Author: Gerald Alper
Publisher: ibooks
ISBN: 1596879734
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
“The deep psychodynamic digging of ALPER reaches to celebrated experiments, death in the afterlife, the mind, the interface of science and religion, and cosmos-centric issues. Readers are enriched greatly by the intellectual treasures unearthed toilsomely by the spade of psychodynamic excavator ALPER.” —LEO UZYCH, JD, MPH “ALPER never writes dull books. He has one of the most creative analytic minds of his generation.” —DR. JEROME DAVID LEVIN, author of The Clinton Syndrome Within these pages GERALD ALPER explores the pervasive propensity among leading scientists in their quests for quantification and reductionism to overlook completely the presence of the “Elephant in the Room”—the dynamic unconscious—and the very real consequences that result when science minimizes the human equation. Offering a holistic, contextual view of the mind and its manifestations that neither excludes nor privileges the methods of science, ALPER examines the conclusions drawn by the experimentalist by taking the laboratory and putting it back into the real world. In the process he illuminates the fallacies inherent in some of the most celebrated scientific experiments in modern times while convincingly asserting that the experiential and existential aspects of our everyday lives are no less relevant.
The Elephant in the Room-The Denial of the Unconscious Mind
Author: Gerald Alper
Publisher: ibooks
ISBN: 1596879734
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
“The deep psychodynamic digging of ALPER reaches to celebrated experiments, death in the afterlife, the mind, the interface of science and religion, and cosmos-centric issues. Readers are enriched greatly by the intellectual treasures unearthed toilsomely by the spade of psychodynamic excavator ALPER.” —LEO UZYCH, JD, MPH “ALPER never writes dull books. He has one of the most creative analytic minds of his generation.” —DR. JEROME DAVID LEVIN, author of The Clinton Syndrome Within these pages GERALD ALPER explores the pervasive propensity among leading scientists in their quests for quantification and reductionism to overlook completely the presence of the “Elephant in the Room”—the dynamic unconscious—and the very real consequences that result when science minimizes the human equation. Offering a holistic, contextual view of the mind and its manifestations that neither excludes nor privileges the methods of science, ALPER examines the conclusions drawn by the experimentalist by taking the laboratory and putting it back into the real world. In the process he illuminates the fallacies inherent in some of the most celebrated scientific experiments in modern times while convincingly asserting that the experiential and existential aspects of our everyday lives are no less relevant.
Publisher: ibooks
ISBN: 1596879734
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
“The deep psychodynamic digging of ALPER reaches to celebrated experiments, death in the afterlife, the mind, the interface of science and religion, and cosmos-centric issues. Readers are enriched greatly by the intellectual treasures unearthed toilsomely by the spade of psychodynamic excavator ALPER.” —LEO UZYCH, JD, MPH “ALPER never writes dull books. He has one of the most creative analytic minds of his generation.” —DR. JEROME DAVID LEVIN, author of The Clinton Syndrome Within these pages GERALD ALPER explores the pervasive propensity among leading scientists in their quests for quantification and reductionism to overlook completely the presence of the “Elephant in the Room”—the dynamic unconscious—and the very real consequences that result when science minimizes the human equation. Offering a holistic, contextual view of the mind and its manifestations that neither excludes nor privileges the methods of science, ALPER examines the conclusions drawn by the experimentalist by taking the laboratory and putting it back into the real world. In the process he illuminates the fallacies inherent in some of the most celebrated scientific experiments in modern times while convincingly asserting that the experiential and existential aspects of our everyday lives are no less relevant.
