Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life (original) (raw)
Exploring the simple selfish biases that make us caring, creative, and complex
Friends
What if you are not a natural extrovert, but you are in a new place and need to make new friends? Here I discuss three practical suggestions based on decades of research
What if you are not a natural extrovert, but you are in a new place and need to make new friends? Here I discuss three practical suggestions based on decades of research
Friends
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on April 27, 2025
Because modern humans often move homes or change jobs, they need some social skills our ancestors didn't. Making new friends can be broken down into three separate problems.
Because modern humans often move homes or change jobs, they need some social skills our ancestors didn't. Making new friends can be broken down into three separate problems.
Leadership
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on October 10, 2024
Experts and members of the public continue to worry that being a woman is a handicap to being elected to high office. The data tell a different story.
Experts and members of the public continue to worry that being a woman is a handicap to being elected to high office. The data tell a different story.
Do selfish genes mean that humans are designed to be selfish?
The news is full of hard-to-resist stories about threats and abominations, but there are three good reasons we should all actively change our news diet.
Cognition
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on June 25, 2023
Does rational thinking, like language, come naturally to humans? Will we solve the many problems wrought by modern irrational thinking, as we've solved so many past problems?
Does rational thinking, like language, come naturally to humans? Will we solve the many problems wrought by modern irrational thinking, as we've solved so many past problems?
Stress
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on May 27, 2023
Personal Perspective: Here are three suggestions to make foreign travel more delightful and less stressful.
Personal Perspective: Here are three suggestions to make foreign travel more delightful and less stressful.
John Alcock inspired a generation of researchers interested in evolution and behavior.
Psychology
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on November 29, 2022
David Myers is perhaps the wisest living psychologist. In his new book, he shares some of his wisdom. Here are three tidbits from his extensive tasting menu.
David Myers is perhaps the wisest living psychologist. In his new book, he shares some of his wisdom. Here are three tidbits from his extensive tasting menu.
Psychology
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on November 15, 2022
Can the principles of evolutionary psychology help us understand why some movies are terrible, and some are wonderful? Let's consider the highest-grossing film of all time.
Can the principles of evolutionary psychology help us understand why some movies are terrible, and some are wonderful? Let's consider the highest-grossing film of all time.
There are four good reasons you should give a large tip next time you have the chance.
Mindfulness
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on October 6, 2022
A Personal Perspective: You don't need an expensive trip to the Caribbean to find joy. There are ways to get the same thrill when walking around your neighborhood.
A Personal Perspective: You don't need an expensive trip to the Caribbean to find joy. There are ways to get the same thrill when walking around your neighborhood.
Mating
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on October 3, 2022
Breeder, incel, or ace, there’s an argument for forgetting about your mating status altogether. Here are 7 alternative ways to live a fulfilling life.
Breeder, incel, or ace, there’s an argument for forgetting about your mating status altogether. Here are 7 alternative ways to live a fulfilling life.
Genetics
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on September 22, 2022
Some infer that an evolutionary perspective prescribes a life pursuing self-interest in the service of selfish genes, but that’s a misconception at multiple levels. Here's why.
Some infer that an evolutionary perspective prescribes a life pursuing self-interest in the service of selfish genes, but that’s a misconception at multiple levels. Here's why.
Psychology
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on September 17, 2022
Most psychologists don't consult evangelists for life lessons, but there's a lot to learn from the fellow who was the head evangelist for the original MacIntosh computer.
Most psychologists don't consult evangelists for life lessons, but there's a lot to learn from the fellow who was the head evangelist for the original MacIntosh computer.
Career
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on September 11, 2022
Developing habits to make you healthy and happy in the long run requires a clever combination of personally-tailored techniques.
Developing habits to make you healthy and happy in the long run requires a clever combination of personally-tailored techniques.
Building and maintaining healthy habits is not a one-time fix, but a lifetime endeavor.
Psychology
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on June 24, 2022
A now classic paper by Robert Cialdini and his colleagues explored the topic of basking in reflected glory; which is described (and illustrated) here.
A now classic paper by Robert Cialdini and his colleagues explored the topic of basking in reflected glory; which is described (and illustrated) here.
Adolescence
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on May 19, 2022
Are teenagers' brains being parasitized by electronic technology? Here I count a few of the ways, and ask: Is there anything we can do about it?
Are teenagers' brains being parasitized by electronic technology? Here I count a few of the ways, and ask: Is there anything we can do about it?
Psychology
Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D. on May 18, 2022
A hunter-gatherer transported to the modern urban world would think they’d landed in paradise. Why isn't modern technology making us happy?
A hunter-gatherer transported to the modern urban world would think they’d landed in paradise. Why isn't modern technology making us happy?