What if the biggest obstacle to recognizing genius today... is our own brain?
In the final installment of our "The Genius Illusion" trilogy, George and Alice explore the psychological and structural reasons for our nostalgia for a past filled with giants. Discover how cognitive biases, like "survivorship bias," systematically polish history to make it seem brighter than it truly was.
This episode finally reveals where genius is hiding in the 21st century: not in solitary heroes, but in collaborative networks and complex systems. Don't miss the conclusion of this debate that will change the way you see our modern world, all while enriching your English vocabulary on psychology and innovation.
Sources:
Wald, A. (1943). A Method of Estimating Plane Vulnerability Based on Damage of Survivors. Statistical Research Group, Columbia University.
The Decision Lab. (2021, 11 octobre). Survivorship bias. The Decision Lab. https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/survivorship-bias
Roese, N. J., & Vohs, K. D. (2012). Hindsight bias. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 7(5), 411–426. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691612454303
Halbwachs, M. (1992). On collective memory. University of Chicago Press.
London, J. (1909). Martin Eden. Macmillan.
Is a genius born... or made? In this second installment of our "The Genius Illusion" trilogy, the debate intensifies.
After questioning the very definition of genius, George and Alice tackle its origins. George argues that even a talent like Newton's or Beethoven's is a product of its time, needing the validation of institutions to enter the history books. Alice, on the other hand, defends the "Great Man" theory—the idea of the exceptional individual who shapes their time.
This episode takes you behind the scenes of the "hero factory" to reveal the social and historical forces behind the greatest names in history. Join the discussion and enrich your English vocabulary on history and sociology.
Sources:
Bourdieu, P. (1991). Language and symbolic power. Harvard University Press.
Bourdieu, P. (1993). The field of cultural production: Essays on art and literature. Columbia University Press.
Carlyle, T. (1841). On heroes, hero-worship, and the heroic in history. James Fraser.
DeNora, T. (1995). Beethoven and the construction of genius: Musical politics in Vienna, 1792–1803. University of California Press.
Spencer, H. (1896). The study of sociology. D. Appleton and Company.
Before we can ask where all the geniuses have gone, we must first ask: what is a genius?
In the first of a three-part series on "The Genius Illusion," George and Alice embark on a historical investigation to deconstruct the very idea of greatness. They trace the surprising evolution of the concept, from the divine guiding spirits of ancient Rome to the modern cult of the solitary, suffering hero.
This foundational episode challenges our most basic assumptions, changes how you see the titans of the past, and sets the stage for the next two parts of our deep dive. All while learning key English vocabulary to discuss these ambitious ideas.
Sources:
Dubos, J.-B. (1719). Critical reflections on poetry and painting.
Voltaire. (1764). Philosophical dictionary.
Condorcet, N. de. (1795). Sketch for a historical picture of the progress of the human mind .
Kant, I. (1790). Critique of the power of judgment .
Nietzsche, F. (1878). Human, all too human.
What if the biggest symptom of ADHD wasn't just distraction, but a silent, relentless internal monologue?
In this episode, George and Alice move beyond the stereotypes to explore the internal world of ADHD. They dive into the science behind the brain's "frantic hamster wheel" and discuss the real human cost of this common but misunderstood neurodevelopmental disorder.
Join them for an empathetic journey that will change how you see ADHD, all while learning key English vocabulary.
Sources:
Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Neuronal mechanisms underlying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Neurotherapeutics, 6(4), 661–674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurt.2009.07.006
Castellanos, F. X., & Proal, E. (2012). Large-scale brain systems in ADHD: Beyond the prefrontal-striatal model. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2011.11.007
Shaw, P., Eckstrand, K., Sharp, W., Blumenthal, J., Lerch, J. P., Greenstein, D., ... & Rapoport, J. L. (2007). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is characterized by a delay in cortical maturation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(49), 19649–19654. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0707741104
Thapar, A., Cooper, M., Eyre, O., & Langley, K. (2013). What have we learnt about the causes of ADHD? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02611.x
What if a Stephen King story wasn't designed to scare you, but to make you cry with joy? That's the bold premise of The Life of Chuck, a film that tells a life story... by starting at the end.
