The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life
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Description
The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life. Many of these institutions are, in fact, designed to accommodate our covert agendas alongside their official purposes. At the core of this exploration is the concept of "the elephant in the brain"—the uncomfortable truth about our self-interested motives that we prefer to ignore. Discover the fascinating insights into human nature with this compelling exploration of our subconscious motives. Humans are inherently primates and, as such, are inherently political animals. Our brains are wired not only for survival tasks like hunting and gathering but also for navigating social hierarchies, often through deception and self-deception. This book delves into the hidden drives that influence our thoughts, actions, and societal structures, revealing the unseen forces shaping our behavior. At the core of this exploration is the concept of "the elephant in the brain"—the uncomfortable truth about our self-interested motives that we prefer to ignore. We tend to avoid acknowledging the extent of our selfishness because it challenges our self-image and social harmony. This introspective taboo makes it difficult to think clearly about our true nature and the reasons behind our actions. The book aims to confront these concealed motives directly, shining a floodlight into the darker, unexamined corners of our psyche. By bringing these hidden motives into view, the book offers a clearer understanding of ourselves and the social institutions we participate in daily. It examines how unconscious drives influence not only private behavior but also shape revered institutions such as Art, School, Charity, Medicine, Politics, and Religion. Many of these institutions are, in fact, designed to accommodate our covert agendas alongside their official purposes. Recognizing the existence of these big hidden motives can challenge conventional political debates and prompt us to question the legitimacy of social policies aimed at supporting or discouraging certain institutions. Readers will find that confronting the elephant in the brain transforms their perspective on the world and themselves. As the author explores questions like "Why do we laugh?" "Why are artists sexy?" "Why do we brag about travel?" and "Why do we prefer to speak rather than listen?" it becomes evident that our unconscious motives are deeply embedded in our daily lives. This book provides a thought-provoking and enlightening journey into understanding the true drivers behind human behavior and societal functioning. Author : Kevin Simler Genre : Psychology Format : Hardcover Language : English Publication Year : 2018 Edition : 1st Pages : 416 Subject Keyword : Psychology/Cognitive Psychology & Cognition
