Science & the Big Questions

What We Can Learn From People Who Succeed Late in Life

In his new book, The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success, Northeastern University professor of network science Albert-László Barabási offers lessons we can learn from men and women who’ve achieved success after 50 based on his research.

Next Avenue, Forbes

Topics: Creativity Genius Success

The Wisdom of Crowds Requires the Political Left and Right to Work Together

Collaborations between followers of opposing ideologies lead to less biased, higher quality Wikipedia pages.

Scientific American

Topics: Cooperation Creativity Knowledge

A Philosopher Argues That an AI Can’t Be an Artist

Creativity is, and always will be, a human endeavor.

MIT Technology Review

Topics: Creativity Intelligence Technology

Why Your Brain Needs Idle Time

Some vital brain functions demand downtime.

The Nuance, Medium

Topics: Creativity Learning

Study Finds Strength of Imagination Not Associated With Creative Ability or Achievement

It might mean that you’re more likely to hold unconventional beliefs. It’s also associated with creative thinking, though not creative ability and achievement (at least not as measured in this study).

British Psychological Society Research Digest

Topics: Creativity Imagination Learning

Misbehaving: Being Clever and Wicked Is a Form of Creativity

Dark creativity uses the creative process to do something socially unappealing and guided by self-interest.

Aeon

Topics: Creativity Ethics Honesty Morality

The Neuroscience of Creativity: A Q&A With Anna Abraham

The latest state of the field of the neuroscience of creativity.

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Creativity

Would You Walk Through Fire for Your Company?

A little pain, it appears, goes a long way in promoting what’s called prosociality, behavior that fosters social trust, inclusion, and good feelings.

strategy+business

Topics: Bonding Cooperation Creativity

What Happens When People Are Intentionally More Open to New Experiences?

New research investigates the effects of engaging in behaviors associated with openness to new experiences.

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Creativity Curiosity Emotion Scott Barry Kaufman

Career Hot Streaks Can Happen at Any Age

Your most productive years aren’t necessarily in your 30s and 40s.

Harvard Business Review

Topics: Creativity Metascience Success

People Are Zapping Their Brains to Be More Creative

People are using transcranial electrical stimulation devices to enhance creativity — even without the supervision of a doctor. Researchers at Georgetown University studied the at-home use of these devices.

Newsweek

Topics: Creativity

Imaginary Worlds of Childhood

Almost a fifth of all children create highly detailed fantasy realms. What do these ‘paracosms’ reveal about their minds?

The Wall Street Journal

Topics: Creativity Imagination

Grit: Bringing Passion Back

Passion is an essential element of grit.

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Angela Duckworth Creativity Grit

Why Boredom Is Actually Good for You

Psychologist Sandi Mann explains.