THE ADVANTAGES OF INTELLECTUAL HUMILITY

Defined by Mark Leary as the recognition that the things you believe in might in fact be wrong, intellectual humility is sadly lacking in the modern world. However, it has innumerable advantages as you will discover when you have done your research. When you are ready, write an essay in which you discuss the advantages of intellectual humility.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays:https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         What is intellectual humility? Part 1: Introduction (Dr Ian Church) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CZIkGEJYRY

Take the test:

·         Take the test https://www.shanesnow.com/take-the-intellectual-humility-assessment

Reading material to make notes on:

·         Something we could use a little more of…https://digest.bps.org.uk/2018/01/23/something-we-could-use-a-little-more-of-studies-link-intellectual-humility-with-openness-to-other-viewpoints/

·         People with greater intellectual humility have superior general knowledge https://digest.bps.org.uk/2019/04/03/people-with-greater-intellectual-humility-have-superior-general-knowledge/

·         The benefits of admitting when you don’t know https://behavioralscientist.org/the-benefits-of-admitting-when-you-dont-know/

·         How intellectual humility can make you a better person https://www.thecut.com/2017/02/how-intellectual-humility-can-make-you-a-better-person.html

·         Intellectual humility the ultimate guide https://www.shanesnow.com/articles/intellectual-humility#intellectual-humility-intro

Videos to watch and take notes from:

·         Intellectual humility as a virtue https://www.coursera.org/lecture/intellectual-humility-theory/intellectual-humility-as-a-virtue-DJCXN

THE POWER OF CURIOSITY

Curiosity, or the desire to discover and understand, is an innate characteristic we all share. Its cultivation bestows untold benefits on individuals and even humanity as a whole considering all the wonderful innovations and discoveries that have been triggered by it. Do your research to discover the incredible power of curiosity and write an essay discussing what it entails and its advantages.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         The Power of Curiosity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGOYakCo5ko

·         The Power of Curiosity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REgFPg-K4lQ   

Reading material to make notes on

·         The power of curiosity https://experiencelife.com/article/the-power-of-curiosity/  

·         Six surprising benefits of curiosity https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_surprising_benefits_of_curiosity

·         Explaining the power of curiosity  https://digest.bps.org.uk/2018/12/03/explaining-the-power-of-curiosity-to-your-brain-hunger-for-knowledge-is-much-the-same-as-hunger-for-food/

·         The Benefits of Curiosity  https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/curiosity/

·         The secret benefits of a curious mind https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/thriving101/201410/the-secret-benefits-curious-mind   

Videos to watch and take notes from

·         The power of curiosity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc5IFNpi43A

·         The value curiosity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyiGFPI6z6g

·         Curiosity fuels creativity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw3aynVqWs4

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BOREDOM

Boredom is often conceived as a negative emotion with detrimental consequences but this is not necessarily the case. Do your research to discover both the disadvantages and the advantages of boredom and write an essay.

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         Why you're trying to beat boredom the wrong way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJeBZECoir0&t=173s
Why boredom is good for you http://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p06ld805/why-it-s-good-to-let-boredom-into-your-life

Reading material to make notes on

·         Is boredom bad for your health? https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/14/boredom-is-bad-for-health

·         Psychology: Why boredom is bad…and good for you http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20141218-why-boredom-is-good-for-you

·         The surprising benefits of boredom https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201407/the-surprising-benefits-boredom

·         Negative effects of boredom http://www.toolsforhealthandwellness.com/negative-effects-of-boredom

Videos to take notes from

·         The good of boredom  http://mindsonline.philosophyofbrains.com/2017/2017-session-2/the-good-of-boredom/

·         The value of boredom https://www.yourtango.com/experts/brittney-lindstrom/benefits-boredom-science-happiness-creativity-ethics (Scroll down a little for the video)

·         How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas https://www.ted.com/talks/manoush_zomorodi_how_boredom_can_lead_to_your_most_brilliant_ideas?language=en

·         Boredom – a  source of inspiration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GIUgPBysis&t=125s
      Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/

BIOMIMICRY

My former students often drop by to see me at my office and last week, Halil İbrahim popped in to tell me all about a topic he was researching for one of his courses in the Engineering Faculty: biomimicry. I was fascinated and set about researching the topic myself. The more I learnt, the more interested I became. Below you will find a list of the sites I visited. Do your research and write an essay explaining what exactly biomimicry is and what its advantages are.

