Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.
Saying no to someone who asks for something is often easier said than done. Maybe it's a boss who wants... more
Many of us feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. We struggle to make time for all the... more
Are you someone who strikes up a conversation with the person next to you on the train? Or do you... more
Whether in your personal life or at work, you've probably experienced what it’s like to have people reject your requests.... more
When we meet new people, we’re often drawn to those with a commanding presence or a dazzling personality. But it... more
When we think about misinformation, we often focus on blatant errors or deliberate attempts to deceive us. But in recent... more
We're always told to reach for that next ring, work that third job, go to that boisterous party after a... more
As we move through the world, it's easy to imagine we're processing everything that happens around us and then deciding... more
Cognitive scientist Nafees Hamid studies the minds of people drawn to radical or fringe ideas. This week, he takes us... more
You know that negative voice that goes round and round in your head, keeping you up at night? When that... more
Across every domain of our lives, our minds have a tendency to get accustomed to things. In fact, the brain... more
Some think of religious faith as just that: a leap of faith. But psychologists are increasingly filling in the gaps... more
Have you ever had an unexplainable feeling of emptiness? Life seems perfect - and yet - something is missing. This... more
Thinking is a human superpower. On a daily basis, thinking and planning and effort bring us innumerable benefits. But like... more
The human drive to invent new things has led to pathbreaking achievements in medicine, science and society. But our desire... more
Most of us love to brainstorm with colleagues. But so often, our idea-generating sessions don't lead to anything tangible. Teams... more
Think about the last time you asked someone for something. Maybe you were nervous or worried about what the person... more
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt that people wrote you off? Maybe a teacher suggested you... more
Why is it so hard to guess where we're meant to be? To predict where we'll end up? Nearly all... more
If you're a parent or a teacher, you've probably wondered how to balance play and safety for the kids in... more
We've all had those days when all we want is a little treat. Maybe it's a bag of chips, an... more
Anthropologist Tom Pearson was devastated after his daughter Michaela was diagnosed with Down syndrome. When he began to examine that... more
If you've ever taken an economics class, you were probably taught that people are rational. But about 50 years ago,... more
Have you ever sat across from your spouse, colleague or friend and realized that while they may be hearing what... more
Many of us believe we know how we’d choose to die. We have a sense of how we’d respond to... more
A little more than a decade ago, researchers began tracking an alarming trend: a dramatic uptick in anxiety and depression... more
Fear is a normal and healthy response to things that may harm us. But fear can also hold us back... more
Over the past few weeks, we've been exploring the psychology of partisanship, and how to effectively handle disagreements with those... more
We typically divide the country into two distinct groups: Democrats and Republicans. But what if the real political divide in... more
Conflicts are inevitable — both at a global scale and in our personal lives. This week, in the latest in... more
There's a saying that's attributed to the Dalai Lama: in the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.... more
The United States, we’re told, is increasingly a house divided. Conservatives and progressives are so alienated from each other that... more
We rely on our memory to understand the world. But what if our memories aren't true? This week, we talk... more
We spend more and more of our lives staring at screens. Our cellphones, smartwatches and laptops allow us to communicate... more
Most of us feel that our emotions are reactions to those outside of us. Someone cuts us off in traffic,... more
When we're learning, or trying new things, mistakes are inevitable. Some of these mistakes provide us with valuable information, while... more
Humans have wrestled with questions about identity and purpose for millennia. So it’s no surprise that the insights of people... more
When was the last time you set a goal and struggled to reach it? Perhaps you're trying to write a... more
We like to tell kids, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But from a very early age, we humans... more
Think about the last time you were struck by a gorgeous painting in a museum, or heard a song that... more
Why is it so hard to say 'I'm sorry?' In the final episode of our Healing 2.0 series, we talk... more
In 2019, Justin Harrison's mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. But by the time she died, he had figured out... more
You've probably heard that people who lose a loved one may go through what are known as the "five stages"... more
We’ve all heard the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But is there any truth to this idea?... more
We all tell stories about ourselves, often without realizing we’re doing so. How we frame those stories can profoundly shape... more