Join George and Alice for an in-depth discussion of this poignant Mike Flanagan adaptation. Discover how its inverted narrative structure reveals the hidden beauty in an ordinary life , and dive into its central philosophy: that every individual "contains multitudes."
What if your twenties aren't just a prolonged adolescence, but a distinct and crucial new stage of life? Join George and Alice as they explore "Emerging Adulthood"—a time of neurological transformation, delayed milestones, and unique psychological challenges.
Sources:
Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469-480.
Steinberg, L. (2013). The influence of neuroscience on US Supreme Court decisions about adolescents' criminal culpability. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14(7), 513-518.
Join George and Alice for an intimate and intellectual exploration of the phenomenon of grief. In this episode, discover why grieving is a true form of psychic "work," how our bodies experience the pain of a "broken heart" on a neurological level, and why the model of a "dance" between loss and restoration is so insightful.
From Freud to neuroscience, from the history of rituals to modern cultural references like the film Coco and the video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, this episode deconstructs myths to foster a deeper understanding. Learn the essential vocabulary to approach this sensitive topic in English, and leave with a more nuanced and compassionate perspective on this universal journey.
What if a 400-year-old philosophy held the key to modern wellbeing? Join George and Alice as they explore the revolutionary ideas of Baruch Spinoza. Discover how his vision of mind-body unity, emotions as guides, and joy as a compass offers a practical blueprint for a better life—a blueprint now being validated by modern neuroscience.
Join us for another thought-provoking episode of "Learning English with Human Beans" as we examine the modern masculinity crisis and the myths surrounding traditional manhood. Discover how cultural expectations of what it means to "be a man" impact mental health, relationships, and society while expanding your English vocabulary around gender studies and social psychology. Perfect for English learners interested in contemporary social issues and anyone questioning traditional gender roles in the 21st century.
Sources:
American Psychological Association, Boys and Men Guidelines Group. (2018). APA guidelines for psychological practice with boys and men. American Psychological Association.
Beauvoir, S. de. (1989). The second sex (H. M. Parshley, Trans.). Vintage Books. (Original work published 1949).
Connell, R. W., & Messerschmidt, J. W. (2005). Hegemonic masculinity: Rethinking the concept. Gender & Society, 19(6), 829–859. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243205278639
Faludi, S. (1999). Stiffed: The betrayal of the American man. William Morrow and Company.
Gazalé, O. (2017). Le mythe de la virilité : Un piège pour les deux sexes. Robert Laffont.
Kupers, T. A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(6), 713–724. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20105
Lerner, G. (1986). The creation of patriarchy. Oxford University Press.
Pascoe, C. J. (2007). Dude, you're a fag: Masculinity and sexuality in high school. University of California Press.
Explore how we tell stories about our minds in this episode of "Learning English with Human Beans." George and Alice unpack the evolving classifications of mental health, the crucial difference between medical recovery and personal healing, and the fascinating link between creativity and psychological conditions. Discover how our understanding of mental health reflects cultural narratives while building essential vocabulary for thoughtful discussions in English.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Cyrulnik, B. (2001). Les Vilains Petits Canards. Odile Jacob.
Frances, A. (2013). Saving Normal: An Insider's Revolt Against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis. William Morrow.
Jamison, K. R. (1993). Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament. Free Press.
Kyaga, S., Lichtenstein, P., Boman, M., Hultman, C., Långström, N., & Landén, M. (2013). "Mental illness, suicide and creativity: 40-year prospective total population study." Journal of Psychiatric Research, 47(1), 83-90.
Slade, M. (2009). Personal Recovery and Mental Illness: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. Cambridge University Press.
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). "Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence." Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1-18.
Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.