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         Biomimicry https://prezi.com/ovihnkeyz-gc/biomimicry-presentation/  

Reading material to make notes on

·         Biomimicry https://biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry/  

Explore this site in detail: click on “Biomimicry examples” and “Stories from the Field”

·         What is biomimicry? http://environment-ecology.com/biomimicry-bioneers/367-what-is-biomimicry.html

·         What is biomimicry? https://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/biomimicry.html

Videos to take notes from

·         Biomimicry in action https://www.ted.com/talks/janine_benyus_biomimicry_in_action

·         Biomimicry’s surprising lessons from nature’s engineers https://www.ted.com/talks/janine_benyus_shares_nature_s_designs  

·         Using nature’s genius in architecture https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_pawlyn_using_nature_s_genius_in_architecture

·         Video playlist about biomimicry https://www.ted.com/topics/biomimicry Take your pick; I watched them all and was fascinated.
    Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/ 

MICROLIVING

With the soaring world population, we are rapidly running out of places to live. One solution is micro housing. Do your research and discover what micro living entails and what the pros and cons are. When you are ready, write an essay in which you explain the pros and cons.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         The housing designers solving urban living’s big problem

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20171020-the-housing-designers-solving-urban-livings-big-problem

·         Here is the real deal on the micro housing trend https://www.houselogic.com/home-thoughts/micro-apartments-gone-bad/  

Reading material to make notes on

·         Micro showcase http://microshowcase.com/microdwell/microhousing-an-overview/  

·         Are tiny houses and micro apartments the future of urban homes?

https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/aug/25/tiny-houses-micro-living-urban-cities-population-newyork-hongkong-tokyo

·         Pros and cons of micro housing http://www.midamericamortgage.com/pros-cons-micro-housing/

·         9 Benefits of living in a tiny house  http://www.lifehack.org/314070/9-benefits-living-tiny-house

Videos to watch and take notes from

·         Open Concept Modern Tiny House with Elevator Bed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHjJd4tkvSU

·         Gorgeous Tiny House Built For Mother and Daughter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZCy_Z77TgM  

·         Couple Builds Own Tiny House on Wheels in 4 Months for $22,744.06- "hOMe" FULL TOUR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSzgh3D7-Q0

SEASTEADING

The population of the world is soaring and as a result, we are rapidly running out of space to build. What if we started focusing on an alternative place to build homes: the sea? Seasteading, a word which is formed by the word “sea” and the “stead” of “homestead”, could be the answer to the problem. Do your research and find out more about this new trend and discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Have a look

·       https://www.google.com.tr/search?q=seasteading&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjjp92b_4jYAhWCSBQKHVc1D1MQ_AUICygC&biw=1152&bih=635&dpr=1.25

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         What is seasteading? https://www.marineinsight.com/future-shipping/what-is-seasteading/

·         The floating city project https://www.seasteading.org/floating-city-project/  

Reading material to make notes on

·         Why fake islands might be a real boon for science https://www.nature.com/news/why-fake-islands-might-be-a-real-boon-for-science-1.22752

·         The seasteading movement imagines floating cities in the sea https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-07-09/seasteading-movement-imagines-floating-cities-sea (Make sure to listen as you read)

Videos to watch and take notes from

·         Floating cities will exist by 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B6eqU6sqNk

·         The inside story of Floating Islands in Indonesia https://www.seasteading.org/2017/09/the-story-of-floating-islands-in-french-polynesia/

·         SeaSteading- Building on the Platform of the Oceans: Patri Friedman at TEDxSF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maLAMwhTjHk  

·         How seasteading restores the environment https://www.seasteading.org/2009/05/design-contest-winners/  

