Three Tips to Be a Better Conversationalist
Bridge-builder Mónica Guzmán shares three ways to make hard conversations a little easier.
Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education
Sign up for our newslettersWorried that you might be wrong in that argument you're having? Intellectual humility can help.
More From Jane B. ParkBridge-builder Mónica Guzmán shares three ways to make hard conversations a little easier.
Having a bad day? Try this practice to boost your happiness.
Here are the do's and don'ts of good active listening.
Barbara Fredrickson explains how shared positive emotions make us happier, healthier, and more connected.
Jazz techniques can teach us something about bridging differences and elevating diverse perspectives.
Emiliana Simon-Thomas explains how empathy works in the brain and why we should resist the urge to turn away from suffering.
Jack Kornfield reflects on the joy and suffering that is part of being human, and the practices that can help us along the way.
Parents can model and help children practice admitting what they don't know and owning mistakes.
Research suggests that children are more generous when they give voluntarily.
Educator Stephen Leeper shares what he learned from gratitude journaling with his students.
Revisiting everyday experiences can bring you more joy than you might expect.
Iraq War veteran and outdoors educator Stacy Bare learns to find wonder and beauty in the small things. Tune in to the Science of Happiness…
Rev. Jennifer Bailey shares stories of diverse Americans building trust and understanding through The People's Supper.
Having a communication breakdown? The research-backed skills of active listening can help build rapport and understanding.
The key to happiness isn't our income but something more meaningful, explains UC Irvine's Belinda Campos, Ph.D.
Eboo Patel shares the path that led him to create interfaith initiatives that bridge religious differences to create a better world.
Children’s book author Yuyi Morales writes a gratitude letter to the librarian who had a big impact on her.
Kristin Neff, the world's leading researcher of self-compassion and founder of the Mindful Self-Compassion program, explains the core…
When you're caring so much for other people, how do you deal with your own stress? Psychiatrist Elizabeth Guinto tries a practice to be…
In the face of a crisis, this exercise can help you identify your most important values. Based on the podcast episode "How to Deal with Uncertainty".
Dr. Richard Davidson, founder of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, explains what he sees as the four…
Do you dwell on the negative and let moments of joy just pass you by? Discover how Pixar's Pete Docter got out of his head and savored the…
Boost your kindness by sending kind thoughts to someone you love—and to someone you don't get along with—with a little guidance from…
The acclaimed author and teacher leads a meditation to practice forgiveness of others and of oneself, and to seek forgiveness.
Parents can encourage their kids to practice kindness and caring toward themselves and others
Researchers designed conversation prompts to help people feel closer. Will it work for 10-year-olds Zuri and Greer?
Learn the four steps to making an effective apology, with comedian Jolenta Greenberg of the By the Book podcast.
A first-grade teacher, a best friend, a parent—high schoolers share their gratitude letters with their recipients.
The founder of Roots of Empathy explains the severe importance of empathy in a child's development. Presented as part of the TEDxGoldenGateED…
Robert Emmons shares the results of his research on gratitude: better health, more happiness, and stronger connections to others.
Robert Emmons explains how gratitude has the ability to heal, energize, and change our lives.
If you are starting to feel over-whelmed by the December holidays, you aren't alone! In this quick video, I give three tips for making the…
Leadership expert Mike Robbins explains the difference between being recognized for performance and genuinely appreciated for who you are.
Barbara Fredrickson discusses how positive emotions broaden our awareness of the world, allowing us to become more in tune with the needs of others.
Loving bonds between parents and kids can help kids grow into compassionate adults.
Dacher Keltner shares his research on the vagus nerve, a key nexus of mind and body and a biological building block of human compassion.
Here's an exercise to help you remember what matters.
Dacher Keltner gives an overview of the young science of awe, from how it's expressed to its benefits for health and well-being.
Combining wit with deep knowledge, the researcher and best-selling author of Monkeyluv explains why the stress response, which evolved for…
Researcher Amie Gordon debunks four common objections to gratitude in the workplace.
The acclaimed author and teacher explains the principles that are integral to the process of forgiving, according to Buddhist philosophy.
Rick Hanson explains how we can boost our positive emotions and positive experiences.
Robert Emmons discusses why practicing gratitude has transformative effects on our social and emotional well-being.
Rick Hanson explains how we can use our minds to change our brains to change our minds for the better.
Best-selling author and renowned neuropsychiatrist Daniel Siegel explains why adolescents turn to their peers and away from their parents for…
Instead of retaliating, our kids can learn to find peace by making the choice to forgive.
Sonja Lyubomirsky sheds light on how much of our happiness is determined by our genes, and how much is within our power to control.
Three science-based tips to nurture truthfulness in your child.
Philip Zimbardo explores what research knows about who becomes a hero--and why they act heroically.
