How Trauma Works: Peter Levine Explains the Disorder

A man sitting on a bed with his head in his hands illustrates how trauma works

What happens in your body when you experience trauma? Why do humans get stuck in trauma while animals naturally recover? In Waking the Tiger, trauma expert Peter Levine explores how trauma works in both humans and animals. He reveals the biological mechanisms behind trauma and explains why our natural healing process often gets disrupted. Keep reading to discover what trauma is and learn why your body’s stress response might be keeping you stuck in a cycle of anxiety and fear.

Underestimating Others: We Shouldn’t Be So Quick to Judge

A woman with a furrowed brow and a frown looking at another woman illustrates our tendency to underestimate others

Why do we often see others as less capable than they really are? What mental shortcuts lead us to make snap judgments about people we barely know? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney reveals how we frequently fall into the trap of underestimating others while overestimating ourselves. He explores fascinating psychological phenomena such as the third person effect and the fundamental attribution error that shape our perceptions of those around us. Keep reading to discover how these mental shortcuts affect your relationships and learn practical ways to make more accurate judgments about others.

Remember You Must Die: Why & How to Embrace Memento Mori

A young man looking thoughtfully at himself in the mirror illustrates the concept of memento mori ("remember you must die")

What would change in your life if you truly accepted that your time is limited? How can contemplating death actually lead to a more fulfilling existence? In You Only Die Once, Jodi Wellman explores how embracing our mortality through the ancient principle of memento mori (“remember you must die”) can transform our approach to living. She reveals how acknowledging death’s inevitability helps us prioritize what truly matters and live with greater purpose. Keep reading to discover how facing our mortality might be the key to activating a more meaningful and intentional life.

Positive Self-Pressure: 3 Tools to Amplify Your Willpower

A man holding a written schedule illustrates positive self-pressure

What does it take to harness your willpower effectively? How can external pressure help you achieve your goals? In Willpower, Roy Baumeister and John Tierney explore practical strategies for maximizing self-control. Their research reveals how self-pressure techniques can help you stay focused and motivated, even during challenging times when your willpower reserves run low. Keep reading to discover proven tools for applying positive self-pressure that can transform your approach to achieving goals and maintaining self-control.

Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine: Book Overview & Takeaways

A man with gray hair, a beard, glasses, a gray shirt, and jeans reading a book on a couch with bookcases in the background

What happens in your body when you experience trauma? Why do some seemingly minor events leave lasting emotional and physical scars while others don’t? In Waking the Tiger, Peter Levine challenges traditional views about psychological healing. He presents a groundbreaking approach that focuses on the body’s natural ability to process and release trauma. His method, called Somatic Experiencing, offers hope for anyone carrying the weight of past experiences. Read on to explore Levine’s revolutionary insights into healing trauma through the wisdom of our own bodies.

Darwin’s Dangerous Idea (Daniel Dennett): Book Overview

A grey-haired woman with glasses reading a book and sitting on a couch at home with bookshelves and plants in the background

What makes Darwin’s theory of evolution so revolutionary beyond its biological implications? How does understanding evolution change our perspective on human consciousness, culture, and morality? In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, Daniel Dennett explores how evolutionary theory transforms our understanding of life, consciousness, and human nature. He demonstrates that Darwin’s concept of natural selection extends far beyond biology, reshaping our views on everything from religious beliefs to cultural development. Keep reading to discover how Dennett reveals the profound ways evolutionary thinking illuminates the mysteries of human existence and challenges traditional beliefs about our place in the universe.

How Our Sense of Self-Importance Can Steer Us the Wrong Way

A man crossing his arms and standing in the middle of a stage with a spotlight on him illustrates a sense of self-importance

What drives our everyday decisions and behaviors? Why do we often feel like everyone is watching our every move? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney reveals how our sense of self-importance shapes our perceptions and choices. He explores two key ways this manifests: believing we’re the center of attention and making decisions to protect our ego. Keep reading to discover why you might be overthinking what others think of you and learn practical ways to make better decisions.

How to Live a Full Life: 4 Tips From You Only Die Once

A middle-aged couple picking apples in an orchard illustrates how to live a full life

Would you like to live with purpose and energy? How can you create a life that’s both meaningful and vibrant? Jodi Wellman’s approach to living a full life in her book You Only Die Once combines practical strategies for increasing your daily energy with deeper insights about creating lasting purpose. Her framework offers a comprehensive path to a more enriched existence. Keep reading to discover how to live a full life—starting today.

What Is Random Mutation? Daniel Dennett Explains

A DNA molecule with a red spot illustrates the question, "What is random mutation?"

What exactly happens during random genetic mutations? What is random mutation, and how do these spontaneous changes affect living organisms? Random mutation stands as a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, representing unplanned changes in genetic material that can alter an organism’s characteristics. From Darwin’s early theories to modern scientific understanding, our knowledge of genetic mutations has evolved dramatically over time. Keep reading to get Daniel Dennett’s explanation from Darwin’s Dangerous Idea of how these genetic changes shape life itself.

How Good Are You? Perhaps Not as Good as You Think

A man thinking deeply while people around him are chatting is contemplating the question, "How good are you?"

How good are you? Are you at your best when you’re around others or when you’re on your own? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney reveals fascinating insights about human behavior and self-perception. He explores how our actions change in group settings and why we’re not as independent-minded as we’d like to believe. Keep reading to discover why it can be more difficult to maintain your values and motivation when others are around.