Shamanic Dimensions of Psychotherapy
Author: Robin van Löben Sels
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000739791
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
In Shamanic Dimensions of Psychotherapy: Healing through the Symbolic Process, Robin van Löben Sels uniquely and honestly recounts her personal journey toward a shamanic understanding of psychotherapy. Exploring the disruptive breakthrough of visions and dreams that occurred during her analysis, personal life, and psychoanalytic training, van Löben Sels illustrates how the phenomenology of ancient shamanism is still alive and how it is a paradigm for the emergence and maturation of the psyche in people today. This original book delves into van Löben Sels’s personal experience of the shaman, identifying such eruptions as a contemporary version of the archaic shaman’s initiatory call to vocation. The book is split into two parts. It begins by outlining the shamanic personality in history, recognizing this as an individual that has been called out of a collectively sanctioned identity into a creative life, and the unconscious shaman complex they consequently face, especially in psychotherapeutic relationships. Practical as well as theoretical, the second part outlines the shamanic attributes that underline psychotherapeutic relationships - silence, sound, mask, rhythm, gesture, movement, and respiration - and usefully describes how to use them as asanas for consciousness, or vehicles toward psychological awareness. With clinical examples and personal stories throughout, this book’s unique Jungian perspective addresses contemporary expressions of the shaman complex in our current world. Shamanic Dimensions of Psychotherapy: Healing through the Symbolic Process will be essential reading for Jungian analysts and psychotherapists in practice and in training, as well as for academics and students of Jungian and post-Jungian studies. It will be especially helpful and illuminating to those who have experienced an involuntary plunge into the depths and who seek ways to articulate their experience.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000739791
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
In Shamanic Dimensions of Psychotherapy: Healing through the Symbolic Process, Robin van Löben Sels uniquely and honestly recounts her personal journey toward a shamanic understanding of psychotherapy. Exploring the disruptive breakthrough of visions and dreams that occurred during her analysis, personal life, and psychoanalytic training, van Löben Sels illustrates how the phenomenology of ancient shamanism is still alive and how it is a paradigm for the emergence and maturation of the psyche in people today. This original book delves into van Löben Sels’s personal experience of the shaman, identifying such eruptions as a contemporary version of the archaic shaman’s initiatory call to vocation. The book is split into two parts. It begins by outlining the shamanic personality in history, recognizing this as an individual that has been called out of a collectively sanctioned identity into a creative life, and the unconscious shaman complex they consequently face, especially in psychotherapeutic relationships. Practical as well as theoretical, the second part outlines the shamanic attributes that underline psychotherapeutic relationships - silence, sound, mask, rhythm, gesture, movement, and respiration - and usefully describes how to use them as asanas for consciousness, or vehicles toward psychological awareness. With clinical examples and personal stories throughout, this book’s unique Jungian perspective addresses contemporary expressions of the shaman complex in our current world. Shamanic Dimensions of Psychotherapy: Healing through the Symbolic Process will be essential reading for Jungian analysts and psychotherapists in practice and in training, as well as for academics and students of Jungian and post-Jungian studies. It will be especially helpful and illuminating to those who have experienced an involuntary plunge into the depths and who seek ways to articulate their experience.
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing, Second Edition
Author: Kathleen Tusaie, PhD, APRN-BC
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 0826132529
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 764
Book Description
This text reinvigorates the emphasis on the therapeutic relationship that is the core of nursing practice. It also relies on our strong history as therapists and introduces a need for integration of all aspects of care, a true holistic approach that characterizes the nursing perspective...The book should serve as a review for nurses who are studying for certification exams [and is] very useful for coursework in DNP programs as well as the masters programs in psychiatric mental health nursing. -Grayce M. Sills, PhD, RN, FAAN Professor Emerita, Ohio State University From the Foreword Now in its second edition, this groundbreaking text and reference continues to be the only resource for APRNs to focus on integrative interventions forindividuals with mental health problems across the lifespan. Combining theory and practice, it provides a clear framework for integratingpsychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into advanced practice nursing. The second edition is thoroughlyupdated to reflect current research, new classifications in DSM 5, genetic testing, and increased use of telemental health delivery. It builds upon itslifespan focus and updates quick-access pediatric pointers and aging alerts. Additionally, the resource incorporates the 2014 publication of the ANA Scopeand Standards of Practice for Psychiatric Nurses, offers a new focus on QSEN requirements, and responds to the need to reduce health disparities andaddress cultural considerations. Organized around psychiatric syndromes, the text covers neurobiology, theory and research evidence related to psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and CAMinterventions. It provides a virtual buffet of clear treatment options in the form of well-designed decision trees and accompanying explanatory narratives.The text also includes a section on such special considerations as substance misuse, medical problems, pregnancy, and forensic issues that often co-occurwith psychiatric syndromes. Concise, clear language and abundant charts, graphs, and algorithms enhance the books’ value in supporting sound clinicalreasoning. New to the Second Edition: Thoroughly updated, evidence-based content Encompasses new research Presents three completely new chapters on Integrative Management of Impulse Control, Telehealth, and Quality Improvement and Evidence-BasedPractice Includes the expertise of new contributors Reflects DSM 5 updates, ANA Standard of Practice for Psychiatric Nurses, and QSEN standards Updates quick-access Pediatric Pointers and Aging Alerts Key Features: Integrates theory and practice Simplifies complex concepts using clear language while retaining depth of information Supports clinical decision-making skills through easy-to-follow Decision Trees Organized around psychiatric syndromes Edited by internationally acclaimed practitioner/educators
