Thanks. That’s a really interesting study.

- Greg

Several years ago there was a study where two groups watched an identical slide presentation; one with a strongly emotional context, the other with no emotion at all. One week later, both groups were brought back for a surprise quiz and the group watching the emotional presentation out-scored the other by a factor of (I believe) 2-to-1.

Here’s what was interesting: They redid the experiment except that the group watching the emotional content were given Beta-blockers which inhibited the production of adrenaline (which the brain secretes when in an emotional state). The result: This time the group watching the emotional content scored the the same as the with non-emotional group.

In my business (training/events) keeping the audience/trainees in an engaged emotional state is absolutely critical to our (and our client’s) success.

Thanks. I’ve hear good things about the book, but haven’t had the chance to read it yet.

- Greg

Another good book on the subject is “How We Decide”

http://www.amazon.com/How-We-Decide-Jonah-Lehrer/dp/0618620117

Thinking of my littl boy, I am sure my first major fright would be his well being, then concern for my arm’s well being and then the scoldings, etc etc .

How all this and the effects of advertising on my buying trends works out, I gotta think some more.

Sam

Thanks. You have a happy holiday as well.

- Greg

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll check them out.

- Greg

I am not so sure how you manage to to do, but you always hit home runs. The article is simply brilliant.

A few years ago, a VP at my old company turned me on to Edward Bernays — he is Sigmund Freud’s nephew (by marriage), and more significantly regarded as the father of Public Relations. Bernays took a few pages out of Freud’s ‘ “playbook” and devised methods for increasing the sale of cigarettes to women. His successes are for the record books. (For a starter, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Bernays). He is also a fascinating story on advertising.

I very much liked your discussion on Descarte. You provided a nice and understandable measure for all of us who constitute that balk of the pedestrian thinkers. So thanks.

When reading your discussion on the “Error”, I thought about Eckhart Tolle’s discussion of the same in his book called, A New Earth (one of two of Oprah Winfrey’s gift to Stanford’ Graduation class of 2008). Tolle is a wonderful read, but in a different content. That said, some of your fans may want to check him out: http://www.eckharttolle.com.

My friend, keep up your excellent work. You are really one of the more brilliant thinkers around.

Ibrahim

Thanks. I have a stack of unread books, but I’ll try and check them out.

Also, if you like evolutionary psychology, E. O. Wilson is a must read. He founded the field (although he called it Sociobiology).

- Greg