Rarely, do I take the time to read fiction. In truth, not a lot captures my interest. I read Thomas Thibeault’s new book in two long sittings…. it ended far too soon for me. It had everything one might need for an action movie trifecta: World War II, stolen treasure and Nazi’s. Although I bought a hard cover… you can buy a kindle version as well.
Another book is called the Monument Men from which an upcoming George Clooney movie is based. Read both to get a feeling for the time.
As all great story tellers, Thomas Thibeault in Balto’s Nose, weaves the lessons of history, personal conflicts and redemption in a tale told by an older man to his not-so-young grandson as both wrestle with modern life.
John Cacioppo and Laura's new textbook: "Discovering Psychology -- the Science of Mind" CLICK on the picture above to visit Laura's site.
I like to keep up with what my family is doing and they often do astonish me. My bride of 40 years has been squirreled in our mutual office around her various computers for the past 7 years or so helping John Cacioppo with an interesting textbook project. One may think that writing a textbook isn’t all that hard to do, and maybe they are right, unless what you are trying to do is write something that offers more. Psychology is a highly integrated field in which advances in our understanding of biology can influence how we see certain things differently in Social Psychology. Psychology is not a subject that can easily be offered as modules, although we see this is all too often the case. We know enough now to fully integrate the various areas of Psychology, something a few have claimed to do, but none have succeeded — in my not so humble opinion — until now.
Let me step back for a moment, I was an undergrad Psych major and later obtained 2 graduate degrees in Business. Although I felt a step or two behind those who had majored in undergraduate business, the value of what I learned from my professors in Psychology helped me directly in business and throughout my life. The reason for this is simple, John Cacioppo refers to Psychology as a ‘hub science.’ Does an architect need to know something about Psychology? Buildings need to be liveable after all. A good understanding of Psychological Science helps in every field.
If the Psychology ‘hub’ was a constellation in the sky abiding by all of the other major discipline ‘hubs’, we would clearly see how connected it is to the other major fields. The influence of Psychological Science is everywhere, but not everyone recognizes how important it is to understanding who we are … and the changing world around us.
A famous Psychologist once said, a hundred years or so ago, that new leaps in the field will be made as leaps in science help to increase our understanding. For example, the major advances in neuroscience have pushed open our collective mind regarding what is environmental constructed, what heredity influences and how these two major factors continue to change us over time. The simple labels of behavior are no longer so simple any more. Psychology is itself evolving into Psychological Science.
Allow me to conclude that I am biased, John and Laura have raised many interesting thoughts, but I do find it a good read.