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 0826132529
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 764
Book Description
This text reinvigorates the emphasis on the therapeutic relationship that is the core of nursing practice. It also relies on our strong history as therapists and introduces a need for integration of all aspects of care, a true holistic approach that characterizes the nursing perspective...The book should serve as a review for nurses who are studying for certification exams [and is] very useful for coursework in DNP programs as well as the masters programs in psychiatric mental health nursing. -Grayce M. Sills, PhD, RN, FAAN Professor Emerita, Ohio State University From the Foreword Now in its second edition, this groundbreaking text and reference continues to be the only resource for APRNs to focus on integrative interventions forindividuals with mental health problems across the lifespan. Combining theory and practice, it provides a clear framework for integratingpsychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into advanced practice nursing. The second edition is thoroughlyupdated to reflect current research, new classifications in DSM 5, genetic testing, and increased use of telemental health delivery. It builds upon itslifespan focus and updates quick-access pediatric pointers and aging alerts. Additionally, the resource incorporates the 2014 publication of the ANA Scopeand Standards of Practice for Psychiatric Nurses, offers a new focus on QSEN requirements, and responds to the need to reduce health disparities andaddress cultural considerations. Organized around psychiatric syndromes, the text covers neurobiology, theory and research evidence related to psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and CAMinterventions. It provides a virtual buffet of clear treatment options in the form of well-designed decision trees and accompanying explanatory narratives.The text also includes a section on such special considerations as substance misuse, medical problems, pregnancy, and forensic issues that often co-occurwith psychiatric syndromes. Concise, clear language and abundant charts, graphs, and algorithms enhance the books’ value in supporting sound clinicalreasoning. New to the Second Edition: Thoroughly updated, evidence-based content Encompasses new research Presents three completely new chapters on Integrative Management of Impulse Control, Telehealth, and Quality Improvement and Evidence-BasedPractice Includes the expertise of new contributors Reflects DSM 5 updates, ANA Standard of Practice for Psychiatric Nurses, and QSEN standards Updates quick-access Pediatric Pointers and Aging Alerts Key Features: Integrates theory and practice Simplifies complex concepts using clear language while retaining depth of information Supports clinical decision-making skills through easy-to-follow Decision Trees Organized around psychiatric syndromes Edited by internationally acclaimed practitioner/educators
Denial
Author: Richard S. Tedlow
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101196262
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 285
Book Description
An astute diagnosis of one of the biggest problems in business Denial is the unconscious determination that a certain reality is too terrible to contemplate, so therefore it cannot be true. We see it everywhere, from the alcoholic who swears he's just a social drinker to the president who declares "mission accomplished" when it isn't. In the business world, countless companies get stuck in denial while their challenges escalate into crises. Harvard Business School professor Richard S. Tedlow tackles two essential questions: Why do sane, smart leaders often refuse to accept the facts that threaten their companies and careers? And how do we find the courage to resist denial when facing new trends, changing markets, and tough new competitors? Tedlow looks at numerous examples of organizations crippled by denial, including Ford in the era of the Model T and Coca-Cola with its abortive attempt to change its formula. He also explores other companies, such as Intel, Johnson & Johnson, and DuPont, that avoided catastrophe by dealing with harsh realities head-on. Tedlow identifies the leadership skills that are essential to spotting the early signs of denial and taking the actions required to overcome it.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101196262
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 285
Book Description
An astute diagnosis of one of the biggest problems in business Denial is the unconscious determination that a certain reality is too terrible to contemplate, so therefore it cannot be true. We see it everywhere, from the alcoholic who swears he's just a social drinker to the president who declares "mission accomplished" when it isn't. In the business world, countless companies get stuck in denial while their challenges escalate into crises. Harvard Business School professor Richard S. Tedlow tackles two essential questions: Why do sane, smart leaders often refuse to accept the facts that threaten their companies and careers? And how do we find the courage to resist denial when facing new trends, changing markets, and tough new competitors? Tedlow looks at numerous examples of organizations crippled by denial, including Ford in the era of the Model T and Coca-Cola with its abortive attempt to change its formula. He also explores other companies, such as Intel, Johnson & Johnson, and DuPont, that avoided catastrophe by dealing with harsh realities head-on. Tedlow identifies the leadership skills that are essential to spotting the early signs of denial and taking the actions required to overcome it.