Dacher Keltner shares insights from the new science of touch: compassionate communication, touch therapies, and proof that "to touch is to give life."
Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., one of the world's leading researchers on gratitude, shares how gratitude works in life and in the workplace.
Kids persevere more when they imagine themselves as one of their favorite hard-working or heroic characters.
A presentation by Dacher Keltner on the science of a meaningful life, given June 26, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center Summer…
Pamela Weiss, founder of Appropriate Response, leads the audience through a mindful check-in from her company's award-winning Personal…
Best-selling author and renowned neuropsychiatrist Daniel Siegel explains how adolescence remodels the brain, increasing a willingness to…
John Gottman explains how trust may be the most vital ingredient to a successful relationship.
Paul Piff, an assistant professor of psychology and social behavior at UC Irvine, explores his research linking awe to kind, generous behavior.
A presentation by GGSC Science Director, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, on emotions, empathy and compassion, given on June 29, 2015 at the Greater…
Very young children can begin to understand race—so Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson suggests starting early.
In a presentation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Christina M. Karns of the University of Oregon describes her research into the…
Fred Luskin argues that forgiveness boils down to a simple choice: whether to dwell over past hurts or try to see the good in others.
Teens can talk with their parents and other adults to guide them toward meaningful life goals.
Parents can help their kids be open-minded, mindful of their strengths and weaknesses, and considerate of others.
Sonja Lyubomirsky shows how a simple reminder to count your blessings can have a profound impact.
Lani Shiota argues that awe is a fundamental part of being human—making our bodies and minds more receptive to new information, new…
Marc Brackett emphasizes the significant role emotion plays in learning. Presented as part of the TEDxGoldenGateED event on June 11, 2011.
Rick Hanson explains how mindfulness meditation can strengthen our brains and help us focus our attention.
Philip Zimbardo argues that there are no fixed boundaries between "good" and "bad" people.
Fred Luskin explains the difference between constructive and destructive anger, and argues that constructive anger carries important benefits…
When we're fighting with people we love, it can become hard to see the good in them. The director of the Stanford University Forgiveness…
Philip Zimbardo explains how his infamous Stanford Prison Experiment illuminates the horrors of Abu Ghraib and the psychology of evil.
Fred Luskin explains why cultivating gratitude and compassion helps people to forgive.
Research from around the world suggests that low expectations and good people are more likely to make us happy than material possessions,…
Psychologist and author Shauna Shapiro explains what she sees as the three core components to mindfulness: intention, attention, and attitude.
Here are some tips to make giving part of children’s everyday lives.
Cindy Elkins, a former vice president at Genentech, shares how cultivating a culture of gratitude helped the company thrive during tough times.
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Andrea Hussong explores the role that parents can play in fostering the development of children’s…
The author of Thanks! introduces the science of gratitude at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit in June 2014.
Chris Murchison—an independent organizational culture consultant, coach, and advisor—shares how gratitude can be incorporated into…
The author and researcher explores how moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surrounding helps us to see and alleviate…
Combining wit with deep knowledge, the researcher and best-selling author of Monkeyluv talks about how the Type A personality profile was…
Professor Ryan Fehr from the University of Washington shares research on how to build a culture of gratitude at work.
Combining wit with deep knowledge, Robert Sapolsky explains the optimal amount of stress.
Diana Jason shares how Charles Schwab & Co. took the research on gratitude and put it to work.
Jason Silva, creator of "Shots of Awe" and host of "Brain Games," discusses his attempts to hack emotions and evoke awe on demand.
Daniel Siegel discusses how the interplay between our minds, our brains, and our relationships contribute to well-being.
Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses how helping others helps ourselves.
At the 2014 Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Sara Algoe describes her research into how gratitude affects romantic partners’ feelings for one…
Philip Zimbardo describes the classic and controversial study suggesting how ordinary, decent people can commit heinous acts.
Sonja Lyubomirsky explains how researchers define happiness, and how different cultures define it differently.
Author and psychologist Kristin Neff explains how self-awareness can help us to identify and alleviate pain and distress within ourselves.
At the 2014 Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Wendy Mendes of the University of California, San Francisco, discusses her research, "Effects…
John Gottman explains that couples build trust the small moments of a relationship, when we're emotionally attuned to our partner.
Kate MacAleavey, a consultant and coach, shares her stories of fostering appreciation at Facebook and other companies.
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Giacomo Bono reports on his research into how to foster gratitude in classrooms.
