Future Trends

How to think about social and cultural change

Relationships
Why Do We Love Data?

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on May 4, 2022

Words are vague and have multiple meanings while numbers are precise and definitive, a big reason we put so much trust in data, regardless of its source.

Words are vague and have multiple meanings while numbers are precise and definitive, a big reason we put so much trust in data, regardless of its source.

Environment
8 Things Everyone Should Feel Happy About

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on April 21, 2022

A Personal Perspective: We appear to be re-examining our priorities and, in the process, overhauling much of everyday life to seek out the positive wherever we can.

A Personal Perspective: We appear to be re-examining our priorities and, in the process, overhauling much of everyday life to seek out the positive wherever we can.

Consumer Behavior
Why Do We Buy Things We Don’t Need?

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on April 4, 2022

Much of what takes place in this world is beyond our control, but the possession of a particular thing, especially if we don’t really need it, offers a feeling of being in charge.

Much of what takes place in this world is beyond our control, but the possession of a particular thing, especially if we don’t really need it, offers a feeling of being in charge.

Motivation
Our New Model of Success

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on February 20, 2022

The linear and hierarchical brand of success that has long dominated American life is gradually fading as a more evolved version develops.

The linear and hierarchical brand of success that has long dominated American life is gradually fading as a more evolved version develops.

Creativity
Why Creativity Is Our Most Valuable Form of Currency

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on November 4, 2021

A Personal Perspective: As a basic human quality, creativity has a total disregard for our socially constructed buckets of race, class, gender, age, ability, and sexual orientation.

A Personal Perspective: As a basic human quality, creativity has a total disregard for our socially constructed buckets of race, class, gender, age, ability, and sexual orientation.

Career
The Magic of Serendipity

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on October 7, 2021

A Personal Perspective: Rather than spend much time and energy trying to engineer what lies ahead, we may be better off just opening ourselves up to the possibilities of tomorrow.

A Personal Perspective: Rather than spend much time and energy trying to engineer what lies ahead, we may be better off just opening ourselves up to the possibilities of tomorrow.

Happiness
7 Keys to True Success

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on September 18, 2021

Those who don’t subscribe to the classic measures of success, whether by choice or otherwise, are often (and mistakenly) cast as losers.

Those who don’t subscribe to the classic measures of success, whether by choice or otherwise, are often (and mistakenly) cast as losers.

Intelligence
What’s Your KQ (Kindness Quotient)?

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on September 13, 2021

An act of kindness is an effort to somehow improve the life of another individual, which represents a prime example of humanity at its best.

An act of kindness is an effort to somehow improve the life of another individual, which represents a prime example of humanity at its best.

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May 2026
The Best Ways to Begin Again

The best way to begin something new—in love, work, and life.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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