Lessons from the Battlefield of the Mind

Understand the invisible forces that shape thoughts, behavior, and research. These fundamental psychological concepts explain why we see what we want to see, hesitate when we should act, and doubt our own success. Essential knowledge for every psychology student and aspiring researcher.

Exploring the Human Mind with Krishna & Arjun

When the Mind Wages War Against Itself

The mental discomfort we feel when our actions contradict our beliefs, and the surprising ways we resolve this inner conflict.

Seeing Only What the Chariot Allows

Our brain’s tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms what we already believe.

The Healing Power of Belief

How expecting a treatment to work can create real physiological and psychological improvements, even when the treatment is inactive.

When One Light Illuminates All

How our overall impression of a person influences our feelings and judgments about their specific traits and abilities.

The Illusion of the Unskilled Archer

Why people with low ability at a task often overestimate their skill, while experts may underestimate theirs.

The Shared Shield of Inaction

The social phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help in an emergency when other people are present.

The Warrior Who Forgets Their Own Strength

A pattern of doubting your accomplishments and fearing being exposed as a "fraud," despite evidence of your competence.

The Imagined Gaze of the Assembly

Overestimating how much others notice and judge your appearance, behavior, or performance in social situations.

The First Arrow Sets the Target

How the first piece of information we receive (an "anchor") heavily influences subsequent judgments and decisions.