Mind & Behavior

Mind & Behavior

Study the science of how we think, feel, and act, with insights that help you better understand yourself and others.

A silhouette of a man holding up a newspaper, inspired by Dan Ariely.
Big Think covered the 2012 study shortly after it was published. We are now correcting the record.
An infographic displaying the various types of work preferences according to Myers-Briggs.
If you’ve looked for a job recently, you may have encountered the personality test. You may also have wondered if it was backed by scientific research.
A pixelated image depicting the structure of a human brain.
A study involving nearly 2,000 people found links between personality traits and the likelihood of moving toward or away from dementia.
Black and white illustration of a plant stem cross-section with honeycomb-like cell structure, shown on a green background.
8mins
We know that humans are an intelligent species. But this biologist breaks down the intelligence of each of our cells — and it will blow your mind.
Dune features a determined protagonist in Frank Herbert's science fiction masterpiece.
These initially sympathetic characters take readers down a dark path.
A man's hand holding a pair of dumbbells on a black background.
Exercise can have surprisingly transformative impacts on the brain, according to neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. It has the power not only to boost mood and focus due to an increase in […]
A painting showcasing the enigmatic visage of a bearded man, invoking intrigue and perhaps evoking insight into the psychology of criminals through subtle symbolism.
Great writing can unveil the criminal psyche better than any other artistic medium.
A man experiences Stendhal syndrome while smiling in front of a red light frame.
The strange case of cultured ultra-thief Stéphane Breitwieser — who claims “art is my drug” — has divided opinion. Is it Stendhal syndrome?
A woman experiencing a near-death event with her head uplifted.
There were many similarities, but also some profound differences.
A monochrome portrait showcasing a man's head.
"I thought strangers knew who I was and were whispering about me as I walked by."
A vintage illustration shows two rows of glowing, human-like figures with radiating lines, set against a dark, textured background.
6mins
Modern life replaced spirituality with goal-setting — and it’s making us depressed. Here’s how to win back your happiness.
A stoic man with a beard in a black and white photo.
Stoicism is popular today but often misunderstood and misapplied. In fact, a naive interpretation of Stoicism is damaging to your well-being.
A drawing using the loci method depicting a tunnel with variably colored pillars.
Modern memory athletes use this ancient technique to memorize thousands of digits of pi.
an image of a face with a blurred background.
Two-time debate world champion Bo Seo gives 3 tips for constructing the perfect argument.
a painting depicting an angel and a woman showing fear while holding a scythe.
“It is healthy and normal to be afraid of death."
A portrayal of a bespectacled man with a serpent inspired by Carl Jung's theories.
Aiming to unlock the secrets of his unconscious mind, Jung experimented with intensive daydreaming.
A man wearing a red headscarf sleeps against a tree with an open book in hand, while a dog lies nearby on the grass. A basket and fishing rod rest beside him.
6mins
Hustle culture is part of our DNA — but it’s making us unhappy. Yale psychologist Laurie Santos explains how to escape your inner drill sergeant and find peace in imperfection.
three scuba divers in the water.
The divers spend their waking hours either under hundreds of feet of water on the ocean floor or squeezed into an area the size of a restaurant booth.
An image of a green DNA replication background.
As cells divide, they must copy all of their chromosomes once and only once, or chaos would ensue. How do they do it? Key controls happen well before replication even starts.