Introduction LO: This Quanta article is fascinating if and when you're interested in (convergent) evolution. Although the article does not mention consciousness, it strongly suggests that consciousness is a phenomenon that starts in a single cell. It also suggest that multicellular organisms have collective consciousness that can learn. A must-read ! Single Cells...
Gravity keeps us grounded and prevents us from jumping up high in the air. Could gravity also affect our thinking in a similar way? Many, and perhaps most, people have a micro focus. They look at correctness, at details, at empathy. Nearly all media adopt a micro focus. There is, however, another perspective. On the other side, there is a macro focus. That focus...
I know several conspiracy thinkers and I know for a fact that they are not stupid. Also see my recent Psyche article and this 2021 Slate article: "Why People Believe in Conspiracy Theories. They’re not stupid." Still, they do believe in conspiracies. I do not believe in conspiracies and for very practical reasons: too many people involved, no secrecy. Why do some...
My July 28 blog was about leadership: Why is leadership restricted to animals and humans? The flip side of leadership is submission of a majority to a minority. Why are most (animals and) people submissive? A 2010 article in Psychology Today argues that people are conformists: "Human beings are herd animals. We survive only in highly coordinated groups....
While looking at my notes for future blogs, I noticed this one: "Alignment between personal and group interests only possible if Empathy > Advantage". This statement applies to all situations, like a family, relationship, sports team, study group, and at work. Example: Why stay with [an employer] when you can increase your Advantage by quitting? If you replace...
In 2016, an "octopus at New Zealand's National Aquarium made a break for freedom by slipping out of its tank, slithering down a drainpipe and escaping into the ocean earlier this year" (Nat Geo). Recently, "workers at a crocodile farm in Thailand have been searching for crocodiles which escaped after floods in the area." (BBC) Human escapes from captivity...
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