“Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade” is a deeply insightful book written by social psychologist Robert Cialdini, a recognized authority on the subject of persuasion. Published in 2016, it serves as a follow-up to his acclaimed book, “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion”, and delves into the effective persuasion techniques that can be employed … Read more
“The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness” by John Yates (who also goes by the name Culadasa), Matthew Immergut, and Jeremy Graves is a comprehensive guide to meditation that marries traditional Buddhist wisdom with modern neuroscience. This in-depth work provides a 10-stage model of meditation that … Read more
The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement, authored by Jean M. Twenge and W. Keith Campbell, is a deep dive into a burgeoning social and psychological issue of our time – narcissism. The book explores the root causes, its manifestations, and the broad societal impact of this epidemic, while also offering insights on … Read more
“Notes on a Nervous Planet” is a compelling exploration of the link between modern life and rising levels of anxiety, stress, and mental health issues. Authored by British writer Matt Haig, the book serves as a follow-up to his critically acclaimed memoir “Reasons to Stay Alive,” which detailed his personal struggle with depression and anxiety. … Read more
“Dopamine Nation” by Dr. Anna Lembke explores the role of dopamine, the neurochemical linked to pleasure, in contemporary society’s rapidly increasing addiction to everything from drugs to food and technology. The book highlights how the evolution of “limbic capitalism” or “dopamine economy” has increased accessibility and potency of a variety of substances. Technological advancements, such … Read more
In an unprecedented development, media personality Joe Rogan recently threw his support behind a prospective debate between virologist Peter Hotez and environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This proposed face-off, which has been viewed with a mix of anticipation and skepticism, could present a strikingly public discussion on vaccines, an area where both Hotez and … Read more
Herbert Simon, a pioneer in the field of cognitive psychology, introduced the concept of “bounded rationality” – a concept that I cover in “The End of Wisdom: Why Most Advice is Useless.” Bounded rationality posits that individuals make decisions based on the information they have at hand, their cognitive limitations, and the finite amount of … Read more
“Trinity: The Best-Kept Secret” (published in 2021) is an exceptional contribution to the body of UFO literature, co-authored by Jacques Vallee and Paola Leopizzi Harris. This collaborative work provides a meticulously researched examination of an important, yet little-known, UFO event that allegedly occurred near Trinity, New Mexico, in 1945. Vallee, a renowned ufologist and computer … Read more
“Autofac” is a short story written by Philip K. Dick and was first published in 1955. This story revolves around post-apocalyptic survivors trying to resist an automated factory system, termed “autofac.” The story begins in a post-apocalyptic world, ruined by what’s referred to as the “Total Global Conflict.” Even though humans have stopped fighting, autonomous … Read more
There is a certain duality that exists between the notions of risk and uncertainty. However, the stark contrast in the public perception of these two concepts, often cloaked in false interpretation, makes it important to probe deeper into their essence. Risk, as commonly understood, is associated with a situation that involves exposure to danger. However, … Read more