Accuracy of perception is not an evolutionary priority. Too optimistic a world view results in foolish risk-taking, but moderate optimism gives you a strong selective advantage. “Normal human thought and perception, “Shelley Taylor writes in her 1989 book, Positive Illusions, “is marked not by accuracy but by positive self-enhancing illusions about the self, the world, and the future. Moreover…these illusions are not merely characteristic of human thought; they appear actually to be adaptive.” As she notes, “The mildly depressed appear to have more accurate views of themselves, the world, and the future than normal people. [They] clearly lack the illusions that in normal people promote mental health and buffer them against setbacks.”
Variations in the PPP1R1B gene are linked to a mess of mental disorders, including bipolar disorder. The protein that the gene codes for is also linked to increased intelligence.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member over 6 years ago
Not in this lifetime.
Marvin Premium Member over 6 years ago
Can’t answer that one, either, Aunty. But, you’re an example of why they don’t send donkeys to college.
ChessPirate over 6 years ago
“Smart People” is an oxymoron…
Masterskrain Premium Member over 6 years ago
God knows there aren’t any inside the D.C.Beltway…
Charlie Tuba over 6 years ago
Smart people come with depression.
pcolli over 6 years ago
Can the next batch of inventions include something we need and not just want?
Zen-of-Zinfandel over 6 years ago
I wonder why Aunty isn’t wearing her smarty pants.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 6 years ago
The phase of depressive realism
Accuracy of perception is not an evolutionary priority. Too optimistic a world view results in foolish risk-taking, but moderate optimism gives you a strong selective advantage. “Normal human thought and perception, “Shelley Taylor writes in her 1989 book, Positive Illusions, “is marked not by accuracy but by positive self-enhancing illusions about the self, the world, and the future. Moreover…these illusions are not merely characteristic of human thought; they appear actually to be adaptive.” As she notes, “The mildly depressed appear to have more accurate views of themselves, the world, and the future than normal people. [They] clearly lack the illusions that in normal people promote mental health and buffer them against setbacks.”
Variations in the PPP1R1B gene are linked to a mess of mental disorders, including bipolar disorder. The protein that the gene codes for is also linked to increased intelligence.