One of the mysteries of human behavior is that it’s often easier for us to focus on what’s going wrong... more
As we move through our lives, we have to make decisions both big and small. Some are banal: What will... more
We like to think that con artists only prey upon the weak, or gullible. But psychologist Dan Simons says all... more
Perfectionism is everyone’s favorite flaw. It’s easy to assume that our push to be perfect is what leads to academic,... more
It's easy to think that the best teams are collections of highly accomplished or talented individuals, working under a skilled... more
After we make a decision, we often tell ourselves a story about why our choice was the right one to... more
Think about the last time you did something you knew was wrong. How did you explain your actions to yourself?... more
How often do you say something negative to yourself that you'd never utter to someone else? Self-criticism can often feel... more
Sorrows have a way of finding us, no matter how hard we try to avoid them. Joys, on the other... more
It’s understandable that we sometimes dwell on things that upset us. But our negative emotions can keep us from savoring... more
Have you ever set a goal and had a really difficult time sticking to it? Maybe you decide you want... more
There are times in life when the challenges we face feel insurmountable. Authors succumb to writer's block. Athletes and artists... more
Think about how often you hold back honest opinions of someone else because you don’t want to hurt their feelings.... more
No matter who you are, it's guaranteed that at some point in life you'll make a mistake. Many of us... more
This week, we bring you the second part of our conversation on the perils of too much pleasure. Psychiatrist Anna... more
All of us think we know what addiction looks like: it’s the compulsive consumption of drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. But... more
It's not easy to know how we come across to others, especially when we're meeting people for the first time.... more
Aging isn’t just a biological process. Our outlooks and emotions also change as we age, often in ways that boost... more
Think about the last time you resisted watching yet another episode of your favorite TV show, or decided not to... more
Determination, hard work and sacrifice are core ingredients in the story of the American dream. But philosopher Jennifer Morton argues... more
In the second part of our series on the science of meditation, Richard Davidson continues his endeavor to unite seemingly... more
In graduate school, neuroscientist Richard Davidson learned to use scientific tools as a way to examine the brain. At the... more
There are plenty of talented people in the world. So why do only a tiny percentage of us reach the... more
We all have times when we feel like a fraud. In the latest installment of our Success 2.0 series, we... more
Think about the last time you tried to bring up an idea at work, and it was shot down. What... more
Do you love the ideas we explore on Hidden Brain and want more of them? Then please join Hidden Brain+,... more
We all rely on incentives to get people to do things they might otherwise avoid. Parents reward kids for doing... more
American culture celebrates those who persevere in the face of adversity. So how do we know when to walk away... more
We all have moments in our lives when we see someone who could use a helping hand. It could be... more
It happens to the best of us — we blank on someone's name, or forget an important meeting, or bomb... more
It used to be that we tried our best to conceal disadvantages, hardships, and humiliations. But new research explores a... more
Why do some companies become household names, while others flame out? How do certain memes go viral? And why do... more
At every stage of life, there are moments when we need buy-in from other people. Yet most of us make... more
When James and Donovan first met, they knew little about each other, except that Donovan had stolen James' bike. Donovan... more
Stories help us make sense of the world, and can even help us heal from trauma. They also shape our... more
In the second part of our series on implicit bias, we explore the relationship between beliefs and behaviors. We also... more
Would you consider yourself to be prejudiced against people who are different from you? Most of us would say no.... more
As you move through the world, it's inevitable that your way of seeing things won't always align with the people... more
Many of us rush through our lives, chasing goals and just trying to get everything done. But that can blind... more
Sometimes, life can feel like being stuck on a treadmill. No matter how hard you try to feel happier, you... more
Having a sense of purpose can be a buffer against the challenges we all face at various stages of life.... more
It's natural to want to run away from difficult emotions such as grief, anger and fear. But what happens when... more
Many of us believe that hard work and persistence are the key to achieving our goals. But is that true... more
When we want something very badly, it can be hard to see warning signs that might be obvious to other... more
Think back to the last time someone convinced you to do something you didn't want to do, or to spend... more
We all exert pressure on each other in ways small and profound. We recommend movies or books to a friend.... more