In this talk from the "Practicing Mindfulness & Compassion" conference on March 8, 2013, Magee explores how to apply contemplative practices…
The sociologist and bestselling author at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center provides specific, research-tested tips for staying…
Part 2 of a workshop by Rick Hanson on neuroplasticity, the negativity bias, and taking in the good, given July 1, 2013, at the first annual…
Part 1 of a workshop by Rick Hanson on neuroplasticity, the negativity bias, and taking in the good, given July 1, 2013, at the first annual…
Marc Lesser of the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute explains the seven keys to a successful mindfulness practice (and how to share…
We share children's books that you can use to nurture character strengths in kids.
Insights for reducing polarization and promoting more constructive dialogue.
Lessons and insights from leaders in the field of positive psychology.
Research-based insights to guide your kids toward making choices that serve the greater good
Clips and full-session videos from The Art & Science of Awe, a day of cutting-edge research and awe-inspiring performances.
Clips and full-session videos from Mindfulness & Well-Being at Work, a day-long event that featured top scientists, workplace leaders, and…
Clips and full-session videos from the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, a day-long event featuring research funded by the GGSC's "Expanding the…
Provocative talks and revealing interviews with leading experts on the science of happiness, compassion, mindfulness, and more.
Videos exploring how to teach compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and other keys to a meaningful life, including videos from our…
Greater Good events have featured talks and discussions with some of the world's greatest minds, including Jonathan Kozol, Robert Reich, and…
Worried that you might be wrong in that argument you're having? Intellectual humility can help.
Parents can model and help children practice admitting what they don't know and owning mistakes.
Eboo Patel shares the path that led him to create interfaith initiatives that bridge religious differences to create a better world.
Bridge-builder Mónica Guzmán shares three ways to make hard conversations a little easier.
Educator Stephen Leeper shares what he learned from gratitude journaling with his students.
Emiliana Simon-Thomas explains how empathy works in the brain and why we should resist the urge to turn away from suffering.
Rev. Jennifer Bailey shares stories of diverse Americans building trust and understanding through The People's Supper.
A Q&A with Jack Kornfield about giving feedback at work, using social media wisely, and the poetry in his teachings.
Jack Kornfield reflects on the joy and suffering that is part of being human, and the practices that can help us along the way.
Barbara Fredrickson explains how shared positive emotions make us happier, healthier, and more connected.
Revisiting everyday experiences can bring you more joy than you might expect.
Here are the do's and don'ts of good active listening.
Research suggests that children are more generous when they give voluntarily.
Having a bad day? Try this practice to boost your happiness.
Children’s book author Yuyi Morales writes a gratitude letter to the librarian who had a big impact on her.
Jazz techniques can teach us something about bridging differences and elevating diverse perspectives.
Having a communication breakdown? The research-backed skills of active listening can help build rapport and understanding.
Iraq War veteran and outdoors educator Stacy Bare learns to find wonder and beauty in the small things. Tune in to the Science of Happiness…
The key to happiness isn't our income but something more meaningful, explains UC Irvine's Belinda Campos, Ph.D.
In the face of a crisis, this exercise can help you identify your most important values. Based on the podcast episode "How to Deal with Uncertainty".
Very young children can begin to understand race—so Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson suggests starting early.
Researchers designed conversation prompts to help people feel closer. Will it work for 10-year-olds Zuri and Greer?
Here's an exercise to help you remember what matters.
Do you dwell on the negative and let moments of joy just pass you by? Discover how Pixar's Pete Docter got out of his head and savored the…
Learn the four steps to making an effective apology, with comedian Jolenta Greenberg of the By the Book podcast.
When you're caring so much for other people, how do you deal with your own stress? Psychiatrist Elizabeth Guinto tries a practice to be…
Boost your kindness by sending kind thoughts to someone you love—and to someone you don't get along with—with a little guidance from…
A first-grade teacher, a best friend, a parent—high schoolers share their gratitude letters with their recipients.
Parents can encourage their kids to practice kindness and caring toward themselves and others
Instead of retaliating, our kids can learn to find peace by making the choice to forgive.
Loving bonds between parents and kids can help kids grow into compassionate adults.
Parents can help their kids be open-minded, mindful of their strengths and weaknesses, and considerate of others.
Three science-based tips to nurture truthfulness in your child.
Kids persevere more when they imagine themselves as one of their favorite hard-working or heroic characters.
President, Tecmilenio University
University of Queensland
Teens can talk with their parents and other adults to guide them toward meaningful life goals.
Here are some tips to make giving part of children’s everyday lives.
Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., one of the world's leading researchers on gratitude, shares how gratitude works in life and in the workplace.
Cindy Elkins, a former vice president at Genentech, shares how cultivating a culture of gratitude helped the company thrive during tough times.
Chris Murchison, vice president of staff development and culture at HopeLab, and Cindy Elkins, former vice president and head of IT Americas…
Chris Murchison—an independent organizational culture consultant, coach, and advisor—shares how gratitude can be incorporated into…
Researcher Lynette Silva debunks five myths about gratitude in the workplace.
