Verified by Psychology Today

Why?

An Exploration of What Makes Us Curious

The Hubble Ultra Deep Field. Almost 10,000 galaxies. Looking back to when the universe was less than a billion years old.
Environment
Symmetry and the Laws of Nature

Mario Livio Ph.D. on October 13, 2020

You may not have known that symmetries are the bread and butter of fundamental physics.

You may not have known that symmetries are the bread and butter of fundamental physics.

Play
On Symmetry and Aesthetics

Mario Livio Ph.D. on October 5, 2020

A mathematician attempted in the 1930s to formulate a mathematical formula for the aesthetic pleasure.

A mathematician attempted in the 1930s to formulate a mathematical formula for the aesthetic pleasure.

Religion
Science and Religion: Galileo and Einstein

Mario Livio Ph.D. on September 2, 2020

The relation between science and religion is a topic that will likely continue to be discussed in the future.

The relation between science and religion is a topic that will likely continue to be discussed in the future.

Genetics
On Scientific Blunders

Mario Livio Ph.D. on August 21, 2020

Why do even the greatest scientists make blunders? Are there "brilliant blunders?"

Why do even the greatest scientists make blunders? Are there "brilliant blunders?"

Environment
On Science Denial

Mario Livio Ph.D. on August 12, 2020

Denial of climate change and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic bet against the judgment of science. Human life is at stake.

Denial of climate change and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic bet against the judgment of science. Human life is at stake.

An image of one creative individual (Richard Feynman) created by another (Vik Muniz)
Creativity
Back to the Renaissance?

Mario Livio Ph.D. on July 31, 2020

In a world of narrow specialization is there something still to be gained from broad knowledge and intense curiosity?

In a world of narrow specialization is there something still to be gained from broad knowledge and intense curiosity?

Empathy
On the Lack of Empathy

Mario Livio Ph.D. on July 21, 2020

Empathy may not be a panacea for all of society's problems, but it can help.

Empathy may not be a panacea for all of society's problems, but it can help.

Memory
Why Do We Ask Why?

Mario Livio Ph.D. on June 23, 2017

Curiosity fuels brain growth, and brain growth drives curiosity. And you wouldn't be so curious if your ancestors hadn't learned to cook.

Curiosity fuels brain growth, and brain growth drives curiosity. And you wouldn't be so curious if your ancestors hadn't learned to cook.