If you think about the people in your life, it's likely that they share a lot in common with you.... more
We all have to make certain choices in life, such as where to live and how to earn a living.... more
It's the time of year when many of us make resolutions for the year ahead. We pledge to quit smoking,... more
We often look down on people who complain a lot. Yet when something goes wrong in our own lives, many... more
People in every country and culture mark important milestones, such as births, marriages and deaths, with intricately choreographed scripts. We... more
With the holidays upon us, many of us are hunting for that special something for the special someones in our... more
Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated. In the final episode of our Relationships 2.0 series, we revisit a conversation... more
No one will deny that marriage is hard. In fact, there's evidence it's getting even harder. This week on the... more
When you go to a medical appointment, your doctor may ask you several questions. Do you smoke? Have you been... more
As you're going about your day, you likely interact with family, friends and coworkers. These relationships can help you feel... more
When it comes to conflict, most of us just want to shut it down. But psychological research is increasingly taking... more
Anxiety is an uncomfortable emotion, which is why most of us try to avoid it. But psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary says... more
We all face tough decisions in life, whether we're juggling the demands of work and family or deciding whether to... more
Have you ever been falsely accused of something? Many of us think there’s only one way we’d act in such... more
If you're bilingual or multilingual, you may have noticed that different languages make you stretch in different ways. This week,... more
Many of us feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. We struggle to make time for all the... more
So often, we think we know what other people are thinking. But researchers have found that our attempts at reading... more
We like to think that all humans are born with the same core emotions: anger, fear, joy, sadness and disgust.... more
All of us want to feel safe in our daily lives. Yet when we think about crime, our first response... more
In the United States, we often praise people with strong convictions, and look down on those who express doubt or... more
The pressure. The expectations. The anxiety. If there’s one thing that many of us have in common, it’s the stress... more
Some challenges can feel insurmountable. But psychologist Emily Balcetis says the solutions are often right in front of our eyes.... more
How well do we know ourselves? Maybe the better question to ask is how well can we truly know ourselves?... more
You know that negative voice that goes round and round in your head, keeping you up at night? ... more
We often assume that we see ourselves and the world around us accurately. But psychologist Alia Crum says that our... more
We often assume that we see ourselves and the world around us accurately. But psychologist Alia Crum says that our... more
Have you ever gotten into a heated argument about politics? Maybe you’ve said something you're not proud of during game... more
We've all heard the saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." But is there any truth to this idea?... more
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." Those words, penned by Thomas Jefferson 246... more
When Paul Burnham was a teenager, he received what felt like a premonition: he would die at the age of... more
From the time we are schoolchildren, we are ranked and sorted based on how smart we are. But what if... more
The human drive to invent new things has led to pathbreaking achievements in medicine, science and society. But our desire... more
What do the things you buy say about you? Many of us like to think of ourselves as immune to... more
Where do you stand on the income ladder? Do you think of yourself as rich, as poor, or as somewhere... more
What’s the point of money? The answer might seem obvious: we need it to get paid for our work and... more
Have you had a recent surprise expense? You're not alone. More than half of American households report facing an unplanned... more
Money worries are one of the biggest sources of anxiety in the lives of Americans. This week, we kick off... more
Neuroscientist Doug Fields was on a trip to Europe when a pickpocket stole his wallet. Doug, normally mild-mannered, became enraged... more
Have you ever been in a position where you had to choose between someone you care about and a value... more
We all self-censor at times. We keep quiet at dinner with our in-laws, or nod passively in a work meeting.... more
It’s not your imagination: rudeness appears to be on the rise. Witnessing rude behavior — whether it's coming from angry... more
We’ve all heard about the five stages of grief. But what happens when your experience doesn’t follow that model at... more
When disaster strikes — from the explosion of a space shuttle to the spread of a deadly virus — we... more
Does power truly flow from the barrel of a gun? Pop culture and conventional history often teach us that violence... more
Social media sites offer quick and easy ways to share ideas, crack jokes, find old friends. They can make us... more
