This week we focus on the subject of character. What character traits are indicative of wellbeing? In 2004 Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson published their findings regarding character in the book, “Character Strengths and Virtues.” They studied 24 character strengths. In a recent study, Scott Barry Kaufman together with Spencer Greenberg, Susan Cain, and the Quiet Revolution collected data on 517 folks looking for a correlation between character as described by Seligman and Petersen, and well-being. They found hope to be the top trait correlated with wellbeing. 1 Helplessness/Hopelessness I ... Read More
This week our subject is the genie within. If you look at Goodreads for quotes from authors, the first one you find under my name says this, “The absolutely awesome incredible power of belief is the genie in your life.” Indeed, in my book, “I Believe: When What You Believe Matters,” the bottom line take-away after examining all of the science can be stated this way, “Everything you believe matters!” Negative Spiritual Beliefs Imagine this: within you there is an awesome force with a potential creative power that can express ... Read More
In this week’s spotlight I wish to discuss the power of authority. We are all educated to respect authority. In our early years failing to do so can lead to serious repercussions. We first learn that declining blind obedience to our parents and custodians can lead to punishment, humiliation and more. We then enter school where once again the authority has a remarkable fist held over our heads. If we refuse to respect this authority we can be failed and even expelled. By the time we reach Middle School the ... Read More
This week I would like to draw your attention to the herd mentality. We are all herd animals and we often behave accordingly without paying any attention to the provocation, or stimuli, provided by the herd’s behavior. This is so hard wired into our very nature that a skilled manipulator can easily and surreptitiously take advantage of how we’re all wired. We can see this done with groups as well as with an individual. Interrogators will often use neuro linguistic programming techniques to guide a subject into a confession. We ... Read More
This week I want to direct your attention to another interesting and subtle form of propaganda. Recently I spotted an ad on Reddit that read, “Science AMA Series: We are physicists Rush Holt and Frank von Hippel, here to answer your technical questions on the Iran Nuclear Deal (and anything else) AMA!” Wow—think of it. When I clicked the link this is what I read: The Authority Speaks We recently co-authored an open letter to President Obama, which was signed by several dozen prominent scientists, supporting the nuclear deal with Iran. ... Read More