Climate Change Denial
Author: Haydn Washington
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136530053
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
Humans have always used denial. When we are afraid, guilty, confused, or when something interferes with our self-image, we tend to deny it. Yet denial is a delusion. When it impacts on the health of oneself, or society, or the world it becomes a pathology. Climate change denial is such a case. Paradoxically, as the climate science has become more certain, denial about the issue has increased. The paradox lies in the denial. There is a denial industry funded by the fossil fuel companies that literally denies the science, and seeks to confuse the public. There is denial within governments, where spin-doctors use 'weasel words' to pretend they are taking action. However there is also denial within most of us, the citizenry. We let denial prosper and we resist the science. It also explains the social science behind denial. It contains a detailed examination of the principal climate change denial arguments, from attacks on the integrity of scientists, to impossible expectations of proof and certainty to the cherry picking of data. Climate change can be solved - but only when we cease to deny that it exists. This book shows how we can break through denial, accept reality, and thus solve the climate crisis. It will engage scientists, university students, climate change activists as well as the general public seeking to roll back denial and act.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136530053
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
Humans have always used denial. When we are afraid, guilty, confused, or when something interferes with our self-image, we tend to deny it. Yet denial is a delusion. When it impacts on the health of oneself, or society, or the world it becomes a pathology. Climate change denial is such a case. Paradoxically, as the climate science has become more certain, denial about the issue has increased. The paradox lies in the denial. There is a denial industry funded by the fossil fuel companies that literally denies the science, and seeks to confuse the public. There is denial within governments, where spin-doctors use 'weasel words' to pretend they are taking action. However there is also denial within most of us, the citizenry. We let denial prosper and we resist the science. It also explains the social science behind denial. It contains a detailed examination of the principal climate change denial arguments, from attacks on the integrity of scientists, to impossible expectations of proof and certainty to the cherry picking of data. Climate change can be solved - but only when we cease to deny that it exists. This book shows how we can break through denial, accept reality, and thus solve the climate crisis. It will engage scientists, university students, climate change activists as well as the general public seeking to roll back denial and act.
The Elephant in the Room
Author: Eviatar Zerubavel
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198040520
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 177
Book Description
The fable of the Emperor's New Clothes is a classic example of a conspiracy of silence, a situation where everyone refuses to acknowledge an obvious truth. But the denial of social realities--whether incest, alcoholism, corruption, or even genocide-is no fairy tale. In The Elephant in the Room, Eviatar Zerubavel sheds new light on the social and political underpinnings of silence and denial-the keeping of "open secrets." The author shows that conspiracies of silence exist at every level of society, ranging from small groups to large corporations, from personal friendships to politics. Zerubavel shows how such conspiracies evolve, illuminating the social pressures that cause people to deny what is right before their eyes. We see how each conspirator's denial is symbiotically complemented by the others', and we learn that silence is usually more intense when there are more people conspiring-and especially when there are significant power differences among them. He concludes by showing that the longer we ignore "elephants," the larger they loom in our minds, as each avoidance triggers an even greater spiral of denial. Drawing on examples from newspapers and comedy shows to novels, children's stories, and film, the book travels back and forth across different levels of social life, and from everyday moments to large-scale historical events. At its core, The Elephant in the Room helps us understand why we ignore truths that are known to all of us.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198040520
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 177
Book Description
The fable of the Emperor's New Clothes is a classic example of a conspiracy of silence, a situation where everyone refuses to acknowledge an obvious truth. But the denial of social realities--whether incest, alcoholism, corruption, or even genocide-is no fairy tale. In The Elephant in the Room, Eviatar Zerubavel sheds new light on the social and political underpinnings of silence and denial-the keeping of "open secrets." The author shows that conspiracies of silence exist at every level of society, ranging from small groups to large corporations, from personal friendships to politics. Zerubavel shows how such conspiracies evolve, illuminating the social pressures that cause people to deny what is right before their eyes. We see how each conspirator's denial is symbiotically complemented by the others', and we learn that silence is usually more intense when there are more people conspiring-and especially when there are significant power differences among them. He concludes by showing that the longer we ignore "elephants," the larger they loom in our minds, as each avoidance triggers an even greater spiral of denial. Drawing on examples from newspapers and comedy shows to novels, children's stories, and film, the book travels back and forth across different levels of social life, and from everyday moments to large-scale historical events. At its core, The Elephant in the Room helps us understand why we ignore truths that are known to all of us.