Professor Ryan Fehr from the University of Washington shares research on how to build a culture of gratitude at work.
Diana Jason shares how Charles Schwab & Co. took the research on gratitude and put it to work.
Kate MacAleavey, a consultant and coach, shares her stories of fostering appreciation at Facebook and other companies.
Researcher Amie Gordon debunks four common objections to gratitude in the workplace.
Lynette Silva of Globoforce, researcher Amie Gordon, researcher Ryan Fehr, and Kate MacAleavey of The Ready discuss the myths, barriers, and…
Leadership expert Mike Robbins explains the difference between being recognized for performance and genuinely appreciated for who you are.
Help us spread the greater good with innovative, science-based videos—and see your generosity matched dollar-for-dollar.
Kids share their vision of the greater good.
Learn how to create a work environment where people feel valued and appreciated.
Learn how you can intervene when you see sexual harassment.
Linda Lantieri talks about the role of gratitude in social and emotional learning programs.
Lani Shiota argues that awe is a fundamental part of being human—making our bodies and minds more receptive to new information, new…
Renowned astrophysicist Alex Filippenko offers a fast-paced, funny, and inspiring overview of the awe-inspiring power of space.
Jennifer Stellar, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto, explains what is universal about the…
Full-length video for GGSC members: Jennifer Stellar, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto,…
Dacher Keltner gives an overview of the young science of awe, from how it's expressed to its benefits for health and well-being.
Paul Piff, an assistant professor of psychology and social behavior at UC Irvine, explores his research linking awe to kind, generous behavior.
Jakada Imani, director of capacity building initiatives at the Center for Popular Democracy, explores how spirituality helps us find our…
Full-length video for GGSC members: Paul Piff, an assistant professor of psychology and social behavior at UC Irvine, and Jakada Imani,…
Former US poet laureate Robert Hass demonstrates the awe-inspiring power of poetry, in a series of readings that will make you say, "Whoa!"
Jason Silva, creator of "Shots of Awe" and host of "Brain Games," discusses his attempts to hack emotions and evoke awe on demand.
Grammy-nominated pipa player Wu Man performs two pieces at The Art & Science of Awe.
Full-length video for GGSC members: A panel of creators discuss the power of art to inspire and uplift us. Featuring Vanessa Inn and Ben…
David Delgado, a visual strategist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and co-founder of The Museum of Awe, shares some of his recent…
Vanessa Inn, chief strategy officer at Illuminate the Arts, shares what she has learned about life from working with thousands of artists…
Stacy Bare, director of Sierra Club Outdoors, details his journey from war, PTSD, and addiction to healing.
Craig Anderson, a researcher at UC Berkeley, explains his research studying awe and other emotions during white-water rafting.
Full-length video for GGSC members: Craig Anderson (UC Berkeley), Stacy Bare (Sierra Club Outdoors), and Jaclyn Lim (Marin County Parks)…
Tom Rockwell, director of exhibits and media studio at San Francisco's Exploratorium, offers a tour of the museum's exhibits and how they…
Full-length video for GGSC members: Educators Julie Mann (of Newcomers High School) and Tom Rockwell (The Exploratorium) tell inspiring tales…
Pamela Weiss, founder of Appropriate Response, leads the audience through a mindful check-in from her company's award-winning Personal…
Birju Pandya, a senior advisor at RSF Social Finance, tells a story and then asks a question: How does personal transformation connect to…
Wendy Quan, a change manager at Pacific Blue Cross, explains how she became a mindfulness facilitator at her workplace and tips for others…
Dr. Jeremy Hunter, founding director and associate professor of practice at the Executive Mind Leadership Institute, explains how to combat…
Full-length video for GGSC members: Dr. Jeremy Hunter, Wendy Quan, Pamela Weiss, and Birju Pandya consider what you can do tomorrow to bring…
Marc Lesser of the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute explains the seven keys to a successful mindfulness practice (and how to share…
Emma Adolfsson shares her experience and lessons from the Carlsberg Group's mindfulness initiatives.
Peter Bostelmann shares his experience as director of global mindfulness practice at SAP, a German software company with around 75,000 employees.
Full-length video for GGSC members: Search Inside Yourself's Marc Lesser, SAP's Peter Bostelmann, and the Carlsberg Group's Emma Adolfsson…
Kyra Bobinet of engagedIN explains how she spearheaded a mindfulness program at Aetna and the three lessons she learned.
Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter of the Potential Project explain how to overcome the challenges to mindfulness at work, including some…
Kelley McCabe Ruff of eMindful shares lessons learned from bringing mindfulness programs to Aetna and other companies, including how to drive…
Full-length video for GGSC members: Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter of the Potential Project, Kyra Bobinet of engagedIN, and Kelley…
Dr. Richard Fernandez, co-founder of Wisdom Labs, explains how mindfulness can increase attention and engagement at work--precious resources…
Mark Higbie, senior advisor to Ford Motor Company, explains how the auto company began introducing mindfulness in the workplace.
