Science & the Big Questions

Can You Quantify Awe?

Researchers attempt to capture the full richness of the awe experience.

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Awe Emotion Scott Barry Kaufman Spirituality

What Would Happen If Everyone Truly Believed Everything Is One?

New research suggests a belief in oneness has broad implications for psychological functioning and compassion for those outside of our immediate circle.

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Compassion Scott Barry Kaufman Spirituality

The Role of Luck in Life Success Is Far Greater Than We Realized

Are the most successful people in society just the luckiest people?

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Creativity Luck Scott Barry Kaufman Social Inequality Success Wealth

Deep Listening

A small group of scientists, scholars, writers, and religious leaders gathered to discuss the psychology of religion and spirituality.

Observations, Scientific American

Topics: Imagination Science & Religion Dialogue Scott Barry Kaufman Spirituality

Toward an Imagination Science

Is imagination a fixed ability, or can it be enhanced through targeted intervention?

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Imagination Scott Barry Kaufman

What Can Musicians Teach Us About Imagination?

Insights about imagination from a discussion with classical musicians.

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Creativity Imagination Scott Barry Kaufman

Schools Are Missing What Matters About Learning

Curiosity is underemphasized in the classroom, but research shows that it is one of the strongest markers of academic success.

The Atlantic

Topics: Curiosity Education Intelligence Scott Barry Kaufman

The Comedy Imagination Retreat Examines Human Creativity Through a Comedic Lens

The event brought scholars and comedians together to take a look at what’s funny and why.

Big Think

Topics: Creativity Imagination Scott Barry Kaufman

Can Narcissism Fuel Grit?

The combination of narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability can fuel persistence.

Beautiful Minds, Scientific American

Topics: Grit Narcissism Scott Barry Kaufman

What Makes a Genius?

Some minds are so exceptional they change the world. We don’t know exactly why these people soar above the rest of us, but science offers us clues.

National Geographic

Topics: Andrew Newberg Angela Duckworth Creativity Genius Grit Intelligence Rex Jung Scott Barry Kaufman