We've all been in situations where we experience mixed emotions. Maybe you've felt both joy and sadness during a big... more
Do you ever stop to wonder if the way you see the world is how the world really is? ... more
Do you ever struggle to communicate with your mom? Or feel like you and your spouse sometimes speak different languages?... more
Turn on the news, and you'll be bombarded with stories of people who lie, cheat, and kill. Most of our... more
It’s easy to spot bias in other people, especially those with whom we disagree. But it’s not so easy... more
It's not easy to know how we come across to others, especially when we're meeting people for the first time.... more
As we go through life, we’re constantly trying to figure out what other people are thinking and feeling. Psychologist Liane... more
Sanaa is on her train ride home when an angry man begins threatening her. Before he gets too close, a... more
Life is often filled with hardships and tragedies. For thousands of years, philosophers have come up with strategies to help... more
Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated. But psychologist Harry Reis says there’s another ingredient to successful relationships that’s every... more
It's 1979, and Wendy is eight years old, crying alone in an airport. Then she sees a woman in white... more
The rift between police and Black Americans can feel impossible to bridge. But in his work with police departments across... more
All of us make choices all the time, and we may think we're making those choices freely. But psychologist Eric... more
With the new year close at hand, we revisit our 2019 conversation with psychologist Wendy Wood, who shares what researchers... more
Justin is sitting on the side of the freeway, hoping someone will help him fix his busted wheel. Right around... more
Bababa, dadada, ahgaga. Got that? Babies are speaking to us all the time, but most of us have no clue... more
We all have times when we feel like a fraud. Psychologist Kevin Cokley studies the corrosive effects of self-doubt, and... more
It's 1994, and two men corner Leah on a dark street as she's walking home. Then she sees a car,... more
It’s psychologically simpler to see the world in black and white. But reality often comes in shades of gray. This... more
If you’re working from home, you might be reveling in your daily commute to the dining room table. Or you... more
Tony is angry at his English teacher, Mrs. Holman, for making him stay after class. But on the last day... more
Francesca Gino studies rebels — people who practice "positive deviance" and achieve incredible feats of imagination. So how can you... more
Many of us spend our workdays responding to a never-ending stream of emails and texts. We feel stressed out and... more
Today we're sharing another episode of our new podcast, My Unsung Hero. To hear more stories like this, subscribe, and... more
The world of play and the world of work are often seen as opposites. But they may have more in... more
Introducing new ideas is hard. Most of us think the best way to win people over is to push harder.... more
We’ve grown accustomed to viewing climate change as an enemy we must urgently defeat. But is that the right metaphor... more
Today we're sharing another episode of our new podcast, My Unsung Hero. Subscribe, and enjoy! In 2008, while driving to work,... more
In 1978, Judy, Lyn and Donna Ulrich were driving to a volleyball game when their Ford Pinto was hit from... more
Self-criticism is often seen as a virtue. But psychologist Kristin Neff says there’s a better path to self-improvement — self-compassion.... more
My Unsung Hero is here! We're excited to share one of the first episodes of our new podcast. Episode one... more
When we want something very badly, it can be hard to see warning signs that might be obvious to other... more
Many Americans feel an obligation to keep up with political news. But maybe we should be focusing our energies elsewhere.... more
Longtime Hidden Brain listeners know that for years, we've thanked an unsung hero at the end of every episode. Now,... more
How do the groups you identify with shape your sense of self? Do they influence the beer you buy? The... more
Casual sex typically isn't about love. But what if it's not even about lust? Sociologist Lisa Wade studies "hookup culture,"... more
We all think we know what will make us happy: more money. A better job. Love. But psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky... more
We all have regrets. By some estimates, regret is one of the most common emotions we experience in our daily... more
Our memories are easily contaminated. We can be made to believe we rode in a hot air balloon or kissed... more
Marriage is hard — and there are signs it's becoming even harder. In the third episode of our You 2.0... more
In a fit of anger or in the grip of fear, many of us make decisions that we never would... more
Having a sense of purpose can be a buffer against the challenges we all face at various stages of life.... more
As floods, wildfires, and heatwaves hit many parts of the world, signs of climate change seem to be all around... more
The pressure. The expectations. The anxiety. If there's one thing that connects the athletes gathering for the Olympic games with... more
What is it like to be the only woman at the (poker) table? Or a rare man in a supposedly... more
Think about the resolutions you made this year: to quit smoking, eat better, or get more exercise. If you're like... more
