"[A] superb study of endangered languages...."--The New Yorker "[The authors] paint a breathtaking landscape that shows why so many of the world's languages are disappearing and, more importantly, why it matters."--Deborah Tannen, Georgetown University
Deprivation, Social Life and Social Behaviour in One British City
The book explores social relationships in two contrasting neighborhoods in Newcastle upon Tyne—one affluent and the other economically deprived. Through five years of ethnographic fieldwork and innovative quantitative methods, it investigates whether deprivation fosters or undermines social solidarity. The analysis delves into the cultural, psychological, and economic impacts of deprivation, addressing the ethical challenges of representing marginalized communities. It offers valuable insights into the interplay of culture and socioeconomic factors in shaping human behavior, making it essential for scholars and policymakers.
In a world obsessed by happiness, this is the first book to look thoroughly at what happiness is and how it works. Bringing together insights from psychiatry, psychology, and philosophy, psychologist Nettle examines whether people are basically happy or unhappy, whether success can make us happy, what sort of remedies to unhappiness work, why some people are happier than others, and much more. We discover the evolutionary reason why negative thoughts are more powerful than positive ones. We read that happiness varies from country to country--the Swiss are much more happy than Bulgarians. Nettle discusses the brain systems underlying emotions and moods, ranging from serotonin, "the happiness chemical"; to mood enhancing drugs such as D-fenfluramine, which reduces negative thinking in less than an hour; to the part of the brain that, when electrically stimulated, provides feeling of benevolent calm and even euphoria.--From publisher description
Why are some people worriers, and others wanderers? Why do some people seem good at empathising, and others at controlling? We have something deep and consistent within us that determines the choices we make and the situations we bring about. But why should members of the same species differso markedly in their natures? What is the best personality to have; a bold one or a shy one, an aggressive one or a meek one? And are you stuck with your personality, or can you change it? Daniel Nettle takes the reader on a tour through the science of human personality, introducing the five 'dimensions' on which every personality is based, and using an unusual combination of individual life stories and scientific research. Showing how our personalities stem from our biologicalmakeup, Nettle looks at the latest findings from genetics and brain science, considers the evolutionary origins and consequences of personality variation, and even includes a questionnaire for you to assess your own personality against the five dimensions. There is no optimal personality to have. Rather, every disposition brings both advantages and disadvantages. Life is partly the business of finding a niche where your personal characteristics work for you. Full of human as well as scientific insight, this book will enable you to understand theperils and potentials of your personality to the full.
Exploring the connection between madness and creative genius, Daniel Nettle examines the evolutionary aspects of traits associated with madness. He argues that these traits, while potentially harmful, also offer psychological benefits, suggesting a complex relationship between creativity and mental health. Nettle's insights aim to shed light on why madness persists in society, appealing to both general readers and those interested in psychology and creativity.
Exploring the complexities of being a modern scientist, the book challenges conventional distinctions like biological versus social sciences and nature versus nurture. Daniel Nettle advocates for embracing the puzzles and anomalies of human life rather than relying on oversimplified categories. Through a collection of humorous and autobiographical essays, he reflects on the unique frustrations and possibilities encountered in the pursuit of scientific understanding, encouraging readers to appreciate the interconnectedness of various scientific disciplines.