Full-length video for GGSC members: Dr. Richard Fernandez (Wisdom Labs) and Mark Higbie (Ford) discuss the motivations, needs, and incentives…
Dr. Richard Davidson, founder of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, explains what he sees as the four…
Full-length video for GGSC members: Dr. Richard Davidson, founder of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,…
Kristin Neff, the world's leading researcher of self-compassion and founder of the Mindful Self-Compassion program, explains the core…
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Nipun Mehta explores how we can help more people to embrace giving and gratitude.
In this presentation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Chris Murchison describes his efforts to create an organizational culture at…
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Giacomo Bono reports on his research into how to foster gratitude in classrooms.
At the 2014 Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Sara Algoe describes her research into how gratitude affects romantic partners’ feelings for one…
In this presentation from the GGSC's "Practicing Mindfulness & Compassion" conference, GGSC Science Director Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas…
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Andrea Hussong explores the role that parents can play in fostering the development of children’s…
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Amie Gordon, Ph.D., provides an overview of research into the downsides of gratitude.
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, the GGSC research fellow explains why consumer society tends to discourage gratitude--and how we can…
In a presentation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Jeff Huffman of Harvard Medical School describes his study of the role that…
Dr. Philip Watkins of Eastern Washington University explains how gratitude improves relationships and cognitive processes.
In a presentation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Christina M. Karns of the University of Oregon describes her research into the…
At the 2014 Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Wendy Mendes of the University of California, San Francisco, discusses her research, "Effects…
The author of Thanks! introduces the science of gratitude at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit in June 2014.
In a conversation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Jack Kornfield explores how prayer helps cultivate gratitude with Benedictine monk…
In a conversation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, author and Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield discusses how to find grace and joy…
In a conversation from the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Jack Kornfield talks with Brother David Steindl-Rast about how to cultivate…
In a conversation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, the renowned authors and religious teachers explore the science and spirituality of…
In a conversation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, authors and teachers David Steindl-Rast and Jack Kornfield explore the surprising…
In a conversation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Jack Kornfield and Brother David explore the definitions and relationship of love and trust.
Best-selling author and renowned neuropsychiatrist Daniel Siegel explains how adolescence remodels the brain, increasing a willingness to…
Best-selling author and renowned neuropsychiatrist Daniel Siegel explains why adolescents turn to their peers and away from their parents for…
A presentation by Emiliana Simon-Thomas on the science of gratitude and how it can be applied in the classroom, given July 2, 2014, at the…
Psychologist and author Shauna Shapiro explains what she sees as the three core components to mindfulness: intention, attention, and attitude.
The GGSC's science director leads a session at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit about the physical, social, and mental health benefits of…
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, three leading researchers--and one advocate--describe their cutting-edge insights into how to cultivate…
This is the full video for Daniel Siegel's talk on March 11, 2014 for the Greater Good Science Center. Dr. Siegel discusses his new book,…
Some people think gratitude is hokey or pointless. Here's how to help them think differently.
The author and researcher explores how moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surrounding helps us to see and alleviate…
The bestselling author of "Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence" explores how attention and cognitive control contributes to success in life.
The bestselling author of "Focus" describes the relationship between performance and stress.
The bestselling author explains the relationship between attention and compassionate action.
In this talk from the "Practicing Mindfulness & Compassion" conference on March 8, 2013, Magee explores how to apply contemplative practices…
Rick Hanson explains how mindfulness meditation can strengthen our brains and help us focus our attention.
In this video from "Practicing Mindfulness & Compassion" conference on March 8, 2013, nurse-midwife Nancy Bardacke explains why mindfulness…
Author and psychologist Kristin Neff explains how self-awareness can help us to identify and alleviate pain and distress within ourselves.
Bestselling author and teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn talks about what mindfulness means to him personally, and argues that the United States is an…
Bestselling author and teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn explores how mindfulness-based stress reduction can help you to go beyond the self, to identify…
Keynote speech by bestselling author and teacher at the "Practicing Mindfulness & Compassion" conference on March 8, 2013.
Do sports, music lessons, and enrichment activities increase kids' success?
Your kids' ticket to engagement vs. anxiety.
Getting kids an autopilot for the stuff they have to do everyday
I find it annoying to play referee. Here’s how I keep my time breaking up fights and enforcing the rules to a minimum.
More calm and less chaos in just 20 minutes a week
Google's "Jolly Good Fellow," Chade-Meng Tan, talks about his new book, Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success,…
Summer is upon us, and this means that our children are likely to spend a lot more time with their siblings, if they've got them. Here are 3…
Know some entitled brats? A regular gratitude practice could be just the ticket.
Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH) discusses how mindfulness can offer an effective--and bipartisan--remedy for problems plaguing our schools,…
What will it take for you to lead a happy life? The case for not always spending more time with your kids.
Want to teach kids a simple meditation? Here's how I do "loving kindness" meditation.
In this presentation from the GGSC's "Practicing Mindfulness & Compassion" conference, the program director for Mindful Schools explains how…
Even though Thanksgiving is quickly becoming a distant memory, giving thanks can still be a significant part of our daily family lives. Here…
Our crazy busy lives -- especially at this time of year! -- can be stressful. Here are three tips for managing your stress year-round.
If you are starting to feel over-whelmed by the December holidays, you aren't alone! In this quick video, I give three tips for making the…
With Thanksgiving approaching, Christine Carter offers three ways to help adults and kids truly make the holidays a time for gratitude.
Greater Good Science Center parenting expert Christine Carter explains how happiness isn't only determined by genetics. It's a skill we can…
Greater Good Science Center parenting expert Christine Carter explains how to foster kindness in children--a key to their happiness.
Dacher Keltner explains why Darwin thought compassion is humans' strongest instinct.
Dacher Keltner shares his research on the vagus nerve, a key nexus of mind and body and a biological building block of human compassion.
The GGSC's faculty director explains new discoveries revealing the evolutionary roots of human compassion.
Combining wit with deep knowledge, Robert Sapolsky explains the optimal amount of stress.
Combining wit with deep knowledge, the researcher and best-selling author explains why stress interferes with male sexual response.
Combining wit with deep knowledge, the researcher and best-selling author of Monkeyluv talks about how the Type A personality profile was…
Combining wit with deep knowledge, the researcher and best-selling author of Monkeyluv explains why the stress response, which evolved for…
The best-selling author and Stanford University professor explains why the stress response, which evolved for short-term physical crises, can…
When we're fighting with people we love, it can become hard to see the good in them. The director of the Stanford University Forgiveness…
The sociologist and bestselling author at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center provides specific, research-tested tips for staying…
Wouldn't it be nice to just ask once?
Preserving kids natural motivation
Preserving kids' natural motivation
John Gottman explains how trust may be the most vital ingredient to a successful relationship.
John Gottman explains that couples build trust the small moments of a relationship, when we're emotionally attuned to our partner.
John Gottman explains that trust is found in stronger, healthier, and more just communities.
Rick Hanson explains how we can boost our positive emotions and positive experiences.
What's the best way to start a new habit?
Lindsay's bedtime routines get a make-over. Part of a video series on parenting produced by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
Rick Hanson explains how we can use our minds to change our brains to change our minds for the better.
Christine Carter, Ph.D., and Lindsay Reed Maines discuss how parents and families can overcome feeling overstressed. Part of a video series…
Christine Carter, Ph.D., and Lindsay Reed Maines discuss why kids benefit when parents prioritize their own happiness. Part of a video series…
The best-selling author and trailblazing psychologist explains how we can use our brains to boost positive emotions and positive experiences.
Jack Kornfield shares extraordinary stories of forgiveness--and explains how the next story could be yours.
The acclaimed teacher and author explains that forgiveness isn't quick, easy, or sentimental. But it's invaluable for your own well-being.
Jack Kornfield explains that we should forgive for the sake of our own dignity and fulfillment.
The renowned teacher and author shares extraordinary stories of forgiveness--and explains how the next story could be yours.
The acclaimed author and teacher leads a meditation to practice forgiveness of others and of oneself, and to seek forgiveness.
The acclaimed author and teacher explains the principles that are integral to the process of forgiving, according to Buddhist philosophy.
Mary Gordon shows a Roots of Empathy classroom and baby in action, explaining how together they help break cycles of intergenerational violence.
Mary Gordon shares inspiring stories about children performing remarkable acts of compassion.
Mary Gordon discusses how caring for a baby helps children find the humanity in themselves and others.
Mary Gordon describes how babies can foster emotional connection and emotional literacy in the classroom.
Mary Gordon discusses the research showing that Roots of Empathy reduces aggression, boosts emotional literacy, and creates more caring children.
The founder and president of Roots of Empathy, a program that brings babies into classrooms to teach children compassion, shares stories and…
Barbara Fredrickson discusses how positive emotions broaden our awareness of the world, allowing us to become more in tune with the needs of others.
Barbara Fredrickson shares her research on the ideal ratio of positive to negative emotions, and offers suggestions for how to flourish in life.
Barbara Fredrickson suggests that positive emotions make us more resilient to setbacks, improve our relationships, and may even change our…
Barbara Fredrickson describes how people can change on a fundamental level by changing how they interpret their lot in life.
