by jmalouff | Jul 5, 2023 | Coping, Human Thinking and Behavior, Mental health problems, Personality
How Hermit-Like Are You? I just read a brilliant biography of a hermit, “The Stranger in the Woods,” by Michael Finkel. The hermit, Chris Knight, lived in the Maine woods alone for 27 years. No house, no medical care. How he survived the winters I...
by jmalouff | Mar 24, 2023 | Human Thinking and Behavior
I just read many articles in New Philospher magazine about attention and distraction. Here are my conclusions: First, attention is good for getting things done, for staying safe, and for keeping aware of what is happening inside and outside us. Second,...
by jmalouff | Jan 18, 2023 | Human Thinking and Behavior, Language, Motivation, Well-Being
Some experts and ordinary folks want men to show vulnerability, but most men are not inclined in that direction. To me and to most men, vulnerability means being weak in case of attack. That is the traditional meaning of the word. Those who want men to show...
by jmalouff | Jan 12, 2023 | Human Thinking and Behavior, Positive psychology
I am re-reading “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It is widely considered one of the best essays ever written. I saw in the essay this famous expression: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” Emerson argues that...
by jmalouff | Aug 15, 2022 | Human Thinking and Behavior, Positive psychology
The Rolling Stones had a hit with the song “Sympathy for the Devil.” You can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwtyn-L-2gQ&ab_channel=ABKCOVEVO The idea was stunning: Having sympathy for the devil. I know that some people worship the devil,...
by jmalouff | Apr 29, 2022 | Coping, Human Thinking and Behavior, Social psychology
Do you compare yourself with others? Most of us do. We compare ourselves to individuals who are better than us — and to people who are worse. We compare ourselves day in and day out. For instance, I compare myself with a colleague on recent number...
