Beyond Comprehension

I am on a “writing sabbatical” this summer with limited access to the internet. I will resume posting articles in August. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

Often great science depends on keen observation. Darwin built his theory of evolution on detailed observations of everything from birds to beetles. Jane Goodall revolutionized our understanding of primate behavior by staring at chimpanzees for hours and days. But not just staring at them, noticing them. She saw things most observers would not have picked…

A short video showing why our eating decisions are often not conscious, or wise.
In this video, part of a webcast being organized by Fuqua, I lay out some thoughts on the psychology of obesity. Check it out. I’ll post a Q and A video on this topic (with the Qs provided by Fuqua alums) in a couple weeks. Feel free to add your questions in the meantime, and I’ll try to cover them too!

Shutterstock Legalizing medical marijuana is controversial. Physicians have not always prescribed controlled substances wisely, as a look at our narcotic epidemic confirms. But marijuana is much safer than narcotics and, according to a recent study, might even save us money, by reducing people’s need for other, often more expensive medications. Most notably, marijuana can be…

Will a fiercely independent person like me become less generous if I practice mindfulness? Will all that focus on self and present drawing me away from other people’s concerns?