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The perils of small talk
The Greek philosopher Socrates famously claimed that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” to which the 20th-century American philosopher Daniel Dennett replied: “The overly examined life is nothing to write home about either.” Fair
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The Mind of a Misanthrope
I become misanthropic every February. I avoid social gatherings, and really just want to hole up at home. I always assumed it was the dark evenings and slippery sidewalks and general misery of venturing outside.
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White as Snow, Black as Sin: The Colors of Moral Purity and Pollution
What do wedding dresses and doves have to do with toothpaste and soap? Psychologists Gary Sherman and Gerald Clore from the University of Virginia found that the perceptual symbols of purity, such as snow and
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Rich Man, Poor Man: Study shows body language can indicate socioeconomic status
Socioeconomic status (SES) is determined by a number of factors such as wealth, occupation and schools attended. SES influences the food we eat, hobbies we participate in and can even have an impact on our
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The Irony of Harmony: Why Positive Interactions May Sometimes be Negative
History abounds with examples of dramatic social change occurring when a disadvantaged group finally stands up and says “Enough!”. By recognizing their inequalities, members of disadvantaged groups can mobilize and attempt to bring about change.
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Are Power and Compassion Mutually Exclusive?
The fact that many cultures emphasize the concept of “noblesse oblige” (the idea that with great power and prestige come responsibilities) suggests that power may diminish a tendency to help others. Psychologist Gerben A. van