Quo Vadis?
Author: Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030666999
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 105
Book Description
Written at a time of global pandemic, when we have been forced to confront age-old existential questions—Why are we here? Where are we going?—perhaps for the first time, Quo Vadis? is extraordinarily relevant to leaders, managers and anyone who wants to bring meaning and authenticity into their work and life. Manfred Kets de Vries argues that we need to address these fundamental and disturbing questions if we are to live fully and meaningfully. Too many people wake up on a Monday morning and do the same things they have done every Monday. They go to work and function on autopilot without questioning their purpose. But how can we make sure our lives are rich and fulfilling? How do we know we’re on the right track? This is a book about death and the fear of death, about angst and absurdity; but it is also about endurance, honesty, well-being, responsibility, living with hard truths, creating meaning—and happiness. Quo Vadis? makes us look full on at the things we prefer not to see. It is a short book that pulls no punches but is far from bleak. Instead, Kets de Vries shows that our life is enriched, and our ability to make meaning and find happiness is increased, when we acknowledge the inevitable price we have to pay for knowing our own mind and understanding our inevitable end.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030666999
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 105
Book Description
Written at a time of global pandemic, when we have been forced to confront age-old existential questions—Why are we here? Where are we going?—perhaps for the first time, Quo Vadis? is extraordinarily relevant to leaders, managers and anyone who wants to bring meaning and authenticity into their work and life. Manfred Kets de Vries argues that we need to address these fundamental and disturbing questions if we are to live fully and meaningfully. Too many people wake up on a Monday morning and do the same things they have done every Monday. They go to work and function on autopilot without questioning their purpose. But how can we make sure our lives are rich and fulfilling? How do we know we’re on the right track? This is a book about death and the fear of death, about angst and absurdity; but it is also about endurance, honesty, well-being, responsibility, living with hard truths, creating meaning—and happiness. Quo Vadis? makes us look full on at the things we prefer not to see. It is a short book that pulls no punches but is far from bleak. Instead, Kets de Vries shows that our life is enriched, and our ability to make meaning and find happiness is increased, when we acknowledge the inevitable price we have to pay for knowing our own mind and understanding our inevitable end.
Addiction in the Family
Author: Louise Stanger EDD, LCSW
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1647392268
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
A practical and supportive guide for families struggling with addiction Get compassionate guidance that shows you how to navigate the unique challenges faced when a family member is suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD). Addiction in the Family helps you better understand what your loved one is going through while also offering realistic advice for approaching their addiction and how it affects your entire family. Drawing on Dr. Louise Stanger's years of experience as an SUD and family trauma clinician, Addiction in the Family allows you to take things at your own pace and concentrate on the areas where you need the most help. Whether it's finding ways to help your loved one, concentrating on your own self-care, or starting the healing and recovery journey, you'll find practical and thoughtful guidance. Addiction in the Family is: Family-focused—Get advice that addresses the dynamics and challenges of dealing with a partner, child, or other family member who is suffering from SUD. Practical and hopeful—Learn how to set boundaries, deal with strong emotions, and find addiction treatment options, as well as the best ways to communicate with a loved one compassionately and honestly. Filled with real-life examples—Realize that you aren't alone thanks to composite anecdotes—drawn from Dr. Louise's practice—that help you contextualize your experiences. Addiction in the Family will help you discover a measured and considerate way to approach a family member suffering from SUD.