Think about the last time you asked someone for something. Maybe you were nervous or worried about what the person... more
In December 1988, two sets of identical twins became test subjects in a study for which they had never volunteered.... more
Why is it so hard to say 'I'm sorry?' In part two of our series on forgiveness and apologies, we... more
Granting forgiveness for the wrongs done to us can be one of the hardest things we face in life. But... more
Coincidences can feel like magic. When we realize that a co-worker shares our birthday or run into a college roommate... more
Have you ever opened your computer with the intention of sending one email — only to spend an hour scrolling... more
What do the things you own say about who you are? Psychologist Bruce Hood studies our relationship with our possessions... more
No matter how hard we work, we won’t always achieve the goals we set for ourselves. When cognitive scientist Maya... more
In the past weeks, headlines around the world have focused on the violent conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. In this... more
Psychologist Daniel Kahneman says there are invisible factors that distort our judgment. He calls these factors “noise.” The consequences can... more
Have you ever felt as if someone else was writing your personal narrative? Controlling what you do, shaping how you... more
At the end of every episode, we take a moment to thank an Unsung Hero: someone who’s not on the... more
Your brain is divided in two: a left hemisphere and a right hemisphere. In this 2019 episode of Hidden Brain,... more
In every episode of Hidden Brain, we thank an Unsung Hero — a colleague, a friend or a family member who... more
Do you ever struggle to communicate with your mom? Or feel like you and your spouse sometimes speak different languages?... more
In every episode of Hidden Brain, we thank an Unsung Hero. Many listeners have written to say they love this... more
Hahaha! The average four-year-old child laughs 300 times a day. By contrast, it takes more than two months for the... more
More than a century ago, millions of people around the world died in a massive influenza pandemic. The so-called "Spanish... more
Podcast hosts are used to being the ones asking the questions. This week, though, we’re going to flip that script,... more
Stories help us make sense of the world, and can even help us to heal from trauma. They also shape... more
We can’t go back and change the past. We can’t erase trauma and hardship. But what if there was a... more
Why is my friend late? How does nuclear fission work? What occurs when I sneeze? We all need to understand... more
For generations, it was difficult, even dangerous, to express a sexual orientation other than heterosexuality in the United States. But... more
Why do some companies become household names, while others flame out? How do certain memes go viral? And why do... more
We get messages all the time from listeners who say Hidden Brain has helped them to think differently about the... more
If you've taken part in a religious service, have you ever stopped to think about how people become believers? Where... more
Being able to see what’s happening around us can help us make smart decisions. But knowledge — especially knowledge of... more
Why do some relationships last, while others falter? In this bonus episode, Shankar looks at one thing successful couples do... more
Stereotypes are all around us, shaping how we see the world – and how the world sees us. On the... more
Physicist Richard Feynman once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest... more
Around the world, people are grappling with the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. How do our minds process that... more
All of us are surrounded by brands. Designer brands. Bargain-shopper brands. Brands for seemingly every demographic slice among us. But... more
It’s human nature to hide parts of ourselves that produce shame or anxiety. We tend to skip over details that... more
It's easy to spot bias in other people, especially those with whom we disagree. But it’s not so easy to... more
At the beginning of the year, many of us make resolutions for the months to come. We resolve to work... more
For so many people across the globe, 2020 has been a year of waiting and uncertainty. Waiting to see friends... more
Life is filled with hardships and tragedies — a fact that 2020 has made all too clear for people across... more
Turn on the news or look at Twitter, and it's likely you'll be bombarded by outrage. Many people have come... more
We all self-censor at times. We keep quiet at dinner with our in-laws, or nod passively in a work meeting.... more
Many of us struggle with self-control. And we assume willpower is the key to achieving our goals. But there's a... more
If you're one of the 40 percent of Americans now working from home, you might be reveling in your daily... more
Determination, hard work and sacrifice are core ingredients in the story of the American dream. But philosopher Jennifer Morton argues... more
As election season comes to a close, we explore our contradictory relationship with winners and losers. We tend to idolize... more
We typically divide the country into two distinct groups: Democrats and Republicans. But what if the real political divide in... more
Most of us have a clear sense of right and wrong. But what happens when we view politics through a... more
