Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior by Professor Mark Leary

Professor Mark Leary gives a tour of the human psyche in Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior available through the Great Courses. He takes and evolutionary perspective on human behavior. Each lecture attempts to answer a specific question such as "Why is self control so hard?" The Answer: There is a conflict between a future reward and a present benefit. It is harder at the end of the day then at the beginning.

Humans by nature are a very violent species. This tendency towards violence is maladaptive in most modern cultures but helped assure survival in earlier periods of history. It is one of the reasons we tend to make mountains out of mole hills. Over reacting to minor threats had an evolutionary advantage.

Activities linked to boosting people's self-esteem do not work. Activities such as accomplishments, doing well in school and work will boost self- esteem as a side effect. Low self esteem is not the cause of anything. It is the result of not being successful.

Roughly 50% of happiness is linked to genetic predisposition. People who engage in and seek intrinsic behaviors are generally happier that individuals that primarily pursue extrinsic reward (e.g. monetary).  Examples of intrinsic behavior include spending time with children, friends or hobbies without seeking monetary reward.

I found the course to be helpful in understanding the origins of some of my own behavior and helped me understand the actions of others.

Great Courses -  2 min. 

Why do hurt feelings hurt/ - 5 min. 

Self compassion more important than self - esteem - 3 min.