Explore the fundamental human search for meaning in this episode of "Learning English with Human Beans." Join George and Alice as they unpack how we create significance in our lives, understand "closure" as a vital psychological need, and learn how our personal stories shape our sense of purpose. Through everyday examples and psychological insights, discover why meaning-making may be our most essential human journey—while building vocabulary to discuss life's deeper questions in English.
Sources:
Frankl, V. E. (1984). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.
Yalom, I. D. (1992). When Nietzsche Wept. Basic Books.
Neimeyer, R. A. (2001). Meaning Reconstruction & the Experience of Loss. American Psychological Association.
Baumeister, R. F. (1991). Meanings of Life. Guilford Press.
Bibliography
Discover why emotions aren’t obstacles to clear thinking but essential guides in this episode of “Learning English with Human Beans.” George explains neuroscientist Antonio Damasio’s revolutionary work challenging mind-body separation, while Alice adds relatable examples and key vocabulary. Learn the crucial difference between emotions and feelings, explore the fascinating Somatic Marker Hypothesis, and understand why “we are feeling machines that think.” Perfect for expanding your English vocabulary while gaining insights into the science of decision-making and consciousness.
Sources:
Damasio, A. R. (1994). Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. New York: Putnam.
Damasio, A. R. (2003). Looking for Spinoza: Joy, Sorrow, and the Feeling Brain. Orlando: Harcourt.
Harlow, J. M. (1868). “Recovery from the Passage of an Iron Bar through the Head.” Publications of the Massachusetts Medical Society, 2, 327-347.
Van Vugt, M. (2006). “Evolutionary Origins of Leadership and Followership.” Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(4), 354-371.
Bechara, A., Damasio, H., Tranel, D., & Damasio, A. R. (1997). “Deciding Advantageously Before Knowing the Advantageous Strategy.” Science, 275(5304), 1293-1295.
Discover the vital science behind your nightly rest in this episode of “Learning English with Human Beans: The Science of Sleep.” Explore how sleep cycles work, why your brain’s glymphatic system cleanses itself at night, the hidden costs of sleep debt, and practical strategies to optimize your slumber—all while building key English vocabulary.
Sources:
Archer, S.N., Robilliard, D.L., Skene, D.J., Smits, M., Williams, A., Arendt, J., von Schantz, M. (2003). “A length polymorphism in the circadian clock gene PER3 is linked to delayed sleep phase syndrome and extreme diurnal preference.” Sleep, 26(4), 413–415.
Dawson, D., & Reid, K. (1997). “Fatigue, alcohol and performance impairment.” Nature, 388(6639), 235–235.
Edinger, J.D., & Means, M.K. (2005). “Cognitive–behavioral therapy for primary insomnia.” Clinical Psychology Review, 25(5), 539–558.
Hilditch, C.J., & Shapiro, C.M. (2013). “The clinical relevance of sleep inertia: a comprehensive review.” Sleep Medicine Reviews, 17(4), 243–256.
Killgore, W.D.S. (2010). “Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition.” Progress in Brain Research, 185, 105–129.
Mullington, J.M., Haack, M., Toth, M., Serrador, J.M., & Meier‐Ewert, H.K. (2009). “Cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic consequences of sleep deprivation.” Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 51(4), 294–302.
Van Dongen, H.P.A., Maislin, G., Mullington, J.M., & Dinges, D.F. (2003). “The cumulative cost of additional wakefulness: dose-response effects on neurobehavioral functions and sleep physiology from chronic sleep restriction and total sleep deprivation.” Sleep, 26(2), 117–126.
Wittmann, M., Dinich, J., Merrow, M., & Roenneberg, T. (2006). “Social jetlag: misalignment of biological and social time.” Chronobiology International, 23(1-2), 497–509.
Xie, L., Kang, H., Xu, Q., Chen, M.J., Liao, Y., Thiyagarajan, M., O’Donnell, J., Christensen, D.J., Nicholson, C., Iliff, J.J., Takano, T., Deane, R., & Nedergaard, M. (2013). “Sleep drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain.” Science, 342(6156), 373–377.