Barbara Fredrickson explains why she believes our culture should place more value on positive emotions.
One of the world's leading researchers on positive emotions discusses how cultivating positivity can change our relationships, our cells, and…
Philip Zimbardo explores what research knows about who becomes a hero--and why they act heroically.
Philip Zimbardo describes his new program to help people find their inner hero.
Philip Zimbardo describes the classic and controversial study suggesting how ordinary, decent people can commit heinous acts.
Philip Zimbardo explains how his infamous Stanford Prison Experiment illuminates the horrors of Abu Ghraib and the psychology of evil.
Philip Zimbardo argues that there are no fixed boundaries between "good" and "bad" people.
The legendary psychologist explores how good people can do evil things and argues that we all possess an inner hero.
Robert Emmons discusses why practicing gratitude has transformative effects on our social and emotional well-being.
Robert Emmons explains how gratitude has the ability to heal, energize, and change our lives.
Robert Emmons shares the results of his research on gratitude: better health, more happiness, and stronger connections to others.
Robert Emmons offers research-tested strategies for becoming a more grateful person.
Gratitude may be good, Robert Emmons explains, but it isn't always easy. He considers some of the myths around gratitude and obstacles to…
Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude, discusses how and why to practice it.
Robert Emmons explains why he believes awe and gratitude are intertwined.
Daniel Siegel explains the idea of "mindsight" and how it can promote mental health.
Daniel Siegel explains how mindsight can be taught to almost anyone, from young children to people in their 90s.
Daniel Siegel discusses how the interplay between our minds, our brains, and our relationships contribute to well-being.
Daniel Siegel talks with Christine Carter about how mindsight relates to emotional intelligence, social intelligence, and mindfulness.
Dacher Keltner shares insights from the new science of touch: compassionate communication, touch therapies, and proof that "to touch is to give life."
Fred Luskin argues that forgiveness boils down to a simple choice: whether to dwell over past hurts or try to see the good in others.
Fred Luskin explains that the essence of forgiveness is being resilient when things don’t go your way.
Fred Luskin argues that part of forgiveness is accepting our own vulnerability.
Fred Luskin explains the difference between constructive and destructive anger, and argues that constructive anger carries important benefits…
Fred Luskin explains why we've got to grieve a loss or hurt before we can forgive it.
Fred Luskin explains why cultivating gratitude and compassion helps people to forgive.
Drawing on two decades of studying and teaching forgiveness, Fred Luskin shares what he has learned about its benefits and how to cultivate it.
Sonja Lyubomirsky sheds light on how much of our happiness is determined by our genes, and how much is within our power to control.
Sonja Lyubomirsky shows how a simple reminder to count your blessings can have a profound impact.
Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses research linking happiness to other positive things in life, including health, creativity, and better relationships.
Happiness activities aren't one-size-fits-all, explains Sonja Lyubomirsky: Different exercises are right for different people.
Research from around the world suggests that low expectations and good people are more likely to make us happy than material possessions,…
Sonja Lyubomirsky explains how researchers define happiness, and how different cultures define it differently.
Lasting boosts in happiness require long-term commitment, argues Sonja Lyubomirsky, but the right habits can help us get there.
Sonja Lyubomirsky offers three reasons to suspect that people actually can't become happier than they already are.
Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses how helping others helps ourselves.
One of the world's top experts on happiness discusses what happiness is, why it matters, and gives research-tested strategies for boosting…
Paul Ekman reveals the link between Darwin's and the Dalai Lama's views on compassion.
Paul Ekman explores how and why certain people help others even when it puts themselves at risk.
Paul Ekman discusses the importance of extending compassion to people of different nations, and even to all living beings.
Paul Ekman describes the building blocks of empathy and compassion: emotion recognition, emotional resonance, and familial compassion.
Paul Ekman explains that Darwin and the Dalai Lama share a similar view on humanity's highest moral virtue: to extend compassion to "all…
Paul Ekman discusses the difference between forms of compassion and emotional states.
