Darwin's Subterranean World

Evolution, Mind, and Mating Intelligence

Glenn Geher Ph.D.

The Dark Side of Civilization

Typically, we see "civilization" as representing some dramatic advance in the human condition. The concept of evolutionary mismatch forces us to question this premise. Here's how.

It’s OK to Mourn the Queen but Hate the Monarchy

Queen Elizabeth's passing has led to a range of responses, including genuine mourning to cynicism regarding the system of monarchy itself. Perhaps our minds have room for both.

On the Beauty of Human Universality

Diversity is a hallmark of humanity. But it is not the whole story. Appreciating our universal, shared humanity can go a long way toward helping our world.

The Social Psychology of Being Railroaded

The human mind is great at taking limited information and constructing full narratives. Sometimes, these narratives are on-target, while sometimes they are not.

Tips for Writing Your Best Psychology Research Paper

Psychological research findings only matter if they can be communicated clearly. Here is a list of tips to help behavioral scientists at all levels to best present their research.

Why It Will Probably Be OK

If you run into a difficult situation and it seems there is little hope, it might help to think of regression to the mean: The idea that on average, things revert to average.

An Empathic Approach to Bottom-Lining Your Ideas

Coming up with just the right title for one's project is famously difficult. It's best to truly think about your audience.

Open Inquiry and Expression on Campus

Campuses are under fire for censorship. Understanding the key tenets of free speech can help us understand what's at stake.

The Psychology of Feeling Unloved

The need for love is, as Abraham Maslow once said, foundational for happiness and growth. This is why feeling unloved can be devastating.

The Ugly Truth Behind Beauty Products

Many cosmetic products contain harmful ingredients, and cosmetic surgery has inherent dangers. In short, good looks can kill. Evolution helps us understand why. 

Evolutionary Psychology as Courage

Charles Darwin's publication of the ideas of natural selection was nothing short of courageous. Modern evolutionary psychology is, as an extension, a fully courageous endeavor.

Should You Help Someone Who Betrayed You?

You'd likely be pretty hurt if a so-called friend accidentally slammed you in a group thread. According to this new work, you'd also probably be hesitant to help them.

What Is Evolutionary Psychology, Anyway?

At its core, evolutionary psychology is the idea that human behavior is part of the natural world. Here are five core ideas that help provide a basic introduction to the field.

Paleopsychology Revisited

The Paleo lifestyle usually corresponds to diet and exercise. A Paleo approach to living also extends into our psychology. Here's how.

Two Broad Paths to Success in Life

Ever notice how some leaders are genuine and kind, while others make it to the top by brazen selfishness? Here's an evolutionary take on the multiple routes to success in life.

5 Rules for a Better Life

If you're old enough to read this, then you know that life is hard. Darwin's ideas on the nature of life can help us find meaning and riches as we move forward in time. Here's how.

Why Partners Need to Validate Each Other

We all want to be heard and understood. Validating the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others goes a long way toward building strong and trusting relationships of all kinds.

The Prisoner's Dilemma in Everyday Life

Imagine that you robbed a bank and got caught. Would you rat the other person out to get a lighter sentence? It probably depends. Here's why that matters.

5 Ways to Be Happier Today

Are shorter days and life stresses bringing you down? Here are five Darwinian-informed tips to find happiness today.

Healthy Food, Montessori, and CrossFit Are for the Rich

Evolutionary mismatch exists when modern conditions are out of line with conditions that surrounded our evolution. This concept accounts for so much social inequality. Here's how.

Giving Too Much Versus Giving Too Little

Ever do more than your share and end up feeling like a fool? Or fail to reciprocate a good deed and feel like a jerk? Our evolved psychology helps explain this balance.

Why Some Moments Really Are Beyond Words

What do we mean when we say something is "beyond words?" A close examination points to experiences that disproportionately tap our emotions.

First-Hand Lessons from Ground Zero, 20 Years After

On 9/11, Dr. James Halpern led the first American Red Cross mental health team to ground zero looking for “walking wounded." Here is his story, along with lessons learned.

Changing Your Situation as Therapy

A key lesson of social psychology pertains to the fact that situational factors have large emotional and behavioral consequences. Change your situation and your mind will follow.

The Main Reason No One Should Trust Astrology

An astrophysicist explains why everyone's daily horoscope is wrong.

A Social Psychology Tutorial

Within the behavioral sciences, social psychology stands as one of the most important. This is a tutorial in social psychology.

Flatten the Mental Health Curve

Across the past decade, mental health issues among adolescents and young adults have been skyrocketing. Here are three potential causes along with three potential solutions.

5 Rules for Navigating Life's Challenges

If you're old enough to be reading this, then you've probably figured out by now that life is not always peaches and cream. These five life rules, inspired by Darwin, can help.

Creating Effective Meetings in a Post-Pandemic Work World

In a post-pandemic world, it looks like ZOOM meetings are here to stay. From an evolutionary mismatch perspective, this can be somewhat problematic. Here is how to make it better.

Why GPA Tells Us So Much

A student's Grade Point Average provides information across multiple kinds of classes and multiple instructors. Here is why it is so predictive of all kinds of success.

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