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1647392268
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
A practical and supportive guide for families struggling with addiction Get compassionate guidance that shows you how to navigate the unique challenges faced when a family member is suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD). Addiction in the Family helps you better understand what your loved one is going through while also offering realistic advice for approaching their addiction and how it affects your entire family. Drawing on Dr. Louise Stanger's years of experience as an SUD and family trauma clinician, Addiction in the Family allows you to take things at your own pace and concentrate on the areas where you need the most help. Whether it's finding ways to help your loved one, concentrating on your own self-care, or starting the healing and recovery journey, you'll find practical and thoughtful guidance. Addiction in the Family is: Family-focused—Get advice that addresses the dynamics and challenges of dealing with a partner, child, or other family member who is suffering from SUD. Practical and hopeful—Learn how to set boundaries, deal with strong emotions, and find addiction treatment options, as well as the best ways to communicate with a loved one compassionately and honestly. Filled with real-life examples—Realize that you aren't alone thanks to composite anecdotes—drawn from Dr. Louise's practice—that help you contextualize your experiences. Addiction in the Family will help you discover a measured and considerate way to approach a family member suffering from SUD.
Institutions Inc.
Author: Elke Weik
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1137481498
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 157
Book Description
Institutions Incorporated draws together aspects of human and organizational corporeality and links them to institutions. Throughout European anthropology and culture the body has been conceptualized as the 'dark side' to soul and reason. This book explores the 'dark side' of institutions, their materiality and the bodily involvement of their users, in an environment where perfection is measured in intangible entities, notably reason and will. This innovative collection takes a closer look at the interplay of the symbolic and the material, and the triad of institutions, bodies and corporations. This exciting research examines what the tangible, 'dark side' of institutions means both for those who live in them, and those who study them.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1137481498
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 157
Book Description
Institutions Incorporated draws together aspects of human and organizational corporeality and links them to institutions. Throughout European anthropology and culture the body has been conceptualized as the 'dark side' to soul and reason. This book explores the 'dark side' of institutions, their materiality and the bodily involvement of their users, in an environment where perfection is measured in intangible entities, notably reason and will. This innovative collection takes a closer look at the interplay of the symbolic and the material, and the triad of institutions, bodies and corporations. This exciting research examines what the tangible, 'dark side' of institutions means both for those who live in them, and those who study them.
The Elephant in the Brain
Author: Kevin Simler
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190495995
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 417
Book Description
Human beings are primates, and primates are political animals. Our brains, therefore, are designed not just to hunt and gather, but also to help us get ahead socially, often via deception and self-deception. But while we may be self-interested schemers, we benefit by pretending otherwise. The less we know about our own ugly motives, the better - and thus we don't like to talk or even think about the extent of our selfishness. This is the elephant in the brain. Such an introspective taboo makes it hard for us to think clearly about our nature and the explanations for our behavior. The aim of this book, then, is to confront our hidden motives directly - to track down the darker, unexamined corners of our psyches and blast them with floodlights. Then, once everything is clearly visible, we can work to better understand ourselves: Why do we laugh? Why are artists sexy? Why do we brag about travel? Why do we prefer to speak rather than listen? Our unconscious motives drive more than just our private behavior; they also infect our venerated social institutions such as Art, School, Charity, Medicine, Politics, and Religion. In fact, these institutions are in many ways designed to accommodate our hidden motives, to serve covert agendas alongside their official ones. The existence of big hidden motives can upend the usual political debates, leading one to question the legitimacy of these social institutions, and of standard policies designed to favor or discourage them. You won't see yourself - or the world - the same after confronting the elephant in the brain.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190495995
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 417
Book Description
Human beings are primates, and primates are political animals. Our brains, therefore, are designed not just to hunt and gather, but also to help us get ahead socially, often via deception and self-deception. But while we may be self-interested schemers, we benefit by pretending otherwise. The less we know about our own ugly motives, the better - and thus we don't like to talk or even think about the extent of our selfishness. This is the elephant in the brain. Such an introspective taboo makes it hard for us to think clearly about our nature and the explanations for our behavior. The aim of this book, then, is to confront our hidden motives directly - to track down the darker, unexamined corners of our psyches and blast them with floodlights. Then, once everything is clearly visible, we can work to better understand ourselves: Why do we laugh? Why are artists sexy? Why do we brag about travel? Why do we prefer to speak rather than listen? Our unconscious motives drive more than just our private behavior; they also infect our venerated social institutions such as Art, School, Charity, Medicine, Politics, and Religion. In fact, these institutions are in many ways designed to accommodate our hidden motives, to serve covert agendas alongside their official ones. The existence of big hidden motives can upend the usual political debates, leading one to question the legitimacy of these social institutions, and of standard policies designed to favor or discourage them. You won't see yourself - or the world - the same after confronting the elephant in the brain.