / Unsplash
  • Koans are one of the most meaningful practices in Zen Buddhism.
  • Usually translated as "nonsensical," the sentences have much greater purpose.
  • Breaking beyond concepts in meditation is a driving factor of the koan.
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