Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, the author of Predictably Irrational, uses classic visual illusions and his own counter intuitive (and sometimes shocking) research findings to show how we’re not as rational as we think when we make decisions.

Can happiness be bought? To find out, author Benjamin Wallace sampled the world’s most expensive products, including a bottle of 1947 Chateau Cheval Blanc, 8 ounces of Kobe beef and the fabled (notorious) Kopi Luwak coffee. His critique may surprise…

Dan Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness, challenges the idea that well be miserable if we dont get what we want. Our “psychological immune system” lets us feel truly happy even when things dont go as planned.

Behavioral economist Dan Ariely studies the bugs in our moral code: the hidden reasons we think it’s OK to cheat or steal on occasions. Clever studies help make his point that we’re predictably irrational — and can be influenced in…

A pioneer in research on play, Stuart Brown says humor, games, roughhousing, flirtation and fantasy are more than just fun. Plenty of play in childhood makes for happy, smart adults — and keeping it up can make us smarter at…

“Eat, Pray, Love” Author Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person “being” a genius, all of us “have” a genius. It’s a…

Barry Schwartz makes a passionate call for practical wisdom as an antidote to a society gone mad with bureaucracy. He argues powerfully that rules often fail us, incentives often backfire, and practical, everyday wisdom will help rebuild our world.

Some of…

Surgeon and writer Sherwin Nuland meditates on the idea of hope: the desire to become our better selves and make a better world. It’s a thoughtful 12 minutes that will help you focus on the road ahead.

Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness — sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself. Watch through to the end for a sparkling Q&A

This is my favorite video of the…

In this highly enjoyable presentation, Tim Brown talks about the powerful relationship between creative thinking and play, with many examples you can try at home just for fun. I couldn’t agree more with his message. The more you laugh and…