Why do humans both seek out authority figures and resist them? Discover the fascinating psychology behind our complex relationship with authority in this episode of "Learning English with Human Beans." From classroom dynamics to political paradoxes, we explore how the desire for leadership shapes American society while building essential vocabulary to discuss power, governance, and social structures in English.
References:
Arendt, H. (1954). "What is Authority?" In Between Past and Future: Eight Exercises in Political Thought. Viking Press.
Canivenc, S. (2012). "Autogestion et nouvelles formes organisationnelles dans la société de l'information, de la communication et du savoir." Thèse de doctorat, Université Rennes 2.
Desor, D. (1973). "Le comportement social des rats soumis à un problème de surpopulation expérimentale." Archives de biologie. 84(4).
Dos Santos, J. R. (2024). The Chaos Protocol. HarperCollins.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York. (2021). The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates. Retrieved from https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market
Kubrick, S. (Director). (1964). Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb [Film]. Columbia Pictures.
Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2023). Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn and Forge a Democracy for All. Crown Publishing.
Milgram, S. (1974). Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View. Harper & Row.
Orwell, G. (1945). Animal Farm: A Fairy Story. Secker & Warburg.
Orwell, G. (1949). Nineteen Eighty-Four. Secker & Warburg.
Prairat, E. (2012). "L'autorité éducative au risque de la modernité." Recherche et formation, 71.
Russell, B. (1949). Authority and the Individual. Routledge.
Simon-Nahum, P. (2023). Sagesse du politique. Le devenir des démocraties. L'Observatoire.
The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015). [Film]. Directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez. IFC Films.
Strada Institute for the Future of Work & Burning Glass Institute. (2024). Talent Disrupted: New Data on Bachelor's Degree Underemployment. Retrieved from https://www.burning-glass.com/research-reports/talent-disrupted/
van Vugt, M. (2006). "Evolutionary Origins of Leadership and Followership." Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(4), 354-371.
Discover how our minds play “what if” games to learn from the past and manage emotions in this episode of Learning English with Human Beans: “What If...? – Exploring Counterfactual Thinking.” We unpack the psychology behind imagining alternative outcomes, show how these thoughts help-or sometimes hinder-us, and illustrate the concept with everyday examples and popular fiction.
References:
Roese, N. J., & Olson, J. M. (1995). What Might Have Been: The Social Psychology of Counterfactual Thinking. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Roese, N. J. (1997). Counterfactual Thinking. Psychological Bulletin, 121(1), 133–148 .
Roese, N. J. (2007). The Functional Theory of Counterfactual Thinking. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 11(4), 168–192 .
Epstude, K., & Roese, N. J. (2017). The functional theory of counterfactual thinking: New evidence, new challenges, new insights. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 55, 1–52
Learn English while discovering how to spot fake news! In this episode, we explore why false information spreads so quickly and how our minds can be tricked. Using everyday vocabulary and clear examples, we'll help you understand important concepts like "confirmation bias" and "information bubbles" while improving your English listening skills. You'll pick up useful phrases to discuss media literacy while learning practical tips for checking sources and recognizing manipulation techniques. A perfect blend of language practice and essential life skills for navigating today's information-filled world!
References:
- Kahneman, D. (2011). *Thinking, Fast and Slow*. [System 1 and System 2 thinking]
- Wason, P. C. (1960). On the failure to eliminate hypotheses. *Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology*. [Confirmation bias]
- Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1973). Availability: A heuristic for judging frequency. *Cognitive Psychology*. [Availability bias]
- Bacon, F. (1620). *Novum Organum*. [Early work on confirmation tendencies]
- Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018). The spread of true and false news online. *Science*. [False information spreads six times faster than truth]
- Festinger, L., et al. (1956). *When Prophecy Fails*. [Cognitive dissonance]
- World Economic Forum. (2024). *Global Risks Report*. [Misinformation as critical global risk]
- Brandolini, A. (2013). Brandolini's law. [The asymmetry of bullshit principle]
- Bronner, G. (2021). Conspiracy theory formation. *Journal of Social Psychology*. [Analysis of conspiracy emergence timeframes]
- Johnson, N. F., et al. (2020). The online competition between pro- and anti-vaccination views. *Nature*. [Vaccination discourse on social media]
- Bronner, G. (2023-2024). *Rationality in the Age of Misinformation*. Seminar series at La Sorbonne University.
