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Happiness and the Pursuit of Leadership

Leadership Development is Human Development

Psychology
The Courageous Center Must Hold

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on September 26, 2020

The psychology of authoritarianism is infecting our politics. Can we reject the "us" versus "them" narrative that poisons our political discourse?

The psychology of authoritarianism is infecting our politics. Can we reject the "us" versus "them" narrative that poisons our political discourse?

Health
How Do We Grieve Now?

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on September 14, 2020

Social distancing has created a need for new rituals and methods of support for those grappling with loss. But they aren’t yet in place. For kids, there is a book that may help.

Social distancing has created a need for new rituals and methods of support for those grappling with loss. But they aren’t yet in place. For kids, there is a book that may help.

Anxiety
Rescuing Blessings From Hell

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on July 3, 2020

Given the risks of large gatherings, the 4th of July this year may be a good time to celebrate another kind of independence: What blessings of liberty might we "rescue from hell"?

Given the risks of large gatherings, the 4th of July this year may be a good time to celebrate another kind of independence: What blessings of liberty might we "rescue from hell"?

Media
On Social Media, We’re All Contagious

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on June 30, 2020

Right now, crusaders engaging in public humiliation and vengeance are seen as trusted moral exemplars. To heal wounds — and our fractured democracy — we need helpers instead.

Right now, crusaders engaging in public humiliation and vengeance are seen as trusted moral exemplars. To heal wounds — and our fractured democracy — we need helpers instead.

Psychology
The Apocalyptic Psychology of Mobs—and Media

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on June 26, 2020

Apocalyptic psychology is a quest for absolute moral purity and the power to enforce it. A heightened focus on moral contamination may be related to a focus on viral contamination.

Apocalyptic psychology is a quest for absolute moral purity and the power to enforce it. A heightened focus on moral contamination may be related to a focus on viral contamination.

Stress
Stay Social While Engaging in Social Distancing

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on March 19, 2020

Human beings are meant to be around others. We are social, not solitary beings. This period of physical distancing will be challenging. But it's not insurmountable.

Human beings are meant to be around others. We are social, not solitary beings. This period of physical distancing will be challenging. But it's not insurmountable.

Education
Why Do Democrats and Republicans Hate Each Other?

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on March 9, 2020

A recent study found that 15% of Republicans and 20% of Democrats think the country would be better off if large numbers of opposing partisans “just died.” What is going on?

A recent study found that 15% of Republicans and 20% of Democrats think the country would be better off if large numbers of opposing partisans “just died.” What is going on?

Wisdom
Chloé Valdary Disagrees

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on November 9, 2019

Chloé Valdary's "Theory of Enchantment" program brings compassion and humanity to disagreement and diversity—and empowers people to choose their lives.

Chloé Valdary's "Theory of Enchantment" program brings compassion and humanity to disagreement and diversity—and empowers people to choose their lives.

Empathy
Human Beings Are Not Insects, Vermin, Parasites, or Garbage

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on September 1, 2019

Civil discourse norms are eroding. A narrow conception of who constitutes "us" can lead to dehumanizing rhetoric and feelings of disgust toward people we consider the "other."

Civil discourse norms are eroding. A narrow conception of who constitutes "us" can lead to dehumanizing rhetoric and feelings of disgust toward people we consider the "other."

Politics
We Need More Wonder and Awe

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on July 19, 2019

In 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first human being to walk on the moon. The sense of awe and wonder that the space program once inspired created a sense of global unity we now lack.

In 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first human being to walk on the moon. The sense of awe and wonder that the space program once inspired created a sense of global unity we now lack.

Media
Valuing Civility

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on July 1, 2019

Articulating the views of persuadable Trump supporters results in a social media free-for-all. Covering an Antifa protest ends with an assault. What has happened to civil society?

Articulating the views of persuadable Trump supporters results in a social media free-for-all. Covering an Antifa protest ends with an assault. What has happened to civil society?

Forgiveness
The Apocalyptic Cult of Cancel Culture

Pamela B. Paresky Ph.D. on June 19, 2019

Apologies don’t cut it. Forgiveness? Forget it. When people say “be better,” they mean “be better—or else.” Cancel Culture is apocalyptic.

Apologies don’t cut it. Forgiveness? Forget it. When people say “be better,” they mean “be better—or else.” Cancel Culture is apocalyptic.

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November 2024
The Perfectionism Trap

When we fall prey to perfectionism, we think we’re honorably aspiring to be our very best, but often we’re really just setting ourselves up for failure, as perfection is impossible and its pursuit inevitably backfires.

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