It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices. – Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling Every day you are confronted with countless choices. Did you do your work or scroll through social media? Did you choose the freeway or the backstreets?…
The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action. — John Dewey On Netflix, I sometimes worry that I spend more time looking for movies than I actually spend watching them. Actually, I’m pretty sure I do. From movie selection to sock shopping to deciding which toe nail to…
When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice. — William James (the father of psychology) The other day, my girlfriend had a photoshoot, and she asked for my opinion on which of two shirts to wear. With my advanced degree in boyfriendology, I provided a very thoughtful…
Disappointment is inevitable; misery is optional. — Various authors We’ve all been there. Your favorite sports team loses to their rival. The political candidate you hoped would win doesn’t. A movie you love didn’t get the award. Everyone feels bummed in these moments—but why do some people seem crushed while others just shrug it off?…
Happiness is a person’s greatest aim in life. Tranquility and rationality are the cornerstones of happiness. – Epicurus There are a lot of “invisible,” psychological factors that influence our evaluations and behavior. For example, maybe you’re certain that this is the consumer product you want. Or you just know this is the right romantic partner…
This week, I’m excited to bring you something unique for Everyday Psych: a personal interview with one of psychology’s most esteemed and influential psychologists, Dr. Richard Nisbett. Dr. Nisbett discovered some of the most interesting findings in social psychology, conducting research on people’s ability to introspect, on what ‘intelligence’ actually is, and how people from…