learn about the aspects of human psychology that lead us to think and do crazy things

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/04mind.html?_r=2

They detailed the vast differences in the way people from diverse cultures behave after excessive alcohol. In contrast to nearby tribes, for example, the Yuruna Indians in the Xingu region of Brazil would become exceptionally reserved when rendered sideways by large helpings of moonshine. The Camba of eastern Bolivia would drink excessively twice a month. Sitting in a circle, they would toast one another, more lavishly with each pop.

In a Japanese island village, Takashima, people knew a drinking occasion had gone completely off the dials if villagers began to sing or, wilder still, to dance. Aggression, sexual or otherwise, was unheard of during these sessions.

Western cultures are more likely to excuse binge drinking as a needed mental vacation. “An awful lot of cultures have institutionalized bingeing as a kind of time out like Mardi Gras or New Year’s Eve, a culturally recognized period where a certain amount of acting out is acceptable,” said Dwight Heath, emeritus professor of anthropology at Brown.

by Alfie Kohn:

”...Raising healthy, happy, productive children goes hand in hand with creating a better society. The first step to achieving both is recognizing that our belief in the value of competition is built on myths. There are better ways for our children – and for us – to work and play and live.”

to the flaws of our evolved brains – that wonderful and miraculous as our brains are, they are built in such a way that can lead us to make terrible decisions. I believe that this is the source of so much of our suffering, directly and indirectly – that is why I’m studying psychology, because I’m fascinated by it. And want to do something about it, to help.

A great revelation on my road to recovery from depression was that it’s necessary to be sceptical of what our brains tell us. Human brains have evolved some great mechanisms that helped our ancestors survive – but many of them are maladaptive beyond the purpose of survival, and lead us to make terrible decisions that harm ourselves and others.

I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading on this (and intend to do much more) – and this is a good place for me to gather together and share what I find. I hope some of you find it as fascinating and useful as I do. :)