"The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life" is a thought-provoking book by Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson that explores the hidden motives and unconscious behaviors that drive human decision-making and social interactions:
<ol>
<li>Hidden Motives</li>
<li>Self-Deception</li>
<li>Social Status</li>
<li>Altruism and Charity</li>
<li>Hypocrisy</li>
<li>Self-Interest in Relationships</li>
<li>Education</li>
<li>Healthcare</li>
<li>Art and Entertainment</li>
<li>Religion</li>
</ol>

Top 10 key insights we can gain from "The Elephant in the Brain."

Much of human behavior is driven by hidden motives, and we often deceive ourselves about our true reasons for doing things."We frequently fool ourselves, taking our own explanations seriously and at face value when, in fact, they are just stories, rationalizations for our actions."

1. **Hidden Motives**:

Humans are experts at self-deception, constructing plausible explanations for their actions that mask their true, often self-interested, motives. "Our minds consist of a multitude of subagents, each with its own agenda and motives, which can often conflict with one another."

2. **Self-Deception**:

A significant driver of human behavior is the pursuit of social status, as we engage in various activities to signal our value to others."We are status-seeking animals. Everything we do, we do in part because we want others to think well of us."

3. **Social Status**: 

Acts of altruism and charity often have hidden motives, including the desire for social recognition and admiration. "Charitable acts are often more about the giver than the recipient, as they serve as signals of generosity and benevolence."

4. **Altruism and Charity**:

We frequently condemn certain behaviors in others while engaging in similar behaviors ourselves, a phenomenon known as hypocrisy. "We are often quick to spot hypocrisy in others but are blind to our own hypocrisy."

5. **Hypocrisy**:

Even in romantic relationships, self-interest plays a significant role as individuals seek to maximize their own well-being. "In romantic relationships, we often prioritize our own interests, even if we claim to be completely selfless."

6. **Self-Interest in Relationships**: 

One of the hidden functions of education is to signal intelligence and conformity rather than solely to acquire knowledge. "Education serves as a signal of intelligence and conformity, often more so than as a source of practical knowledge."

7. **Education**: 

Much of healthcare spending is driven by signaling concerns as people seek to demonstrate their commitment to their well-being. "Our health behaviors are often about signaling that we care for our health rather than achieving optimal health outcomes."

8. **Healthcare**:

Art and entertainment can serve as signals of creativity, intelligence, and social identity. "Our preferences for art and entertainment are influenced by the desire to signal our unique tastes and cultural affiliations."

9. **Art and Entertainment**: 

Religious practices can be driven by the desire to signal moral values and commitment to the community. "Religious rituals often serve as signals of moral righteousness and social conformity."

10. **Religion**:

Political beliefs and affiliations are often driven by the desire to signal one's identity and values to a particular social group. "Political ideologies are frequently used as badges to signal allegiance to a particular social tribe."

11. **Politics**: 

Language is a powerful tool for signaling social and intellectual prowess. "Our choice of words, vocabulary, and eloquence in communication can be used to signal our intelligence and social status."

12. **Language and Communication**: 

Many consumer choices are made to signal one's wealth and social status to others.
"Consumerism is often about displaying one's economic success and social standing through material possessions."

13. **Consumerism**:

Conforming to social norms and groupthink can lead to irrational and suboptimal decisions. "Our desire to fit in with a group often leads us to make irrational decisions and conform to collective beliefs."

14. **Groupthink**:

The book suggests that our economic and political systems are shaped by these hidden motives, with implications for policy and societal change. "Understanding our hidden motives can help us design better economic and political systems that align with our true desires and incentives."

15. **Economic and Political Systems**: 

"The Elephant in the Brain" provides valuable insights into human behavior, shedding light on the often-hidden forces that drive our decisions and interactions. It encourages readers to look beneath the surface and question their own motivations and the motives of others in various aspects of life.

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.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

philosophy

Philosophy

books

Books

humanresources

Human Resources

Kevin Simler is a writer and software engineer currently living in Brooklyn, NY. He's worked for ten years as a programmer, product designer, and engineering director, and continues to advise startups about technology, leadership, and recruiting. 

Kevin Simler

Robin Hanson is an associate professor of economics at George Mason University and a research associate at the Future of Humanity Institute of Oxford University. He has a doctorate in social science, master's degrees in physics and philosophy, and nine years of experience as a research programmer in artificial intelligence and Bayesian statistics. With over 3100 citations and sixty academic publications, he's recognized not only for his contributions to economics (especially, pioneering the theory and use of prediction markets), but also for the wide range of fields in which he's been published. He is the author of The Age of Em: Work, Love, and Life when Robots Rule the Earth (OUP 2016).

