30 JAN 2015 by ideonexus
The Sensation of Pressure
We feel pressure on our skin, when we place our hand over the outlet of
a bicycle pump, for example, as a kind of springy push. Actually,
pressure is the summed bombardments of thousands of molecules of air,
whizzing about in random directions (as opposed to a wind, where the
molecules predominantly flow in one particular direction). If you hold
your palm up to a high wind you feel the equivalent of pressure -
bombardment of molecules. The molecules in a confined space, say, the
interior of a... 1 
notes
notes27 APR 2012 by ideonexus
Analytical Thinking Reduces Religiosity
Some have argued that belief in God is intuitive, a natural (by-)product of the human mind given its
cognitive structure and social context. If this is true, the extent to which one believes in God may be
influenced by one’s more general tendency to rely on intuition versus reflection. Three studies support
this hypothesis, linking intuitive cognitive style to belief in God. Study 1 showed that individual
differences in cognitive style predict belief in God. Participants completed the Cogni... 1 notes
notesThree studies using math questions written to evoke an intuitive answer, a survey of cognitive styles, and using analytical thinking exercises to reduce the belief in god demonstrate analytical thinking reduces religion in the individual.
31 JUL 2011 by ideonexus
Friendships are the Best Predictor of Happiness
“The only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people.”
After nearly 75 years, the only consistent finding comes right out of It’s a Wonderful Life. Successful friendships, the messy bridges that connect friends and family, are what predict people’s happiness as they hurtle through life. Friendships are a better predictor than any other single variable. By the time a person reaches middle age, they are the only predictor. Says Jonatha... 1 notes
notesHaving strong social bonds and the opportunities for altruistic acts are a strong predictor of lifelong fulfillment.
04 MAR 2011 by ideonexus
Philip K Dick's Perception of Fate
Phillip Dick was intrigued by devices that allowed him to examine the mechanisms by which life unfolds. I think he voted for free will in the short run (the span of intelligent life on Earth, say), evolution for the middle distance (things develop according to underlying principles) and predestination in the long run (the universe will entropy and cease). A man and a woman whose eyes Meet Cute need only be concerned about the very short run.Folksonomies: predestination fate
Folksonomies: predestination fate
1 notes
notesEbert suggests Dick saw us having free will in the short term, with the long term dictated by certain rules, and the extreme long term having a set fate.
