David DeSteno
@daviddesteno
Psychological Scientist, Author, and host of PRX podcast How God Works (http://www.howgodworks.org). Studying the Science of Emotion, Morality, & Religion.
I’ll mostly be at the other place. You know, the one where disinformation and bro trolls don’t rule, and where more intelligent & productive engagement happens than on X…. Find me there.
This is so true! Many times I sit down to write an essay where I think I have the info and arc all worked out, only to find issues that need correcting as I write out the words on paper or screen.
Yes. Writing is not a second thing that happens after thinking. The act of writing is an act of thinking. Writing *is* thinking. Students, academics, and anyone else who outsources their writing to LLMs will find their screens full of words and their minds emptied of thought.
Why do we have religion? As society becomes more secular, what are we leaving behind? And is there a way to regain religion's benefits? Out now on How God Works, a discussion with @kristatippett, @FrGregBoyle, & @rabbishira recorded live @aspenideas podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how…
A very thoughtful and nuanced piece about the potential promise and pitfalls of AI companions from @paulbloomatyale open.substack.com/pub/paulbloom/…
Is it better to spend thousands of hours on meditation and spiritual contemplation, or to pursue a career that concretely helps people? Someone wrote in to Your Mileage May Vary (my philosophical advice column) to ask that question. Here's my answer! vox.com/future-perfect…
I was happy to explore two fundamental yet frequently underestimated dimensions of the human experience - mattering and creative making - with @JBrehenyWallace & Kelly Corrigan @aspenideas. We need them both to flourish. youtube.com/watch?v=quXwBS…
As Americans leave organized religion, the moral & emotional needs once met by faith communities remain. Is there a danger in leaving faith, or can we adapt its wisdom to meet our needs today? My discussion with @kristatippett, @FrGregBoyle, & @rabbishira youtube.com/watch?v=FJAJWH…
Speaking in tongues might sound like a fringe practice, but it's a lot more common than most think. We take a look at the science showing it's not a fake or performative act. Like meditation, it changes the brain in verifiable ways that open the mind podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how… @prx