Robin Hanson

The Elephant in the Brain

Let's get to know why some people Excel at certain fields while most of us can't

Why Some Are Good At Something 

To excel in one field depends on the time you Invest in that field. The more hours you hustle,learn,think in that field the more you start understanding the mechanics of that field.

The Time They Put In 

The more you play that game,the more you start improving in that game but there comes a point at which we come to a saturation point after which no improvement is seen. To overcome this,we need need to either start playing with different tactics, different mindsets,even start taking help from others (multiplayers

Think That Field As Game :

The more we are exposed in that field the more we are ready to face any situation that would seem difficult to another person getting exposed to it for the first time. "Never get demotivated when you can't do something because if you knew it,then why are you learning ?

The More Exposure The Better 

Everyone knows at little bit that in which thing they are good at because no one knows our mind and body more than ourselves. You can never lie with yourself. The plus point can be anything - such as a hobby,your curiosity,your observation skills anything and try to inculcate them in your field of interest. Try to combine both of them in any way possible.

Try To Understand Your Plus Point 

"Only one push in the right direction is enough to start the dominos effect of your life "

One proper idea can literally shape anyone's future 

history

History

fashion

Fashion & Beauty

marketingandsales

Marketing & Sales

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

The only difference between us and a successful man 

"Not everyone who works hard is rewarded. But! All those who succeed have worked hard!"

"Run until you can't run anymore, and then run again. Constant effort is life's greatest shortcut."

"Why are you punching? What are you chasing? You should already know the answer to that. To become strong."

"If having no talent makes itokay to give up, then what was the point in ever trying...!?"

"Until I understand what true strength is. I'm the Challenger! So I'll always stand up!"

This journal is stylish and attractive. Good choice for personal used and great gift birthday, Christmas or any holiday. Journal Book for Elementary, High school or College Students, For Kids For men For boys Journal For Teens. Perfect size for your school bag, desk, backpack, school, home or work Can be used as a notebook, journal, diary or composition book for school and work Perfectly suited for taking notes. Use it to record hopes and dreams, express gratitude, keep a bucket list. FEATURES: <ul> <li>6" x 9" letter size</li> <li>Premium Matte Soft Cover</li> <li>Perfect Paperback Binding</li> <li>100 college-ruled lined pages </li> </ul> Scroll up and click the "add to cart" button to buy now!

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

habits

Habits

anime

Anime

Theresa Bradley

Hajime No Ippo Rising

Cultivate the power of rationality to counteract the dominance of your emotions. "Rationality is the ability to counteract emotional effects, to think instead of react."

1. Master Your Emotional Self - The Law of Irrationality: 

"The Laws of Human Nature" by Robert Greene is a book that explores the dynamics of human behavior and provides insights into understanding and influencing people.

15 main learning points from "Laws of Human Nature" 

Learn to turn your sensitivity outward and develop empathy. "Our mission in life is to come to terms with self-love and turn our sensitivity toward others."

2. Transform Self-Love Into Empathy - The Law of Narcissism: 

3. Develop Self-Awareness - The Law of Attitude: Recognize and understand your own biases to make more informed decisions. "Self-awareness is the key to unlocking personal growth and transformation."

3. Develop Self-Awareness - The Law of Attitude: 

4. Understand Human Behavior - The Law of Human Nature: Study human behavior to gain insights and predict others' actions. "By understanding human nature, we can navigate social dynamics with greater wisdom and effectiveness."

4. Understand Human Behavior - The Law of Human Nature: 

Master the art of effective communication to build strong relationships. "Effective communication is the bridge that connects individuals and fosters understanding."

5. Communicate Effectively - The Law of Communication:

Develop the skills to influence and persuade others ethically. "True influence is not about manipulation but about inspiring others to embrace positive change."

6. Cultivate Influence - The Law of Influence:

Be true to yourself and embrace authenticity to build trust and credibility. "Authenticity is a magnet that attracts genuine connections and fosters meaningful relationships."

7. Embrace Authenticity - The Law of Authenticity: 

8. Practice Empathetic Listening - The Law of Listening: Develop the ability to truly listen and understand others' perspectives. "Listening is the key that unlocks the door to empathy and deep connection."

8. Practice Empathetic Listening - The Law of Listening:

Cultivate emotional intelligence to navigate and regulate your emotions effectively. "Emotional mastery empowers us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively."

