Zeno Franco and Matt Langdon

Zeno Franco, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the department of family & community medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He studies the social psychology of heroic action and disaster management. He recently published an article differentiating heroism and altruism with Dr. Philip Zimbardo, and is a research adviser for the Heroic Imagination Project. Matt Langdon created the Hero Construction Company to build heroes in schools around the world. He creates training programs that prepare students for acts of heroism, large or small. He is the author of the soon-to-be-published “Hero Handbook” and also sits on the advisory council of the Heroic Imagination Project.

Stories by Zeno Franco and Matt Langdon

The Captain Who Fell into the Lifeboat

January 20, 2012

What the Costa Concordia disaster reveals about heroism—and how we can train ourselves to be heroes.

Four Ways Happiness Can Hurt You
May 3, 2012
Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.
How to Foster Group Creativity
April 11, 2012
In the second of a two-part conversation, Imagine author Jonah Lehrer explains how science can help teams become more creative.
You’re Never Too Old to Build Emotional Intelligence
April 24, 2012
A recent study suggests we can learn to regulate and manage our emotions even after we’re reached adulthood.

Four Ways Happiness Can Hurt You
May 3, 2012
Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.
Five Lessons in Human Goodness from “The Hunger Games”
April 18, 2012
The plot of the new film sounds cynical. But it reveals a surprising amount about the science of human goodness.
Lessons in Creativity from Caine’s Arcade
May 1, 2012
The latest viral video sensation is more than a portrait of a cute and creative kid. It's a guide to how we can nurture kids' imagination.

The GGSC is Hiring!
April 1, 2012
We're looking for an education program director.
Being Human 2012: The Science of Human Experience
March 24, 2012
Generation Wii… or Generation We?
May 22, 2012
In this commencement address, Dacher Keltner asks today's graduates to look for the best in themselves and in humanity.