Apparently the world's happiest man is a Buddhist (they studied his brain). Just one data point.
Studies like this one claim that it reduces the negative and increases positive states.
Yep. Plus fix insecurities stemming from actual issues that will come up in a normal interaction, which do "hurt" your sociometer.
Agreed. There's a general sense of people being threats when you're socially anxious, versus being opportunities for connection when you're sociable.
Making Sense podcast.
The host speaks with great clarity and insight.
I like the science related stuff more than the politics.
Points to reliable sources and presents good arguments AFAICT.
1The value of not needing to be special is understandable. But how do we view people at the top of some competence hierarchy as not special in some sense? (eg: Novak Djokovic or John Von Neumann)
Okay, yeah. I also found this recent video of his on "materialism and other views" clarifying. Still curious about whether he views the "self" in all senses of the word illusory (epistemic vs ontological for example), but I'm guessing he considers all of that irrelevant and is only interested in pragmatic liberation.
Nice one! Would you or anyone else mind sharing tips on how to cultivate emotional security?
Related phenomenon where romantic partners influence each other towards an ideal version.