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Out of the Darkness

Exploring the Farther Reaches of Human Nature

Spirituality
"The Essence of All Life"

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on March 21, 2025

Native Americans and other indigenous peoples saw the world as sacred and spiritual, pervaded with a spiritual force. This was not based on belief but on experience.

Native Americans and other indigenous peoples saw the world as sacred and spiritual, pervaded with a spiritual force. This was not based on belief but on experience.

Philosopher Immanuel Kant
Philosophy
Time Expansion Experiences

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on January 24, 2025

Time flows at different speeds in different states of mind, and sometimes expands dramatically. Does this mean that it is created by our minds?

Time flows at different speeds in different states of mind, and sometimes expands dramatically. Does this mean that it is created by our minds?

Mindfulness
How to Slow Down Time in the Coming Year

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on December 18, 2024

There are simple steps we can take to make sure that time doesn't run away from us and that this year doesn't pass faster than last year.

There are simple steps we can take to make sure that time doesn't run away from us and that this year doesn't pass faster than last year.

Near-Death Experiences
Stepping Out of Time

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on November 23, 2024

Why does time seem to expand during accidents and emergencies? Why does it sometimes disappear altogether? It's because time is a flexible construct determined by state of mind.

Why does time seem to expand during accidents and emergencies? Why does it sometimes disappear altogether? It's because time is a flexible construct determined by state of mind.

Loneliness
Solitude and Loneliness

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on August 15, 2024

Some people hate spending time alone. Other people find solitude therapeutic and essential. What makes the difference?

Some people hate spending time alone. Other people find solitude therapeutic and essential. What makes the difference?

Saddam Hussein
Psychopathy
The Roots of Evil

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on April 11, 2024

Psychopaths and dark triad personalities show the same pattern of childhood trauma and emotional deprivation. They are not born but made.

Psychopaths and dark triad personalities show the same pattern of childhood trauma and emotional deprivation. They are not born but made.

Swedenborg
Near-Death Experiences
Is It Possible to Foresee Death?

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on December 1, 2023

Some people appear to know in advance the date of their death. In near-death experiences, people may be told that it is "not your time yet." Is this an example of precognition?

Some people appear to know in advance the date of their death. In near-death experiences, people may be told that it is "not your time yet." Is this an example of precognition?

Creativity
The Transcendent Creativity of The Beatles

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on November 2, 2023

The Beatles were—and are—so inspirational and popular because their intense "group flow" enabled them to transmit creativity at a powerful and transcendent level.

The Beatles were—and are—so inspirational and popular because their intense "group flow" enabled them to transmit creativity at a powerful and transcendent level.

Psychopathy
Why Do Psychopaths Crave Power?

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on October 25, 2023

Pyschopaths are drawn to power and wealth like moths to a flame because of their inner emptiness and incompleteness.

Pyschopaths are drawn to power and wealth like moths to a flame because of their inner emptiness and incompleteness.

Psychology
Selling Human Nature Short

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on September 13, 2023

Let’s teach psychology students about the positive aspects of human nature, rather than highlighting the negative. Early flawed theories and studies have "sold human nature short."

Let’s teach psychology students about the positive aspects of human nature, rather than highlighting the negative. Early flawed theories and studies have "sold human nature short."

Géza Maróczy - who allegedly played chess through a medium
Parapsychology
Inexplicable Communications

Steve Taylor Ph.D. on August 13, 2023

Although many mediums may be frauds, there are some unusual cases that have never been explained. Recent scientific studies show some support for the idea of mediumship.

Although many mediums may be frauds, there are some unusual cases that have never been explained. Recent scientific studies show some support for the idea of mediumship.

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Magazine
March 2025 magazine cover
March 2025
Are You Too Nice?

Being overly polite might seem kind, but it often leads to problems anyway, in relationships, with friends, and at work.

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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.