9. Develop Emotional Intelligence - The Law of Emotional Mastery:

10. Understand Power Dynamics - The Law of Power: Recognize and navigate power dynamics in personal and professional relationships. "To navigate power dynamics, we must understand its sources, strategies, and impact."

10. Understand Power Dynamics - The Law of Power:

Embrace the power of collaboration and teamwork for greater success. "Collaboration unleashes the collective potential and fosters innovation and growth."

11. Foster Collaborative Relationships - The Law of Collaboration: 

12. Manage Conflict Effectively - The Law of Conflict: Master conflict resolution skills to minimize tension and find mutually beneficial solutions. "Conflict is an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding if managed with grace and empathy."

12. Manage Conflict Effectively - The Law of Conflict:

Cultivate Resilience to Overcome Challenges and Setbacks "Resilience is the key that unlocks our inner strength and allows us to bounce back from adversity."

13. Develop Resilience - The Law of Resilience:

Cultivate mindfulness to be fully present and engage with the moment. "In the present moment, we find clarity, peace, and the power to act with intention."

14. Practice Mindfulness - The Law of Presence:

Foster a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning for personal and professional growth. "Continuous learning keeps our minds nimble, our perspectives fresh, and our potential unlimited."

15. Embrace Continuous Learning - The Law of Growth: 

 These principles can help individuals become more self-aware, empathetic, and skilled in navigating the complexities of human behavior.

WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS BOOK AWARD 2019 From the million-copy bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power Robert Greene is a master guide for millions of readers, distilling ancient wisdom and philosophy into essential texts for seekers of power, understanding and mastery. Now he turns to the most important subject of all - understanding people's drives and motivations, even when they are unconscious of them themselves. We are social animals. Our very lives depend on our relationships with people. Knowing why people do what they do is the most important tool we can possess, without which our other talents can only take us so far. Drawing from the ideas and examples of Pericles, Queen Elizabeth I, Martin Luther King Jr, and many others, Greene teaches us how to detach ourselves from our own emotions and master self-control, how to develop the empathy that leads to insight, how to look behind people's masks, and how to resist conformity to develop your singular sense of purpose. Whether at work, in relationships, or in shaping the world around you, The Laws of Human Nature offers brilliant tactics for success, self-improvement, and self-defence.

From the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power comes the definitive new book on decoding the behavior of the people around you Robert Greene is a master guide for millions of readers, distilling ancient wisdom and philosophy into essential texts for seekers of power, understanding and mastery. Now he turns to the most important subject of all - understanding people's drives and motivations, even when they are unconscious of them themselves. We are social animals. Our very lives depend on our relationships with people. Knowing why people do what they do is the most important tool we can possess, without which our other talents can only take us so far. Drawing from the ideas and examples of Pericles, Queen Elizabeth I, Martin Luther King Jr, and many others, Greene teaches us how to detach ourselves from our own emotions and master self-control, how to develop the empathy that leads to insight, how to look behind people's masks, and how to resist conformity to develop your singular sense of purpose. Whether at work, in relationships, or in shaping the world around you, The Laws of Human Nature offers brilliant tactics for success, self-improvement, and self-defense.

Robert Greene is an American author of books on strategy, power, and seduction. He has written six international bestsellers, including The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law, Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature.

Robert Greene

The Laws of Human Nature

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, man cannot live without a spiritual life

Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul

Awakening is not changing who you are, but discarding who you are not

I understand once again that the greatness of god always reveals itself in the simple things

Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it's a profound source of spirituality

I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It's just that the translations have gone wrong.

The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are

The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go God's love for us does not

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, but to live gratitude is to touch heaven.

Spirituality: the art of keeping your internal fire alive." – Maxime Lagacé

“It isn’t until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are – not necessarily a religious feeling, but deep down, the spirit within – that you can begin to take control.” – Oprah Winfrey

“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” – Swami Vivekananda

If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time, because a dose of joy is a spiritual cure. It transcends all barriers.” – Ed Sullivan

“You are never alone. You are eternally connected with everyone.” – Amit Ray

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, and must empty ourselves. Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your weakness.” – Mother Teresa

“Religion is for people who're afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for those who've already been there.” – Vine Deloria Jr.

