Meaning Lab

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Palentine's Day (feat. Robin Dunbar)When time is limited, friendships are often what we let go. That's a huge problem.
Feb 14
3
Meaning is interpretative.That's why scientists don't know how to study it.
Feb 3
2
What can psychology tell us about meaning? (feat. Paul Bloom)Empirical evidence suggests people report some pursuits as more meaningful than others. Paul argues these pursuits are intrinsically meaningfully. I'm not convinced.
Mar 2
1
#103: Tired, scared, and busy: why can't we all just get along? (feat. Mónica Guzmán)Mónica Guzmán is a gift to world. We should all be listening to her.
Jan 31

Most popular

Meaning is post-hoc.
14
6
The Off-Policy Theory of Happiness
12
3
Meaning is contextual.
8
8
A Small Exercise in Gratitude
8
6
Palentine's Day (feat. Robin Dunbar)
3
Introducing: Meaning Lab
6
2
See all popular
NewCommunity
#102: Awe is the emotional component of meaning (feat. Dacher Keltner)I'm used to thinking about meaning as a product of thought. But it's also a feeling, too.
Jan 24
2
Meaning is post-hoc.If you think you can predict ahead of time what will be meaningful, then you're wrong.
Jan 20
14
6
#101: Finding meaning in the maybe (feat. John Kaag)Usually we try to avoid uncertainty. It's actually a crucial ingredient in meaning.
Jan 17
4
1
Meaning is contextual.The case against my least favorite question of all time.
Jan 13
8
8
#100: I interviewed 90+ scientists about their career. These are the 12 biggest lessons I learned.For my 100th podcast episode, I'm doing a Cognitive Revolution look-back.
Jan 10
4
1
The Map of EratosthenesWhat the first map of the world shows us about how we see things today.
Jan 6
2
#99: There's a Reason You Can't Make Yourself Act like Everyone Else: You're Unique (feat. Chantel Prat)Especially if you've studied cognitive science, psychology, or neuroscience—you've probably underestimated just how not-like-everyone-else's your mind…
Jan 3
4
1
A Small Exercise in GratitudeAnd a minor resolution about friendship.
Dec 30, 2022
8
6
See all

Most popular

Meaning is post-hoc.
14
6
The Off-Policy Theory of Happiness
12
3
Meaning is contextual.
8
8
A Small Exercise in Gratitude
8
6
Palentine's Day (feat. Robin Dunbar)
3
Introducing: Meaning Lab
6
2
See all popular
Meaning Lab

Meaning Lab

A cognitive science perspective on the mechanisms of meaning in work, life, and relationships.
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Favorite writing
As with a Harvest"Maybe you even killed her with your own hands in the church."
The Nightmare of One's ChoiceCongo, Anthony Bourdain, & The Heart of Darkness
Conversations with FriendsRachel Cusk, the articulation of one's worldview, and who counts as normal.
Favorite podcasts
People Don't Often Change Their Minds on Big Topics. Why?feat. David McRaney
Anxiety and the Hard Work of Being Humanfeat. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary
How Technology Shapes Our Tastes — in Music and Morefeat. Nick Seaver

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Meaning Lab

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Meaning Lab

A cognitive science perspective on the mechanisms of meaning in work, life, and relationships.

By Cody Kommers
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