In our latest “Learning English with Human Beans” episode, discover the fascinating science of mind-body connections. Learn how thoughts and emotions directly impact physical health, explore innovative therapies like neurofeedback and hypnosis, and gain practical vocabulary to discuss stress, meditation, and holistic wellness in English. Your mind and body are constant conversation partners-join us to understand their language.
References:
- Benson, H., & Klipper, M. Z. (2000). The Relaxation Response. HarperCollins.
- Buckley, T., et al. (2015). “Angry outburst could trigger heart attack within hours.” European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care.
- Danner, D. D., Snowdon, D. A., & Friesen, W. V. (2001). “Positive Emotions in Early Life and Longevity: Findings from the Nun Study.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80(5), 804–813.
- Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind. Delta.
- Salminen, J., et al. (2023). “Assessment of the Mind–Body Connection: Preliminary Psychometric Properties of the Body–Mind Connection Questionnaire.” Psychosomatic Medicine.
- Shapiro, S. L., Carlson, L. E., Astin, J. A., & Freedman, B. (2006). “Mechanisms of Mindfulness.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(3), 373–386.
- Selye, H. (1956). The Stress of Life. McGraw-Hill.
Join us as we explore José Rodrigues dos Santos' international bestseller "The God Formula" (or "The Einstein Enigma"). This thrilling novel blends quantum physics, global espionage, and profound spiritual questions as a cryptologist races to decode Einstein's secret manuscript supposedly proving God's existence. Perfect for expanding your English vocabulary while contemplating the intersection of science and faith.
Discover the hidden epidemic of pointless work in this episode of “Learning English with Human Beans.”
We unpack David Graeber’s theory of “bullshit jobs,” examine five key categories-from flunkies to taskmasters-and explore the surprising mental-health costs of meaningless tasks. Improve your English vocabulary as you rethink what makes work truly valuable.
References:
- Graeber, D. (2013). “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs.” *Strike!* essay introducing the concept and collecting hundreds of worker testimonials.
- Graeber, D. (2018). *Bullshit Jobs: A Theory*. Simon & Schuster. Expands the 2013 essay into a full, evidence-driven book identifying five types of pointless roles and their societal harm.
- Walo, S. (2023). “‘Bullshit’ After All? Why People Consider Their Jobs Socially Useless.” *Work, Employment & Society*. Provides the first quantitative backing for Graeber’s claim using American Working Conditions Survey data.
- European Working Conditions Survey (2015). Core dataset analyzed by Walo (2023) and others to measure perceived job usefulness and its links to mental health.
- ETUI (2023). “‘Bullshit jobs’ and the search for meaning in work.” European Trade Union Institute report correlating feelings of job uselessness with higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Siegrist, J. (1996). “Adverse health effects of high-effort/low-reward conditions.” *Journal of Occupational Health Psychology*. Lays out the Effort-Reward Imbalance model, showing how lack of meaningful reward at work harms psychological well-being.
- YouGov (2018). UK poll finding 37% of respondents believe their job does not contribute “meaningfully” to society, underscoring the widespread nature of perceived “bullshit jobs.”
Join us today for "Learning English with Human Beans" as we analyze Stefan Zweig's powerful novella "24 Hours in the Life of a Woman" with special guest Alice. Discover how a brief encounter can transform a lifetime while expanding your English vocabulary. A perfect blend of literary insight and language learning!
