“In the West, we say things like, 'human connection is very important' but in reality, human existence is connection and when we lack the right kind of webs of connection with each other, we cease to exist.”
— Douglas Board

The quote archive

Psychology

A growing archive of 3,000+ moments, drawn from every interview.

The stress response is designed for '3 minutes of screaming terror across the Savannah.' If you're not experiencing such an intense moment, it's likely that your stress response isn't calibrated right. In our digital age, it might lead to an inadvertent 'reply all' or perhaps a hastily written email.

— Rebecca Heiss

Historically, we've viewed the human mind as the paramount problem solver. Yet, is it still our ally, or has it become our adversary? I believe we're at a juncture where the human mind is shifting towards the latter.

— Bryan Johnson

Biohacker & Blueprint Project Founder focused on extreme longevity optimization

Algorithms understand and can guide me better than I can guide myself. The real game-changer is data. I'm willing to yield control to an algorithm that proves to be superior.

— Bryan Johnson

Biohacker & Blueprint Project Founder focused on extreme longevity optimization

I urge everyone to channel their inner teenager. Think back to those fearless days brimming with creativity and ambition. As we age, societal rewards for 'playing it safe' can stifle our innovative spirit.

— John Chambers

Former CEO of Cisco Systems, led company through internet boom era

When I first began, the word 'miscarriage' was so heavy on my tongue that I couldn't utter it. The sense of shame was so overwhelming. There's this societal expectation that women's bodies are designed for childbearing, yet there's a deafening silence around what to do when things don't go as planned.

— Myleene Klass

British TV presenter, singer, and classical musician from Pop Idol

Current statistics indicate that 1 in 3 managers grapple with exhaustion, stress, and mental health challenges. If leaders themselves are struggling, how can they effectively support their teams? It's crucial for leaders to prioritize self-care.

— Lucia Annunzio

The environment at work directly influences how individuals interact with their families. If someone has endured a challenging day, feeling undervalued, they're likely to carry that negativity home. On the contrary, when treated with respect, they return home with a positive demeanour.

— Lucia Annunzio

After working with esteemed leaders across six continents, I've observed that the singular trait they all share is their imperfection. Recognizing and embracing one's imperfections, while acknowledging that you don't have all the answers, is the foundation of great leadership.

— Lucia Annunzio

Fear isn't just a neurophysiological phenomenon; it's also socio-cultural. We're enculturated to fear; it's something that we inherit, acquire, and learn – which implies that there is possibility of 'unlearning' our fear.

— Robert Peckham

In general, 90% of people are overmedicating themselves with either drinking, smoking weed, whatever it is. People do not want to be uncomfortable, they cannot stand discomfort.

— Jeb Corliss

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

True courage isn't present without fear. How can one be brave without confronting what scares them? When you witness someone tackling extreme or perilous tasks without any sign of fear, it doesn't reflect courage.

— Jeb Corliss

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

Adversity, I believe, is vital. It's the crucible where strength is forged. Without struggle, without battles to face, we remain static, unable to grow.

— Jeb Corliss

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

The 'Doomers' often anthropomorphize computers by attributing human characteristics to them. While this is an understandable tendency, it's essential to recognize that humans have evolved their competitive nature and occasional violent impulses from survival in a world marked by resource scarcity and competition.

— W. Russell Neuman

Communications scholar and pioneer in media effects research and digital divide studies

Historically, humans have evolved to be wary of the unfamiliar—a survival instinct that's served us well. Thus, the age-old "Frankenstein" narrative, wherein we birth powerful entities beyond our understanding or control, resonates deeply with our intrinsic apprehensions.

— W. Russell Neuman

Communications scholar and pioneer in media effects research and digital divide studies

It's about catching that surge of emotion, be it offense or anger, usually incited by someone attempting to ignite your social identity or signal an outgroup threat, with a likely aim to shape your thoughts or actions.

— Dannagal Young

A particular individual trait that has piqued my interest through research is intellectual humility. Embracing the possibility of being wrong enhances

— Dannagal Young