Social

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In Social, psychologist Matthew Lieberman delves into groundbreaking research in social neuroscience, revealing that our need to connect with others is more fundamental than our need for food or shelter. Our brains dedicate spare time to understanding the social world, and by age ten, we have already invested 10,000 hours learning to navigate social interactions. This need to connect is a primary driver of our behavior, challenging the belief that pain and pleasure alone guide us. Lieberman's research, including original studies from his UCLA lab, shows that our brains process social pain and pleasure similarly to physical sensations. Fortunately, our brains have evolved mechanisms to secure our social standing, enabling us to read others' minds and understand their hopes and fears, which helps us coordinate our lives effectively. This social wiring often prompts us to suppress selfish impulses for the greater good, leading to behaviors that may seem irrational but are essential for our species' success. The findings in Social have significant real-world implications, suggesting that minimizing social interactions in schools and workplaces can hinder engagement and learning. Instead, fostering social connections can enhance productivity and overall well-being.