Significance bias, also referred to as center of the universe bias, is the tendency to individually think we are more significant than reality. A form of interpersonal anthropocentrism, this bias is rooted in a limited understanding of our existence in the universe and the evolutionary need for egocentrism to protect ourselves for purposes of survival.Read more
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Our biases impact us in ways we are mostly unaware. This is partly because they occur on a subconscious level, happening below the surface virtually undetectable to our conscious mind. In addition, we have a very difficult time admitting we might not have as much control as advertised – we are not truly steering theRead more
In September 2017, Jonathan Citrin attended the In-House Retreat at Gampo Abbey. Following is his post hoc note sent to the monastics and fellow retreatants. Sisters and Brothers- I will find a more appropriate way to say thank you in the coming days but want to send a quick note of thanks asRead more
Last night we executed a fellow human being and we have nothing to show for it. I did not know William Morva and only distantly involved myself in his case for clemency in its final days. But I am deeply disheartened when pain and suffering of any kind is due to our misunderstanding of control.Read more
After the act of terrorism occurred, the city took on a customary yet remarkable posture. Though societies have now evolved to such an understanding of human behavior, it is still wonderful to witness an advanced civilization leveraging its abilities for good. Compassion for the offenders is the most striking difference from times passed. InRead more
Mohandas Gandhi was many things to many people: friend, enemy, inspiration, irritation, father, brother, philosopher, prisoner — to name a few. But perhaps more than anything, he was a student of his own behavior. Extraordinarily aware of himself, Gandhi spent his life self-reflecting, observing and ultimately summarizing lessons learned in his aptly named autobiography, “TheRead more