There’s no question that 2020 has been a tough year. We're grappling with a global pandemic. A deep recession. Fresh... more
Neuroscientist Doug Fields was on a trip to Europe when a pickpocket stole his wallet. Doug, normally mild-mannered, became enraged... more
It’s been five years since we launched this podcast. Today, we want to take a moment to thank the many... more
If you listen closely to giggles, guffaws, and polite chuckles, you can discern a huge amount of information about people... more
Judy, Lyn and Donna Ulrich were driving to a volleyball game when their Ford Pinto was hit from behind by... more
If you've ever flown in economy class on a plane, you probably had to walk through the first class cabin... more
The United States spends trillions of dollars on healthcare every year, but our outcomes are worse than those of other... more
Some people are good at putting themselves in another person's shoes. Others may struggle to relate. But psychologist Jamil Zaki... more
American culture is all about positive affirmations. Dream big! Shoot for the stars! But do positive fantasies actually help us... more
Maya Shankar was well on her way to a career as a violinist when an injury closed that door. This... more
Some challenges feel insurmountable. But psychologist Emily Balcetis says the solutions are often right in front of our eyes. This... more
Sometimes, life can feel like being stuck on a treadmill. No matter how hard you try to get happier, you... more
There is great comfort in the familiar. It's one reason humans often flock to other people who share the same... more
In 2019, a novel by a new author, Gail Shepherd, arrived in bookstores. The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins... more
How do you change someone's behavior? Most of us would point to education or persuasion. But what if the answer... more
Not long after his sixteenth birthday, Fred Clay was arrested for the murder of a cab driver in Boston. Eventually,... more
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." These words, penned by Thomas Jefferson more... more
Policymakers have a tried-and-true game plan for jump-starting the economy in times of severe recession: Push stimulus packages and lower... more
In the past few weeks, the nation has been gripped by protests against police brutality toward black and brown Americans.... more
President Trump said this week that a few "bad apples" were to blame for police killings of black people. But... more
If we do a favor for someone we know, we think we've done a good deed. What we don't tend... more
When we are asked to make a moral choice, many of us imagine it involves listening to our hearts. To... more
In recent months, many of us have looked back with longing at our lives before COVID-19. For many of us,... more
Far from being "the great equalizer," COVID-19 has disproportionately sickened and killed African Americans and Latinos in the U.S. Many... more
In the months since the spread of the coronavirus, stories of selfishness and exploitation have become all too familiar: people... more
Commencement ceremonies allow us to take stock of what we've accomplished and where we're headed. This is one of the... more
In recent months, many of us have become familiar with the sense of fear expressing itself in our bodies. We... more
An abundance of choices is a good thing, right? In the United States, where choice is often equated with freedom... more
Amidst the confusion and chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have sought out a long-trusted lifeline: the local... more
Confined to our homes, many of us are experiencing a newfound appreciation for our social relationships. What we may not... more
From stone statues to silicone works of art, we have long sought solace and sex from inanimate objects. Time and... more
We all know people who prefer to follow the rules, and others who prefer to flout them. Psychologist Michele Gelfand... more
A silver lining of social distancing: you may have more time and space to pursue the projects you've bookmarked on... more
A virus is more than a biological organism. It's a social organism. It detects fissures in societies and fault lines... more
It sounds like a movie plot: police discover the body of a young man who's been murdered. The body tests... more
We know that we live in an ever-changing world, but one thing we often overlook is demographic change. Whether the... more
In 2009, an old man died in a California nursing home. His obituary included not just his given name, but... more
Think about the last time you asked someone for something. Maybe you were nervous or worried about what the person... more
We all lie. But what separates the average person from the infamous cheaters we see on the news? Dan Ariely... more
Many Americans feel an obligation to keep up with political news. But maybe we should be focusing our energies elsewhere.... more
There can be a lot of psychological noise involved in teaching. But what if we replaced all that mental clutter...with... more
Where is the line between what is real and what is imaginary? It seems like an easy question to answer:... more
After a disaster happens, we want to know whether something could have been done to avoid it. Did anyone see... more
There can be a lot of psychological noise involved in teaching. But what if we replaced all that mental clutter...with a click?... more