Paul Ekman reveals the similarities between Darwin's and the Dalai Lama's ideas about compassion, and discusses the need to promote a "global…
A workshop by Brooke Lavelle Heineberg on how educators can cultivate self-care, given on June 29, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center's…
A presentation by GGSC Science Director, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, on emotions, empathy and compassion, given on June 29, 2015 at the Greater…
A presentation by GGSC Science Director, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, on emotions, empathy and compassion, given on June 29, 2015 at the Greater…
A presentation by GGSC Science Director, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, on emotions, empathy and compassion, given on June 29, 2015 at the Greater…
A presentation by Meena Srinivasan on social emotional learning and mindfulness, given on June 29, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center…
A presentation by Meena Srinivasan on social emotional learning and mindfulness, given on June 29, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center…
A workshop by Rudy Mendoza-Denton on prejudice, inter-group relations, and education given June 28, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center…
A workshop by Rudy Mendoza-Denton on prejudice, inter-group relations, and education given June 28, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center…
A workshop by Rudy Mendoza-Denton on prejudice, inter-group relations, and education given June 28, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center…
A presentation by Dacher Keltner on the science of a meaningful life, given June 26, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center Summer…
A presentation by Dacher Keltner on the science of a meaningful life, given June 26, 2015, at the Greater Good Science Center Summer…
A presentation by GGSC Education Director Vicki Zakrzewski on awe and its applications in the classroom, given July 1, 2014, at the Greater…
Part 2 of a workshop by Vicki Zakrzewski and Brooke Dodson-Lavelle on self-compassion for educators, given June 30, 2014, at the Greater Good…
A presentation by Emiliana Simon-Thomas on the science of gratitude and how it can be applied in educational settings, given July 3, 2013, at…
Part 2 of a workshop by pioneering self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff, given July 2, 2013, at the first annual Greater Good Science…
Part 1 of a workshop by pioneering self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff, given July 2, 2013, at the first annual Greater Good Science…
Part 2 of a workshop by Rick Hanson on neuroplasticity, the negativity bias, and taking in the good, given July 1, 2013, at the first annual…
Part 1 of a workshop by Rick Hanson on neuroplasticity, the negativity bias, and taking in the good, given July 1, 2013, at the first annual…
Part 2 of a workshop by Marc Brackett, co-creator of the RULER Approach to Social Emotional Learning, given June 30, 2013, at the first…
Part 1 of a workshop by Marc Brackett, co-creator of the RULER Approach to Social Emotional Learning, given June 30, 2013, at the first…
Part 2 of a workshop by Eve Ekman on the science of emotions, stress/burnout, and developing professional empathy, given June 30, 2013, at…
Part 1 of a workshop by Eve Ekman on the science of emotions, stress/burnout, and developing professional empathy, given June 30, 2013, at…
Part 4 (of 4) of a workshop by Megan Cowan and Chris McKenna of Mindful Schools, given June 29, 2013, at the first annual Greater Good…
Part 3 (of 4) of a workshop by Megan Cowan and Chris McKenna of Mindful Schools, given June 29, 2013, at the first annual Greater Good…
Part 2 (of 4) of a workshop by Megan Cowan and Chris McKenna of Mindful Schools, given June 29, 2013, at the first annual Greater Good…
Part 1 (of 4) of a workshop by Megan Cowan and Chris McKenna of Mindful Schools, given June 29, 2013, at the first annual Greater Good…
A presentation by Vicki Zakrzewski on the concept of social-emotional learning and its importance in education, given June 29, 2013, at the…
The founding director of the Greater Good Science Center explains how humans are wired for compassion.
Presented as part of the…
The founder of Roots of Empathy explains the severe importance of empathy in a child's development. Presented as part of the TEDxGoldenGateED…
Dan Siegel emphasizes compassion as a key component of a healthy mind. Presented as part of the TEDxGoldenGateED event on June 11, 2011.
Christine Carter emphasizes compassion as the fundamental skill for happiness in children. Presented as part of the TEDxGoldenGateED event on…
Nipun Mehta, the founder of ServiceSpace, speaks about the contagiousness of compassion. Presented as part of the TEDxGoldenGateED event on…
Jill Ellis is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Early Intervention on Deafness (CEID). She speaks about compassion and…
Jeff Duncan-Andrade emphasizes the importance of building a caring and supportive community for students in schools. Presented as part of the…
Nancy McGirr, founder of Fotokids, speaks about the power of cultivating creativity in a neighborhood of fear and violence. Presented as part…
Marc Brackett emphasizes the significant role emotion plays in learning. Presented as part of the TEDxGoldenGateED event on June 11, 2011.
Ashok Gadgil speaks about educational pursuits of compassion, specifically, UC Berkeley Engineers working to provide clean drinking water on…
Brian Bordainick is the founder and executive director of the "9th Ward Field of Dreams". This project is aimed at getting kids involved with…
Carolyn Zahn-Waxler describes the existence of compassion in infants and how its development should be fostered. Presented as part of the…
James Doty emphasizes the role of compassion as part of a meaningful life. Presented as part of the TEDxGoldenGateED event on June 11, 2011.
High School student, Lily Gordon, speaks of compassion and the work Prospect Sierra has done in Tanzania. Presented as part of the…
Shabnam Aggarwal speaks about the importance of failure in the learning process and how it can be incorporated in education. Presented as…
Elle McDougald describes how she has come to learn what compassion means and how to go about teaching compassion to kids her age. Presented…
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