A quiet conscience makes one strong!” – Anne Frank

“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware; joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.” – Henry Miller

“You can't have a physical transformation until you have a spiritual transformation.” – Cory Booker

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” – William Shakespeare

Sometimes I think there are only two instructions we need to follow to develop and deepen our spiritual life: slow down and let go.” – Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Peaceful is the one who’s not concerned with having more or less. Unbound by name and fame, he is free from sorrow from the world and mostly from himself.” – Rumi

Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.” – Brené Brown

“Faith does not need to push the river because faith is able to trust that there is a river. The river is flowing. We are in it.” – Richard Rohr

“We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically.”– Neil DeGrasse Tyson

“Enlightenment means taking full responsibility for your life.” – William Blake

“You do not need to work to become spiritual. You are spiritual; you need only to remember that fact. Spirit is within you. God is within you.” – Julia Cameron

“At any moment, you have a choice, that either leads you closer to your spirit or further away from it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“What drains your spirit drains your body. What fuels your spirit fuels your body.” ― Caroline Myss

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” – Denis Waitley

He who does not reflect his life back to God in gratitude does not know himself

Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears, not to oust them

The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and the acceptance of love.” – Marianne Williamson

“The spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, the spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now.”

“Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.”

“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.”

Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from.”

"If you love a flower, don’t pick it up. Because if you pick it up it dies and it ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation."

Sometimes religion gets in the way of God.”

“You have to expect spiritual warfare whenever you stand up for righteousness or call attention to basic values. It's just a matter of light battling the darkness. But the light wins every time. You can't throw enough darkness on light to put it out.”

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete."

Realization is not the acquisition of anything new nor is it a new faculty. It is only removal of all camouflage.”

The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear.“ –

Energy can't be created or destroyed, and energy flows. It must be in a direction, with some kind of internal, emotive, spiritual direction. It must have some effect somewhere.”

Wake up and live.” – Bob Marley

“Empathy is really the opposite of spiritual meanness. It's the capacity to understand that every war is both won and lost. And that someone else's pain is as meaningful as your own.” – Barbara Kingsolver

“No matter your religious or spiritual beliefs … for every person who inhales and exhales… you are alive, you can dream.” – Georgia Dawkins

Research shows that utilizing spiritual beliefs can be a productive way to cope with some of life's greatest challenges, including times of stress, depression, and grief

Like religion, spirituality as a whole is known to have many physical, mental, and social benefits. This list of quotes will help you reflect on your own spiritual journey thus far.

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

mindfulness

Mindfulness

Best Spiritual Quotes That Will Give You Wisdom About Your Life's Journey

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

In the above quote, Marcus Aurelius says about how the outside events that takes place around us traps us into an emotional state which makes us to lose the control of our mind by empowering our emotions. By realizing that we are the only one having power over our mind helps us to make clear decisions in difficult situations.

Empowering Our Mind, Not Our Emotions

“Whatever can happen at any time can happen today.”

Living in world of many different possibilities and probabilities, Lucius Annaeus Seneca says us to expect not only the Good ones, But also the Bad ones because Nobody knows what is about to come and go from our life. By expecting the unexpected, We can face them without any fear or anxiety as we've already been expecting them.

Embracing The Uncertainty

Stoicism helps people to make better decisions

education

Learning & Education

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

Stoicism

We are responsible for experiences that aren’t our fault all the time. This is part of Lifethe truth is that no. Life is a shit , people will blame us for stuff that we were not even involved, is this a good reason to waste your day mood or your life?I guess is not.

Should We Always Worry About Everything ?

We suffer for the simple reason that suffering is biologically useful.

Why Do I Always Suffer?

#1 New York Times BestsellerOver 10 million copies soldIn this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F**k positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let’s be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is—a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is his antidote to the coddling, let’s-all-feel-good mindset that has infected American society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited—"not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault." Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.

Mark Manson (born 1984) is a professional blogger, entrepreneur, and former dating coach. Since 2007, he's been helping people with their emotional and relationship problems. He has worked with thousands of people from over 30 different countries. He regularly writes and updates his blog at: www.markmanson.net

Mark Manson

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Find 100+ Philosophy Ideas, Insights & Facts - Curated from popular Videos, Podcasts, Books & Articles - Genuine Insights from like-minded Users like You!

The Elephant in the Brain

The only difference between us and a successful man

Hajime No Ippo Rising

The Laws of Human Nature

Best Spiritual Quotes That Will Give You Wisdom About Your Life's Journey

Stoicism

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

What is Self-Love and Why Is It So Important?

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Eat that Frog!

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

The Elephant in the Brain

The only difference between us and a successful man

Hajime No Ippo Rising

The Laws of Human Nature

Best Spiritual Quotes That Will Give You Wisdom About Your Life's Journey

Stoicism

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

What is Self-Love and Why Is It So Important?

The Laws of Human Nature

Eat that Frog!

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.