THE PROS AND CONS OF FRACKING

Fracking is a highly controversial new way of squeezing every last drop of oil and natural gas out of our planet but is it the right way to address our soaring energy needs or not? Do your research to find out what exactly the process involves and then write an essay where you lay out the pros and cons.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         What is fracking? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io8o2nTXhb0

·         Fracking explained: opportunity or danger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uti2niW2BRA

Reading material to make notes on:

·         Pros and cons of fracking http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-fracking.php

·         Pros and cons of fracking: 5 key issues https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2015/05/pros-and-cons-of-fracking-5-key-issues/

·         Fracking: environmental impacts http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/global-warming/issues/fracking/environmental-impacts-water/

·         Fracking is dangerous to your health https://www.forbes.com/sites/judystone/2017/02/23/fracking-is-dangerous-to-your-health-heres-why/#54085f515945

Videos to watch and take notes from:

·         Both sides of fracking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wqJcVXxQNg

·         Stuff they don’t want you to know: fracking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6rXpP4XlXM

·         Fracking 101: the good and the bad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57yHDsGWSpE

THE BENEFITS OF PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Acting prosocially is said to benefit society and the individual  but what exactly is prosocial behavior and what specifically are the advantages? Do your research and find out. When you are ready, write an essay on the topic.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         Ethics defined: prosocial behavior https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBh7hCnCdBY

·         Prosocial https://www.slideshare.net/jtneill/lecture-9-prosocial-behaviour

Reading material to make notes on

·         Small acts of kindness at work benefit the giver, the receiver and the whole organization

https://digest.bps.org.uk/2017/07/04/small-acts-of-kindness-at-work-benefit-the-giver-the-receiver-and-the-whole-organisation/

·         Prosocial behavior  http://www.learningtogive.org/resources/prosocial-behavior

·         Prosocial behavior  https://psychology.iresearchnet.com/social-psychology/prosocial-behavior/  

Podcast

·         Prosocial behavior  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7oEHrFmOn0

Videos to watch and take notes from

·         Pro social behavior Will you watch this social contract https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEb3t-w_x8E  

ECOTHERAPY AND ITS BENEFITS

Ecotherapy is a wonderful way to deal with a whole host of psychological and mental problems. It has untold advantages which are rejuvenating. Do your research and discover what it entails and what its advantages are. When you are ready, write an essay on the topic.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         The healing power of nature   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8cPbYtylb0

Reading material to make notes on

·         Ecotherapy https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/ecotherapy/about-ecotherapy/#.WVNSCO2GPIU

·         Ecotherapy, nature therapyhttp://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/econature-therapy

·         The power of nature: ecotherapy and awakening https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/out-the-darkness/201204/the-power-nature-ecotherapy-and-awakening

·         Wilderness reflections https://www.wildernessreflections.com/resources/what-is-ecotherapy/  

Videos to watch and take notes from

·         What is eco therapy? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeV98nSrSZ4

·         Practice being present: guided eco therapy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG9JarSe28E

·         Prescribing nature for health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uk0QriYYws

·         Get hooked on nature https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArhjLa4xbNk

THE ADVANTAGES OF A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOUR

The importance of having a good sense of humour is often underestimated but in fact,it is vital for the continued well-being of an individual. Do your research and find out why. When you are ready, write an essay discussing the advantages you have discovered.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Take the test:

·         The Sense of humour test http://www.queendom.com/queendom_tests/transfer

Famiarise yourself with the issue

·         Psychology of Humour https://prezi.com/ml6pmpreghkr/psychology-of-humor/ 

·         30 Benefits of humour at work http://www.humorthatworks.com/benefits/30-benefits-of-humor-at-work/ 

Reading material to make notes on

·         Laughter is the best medicine https://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm

·         The hidden power of humour https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/03/02/the-hidden-power-of-humor/

·         A good sense of humour is a sign of psychological health  https://qz.com/768622/a-good-sense-of-humor-is-a-sign-of-psychological-health/ 

Videos to take notes from

·         Develop a sense of humour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6vOTJjjCQ0

·         Humor at work | Andrew Tarvin | TEDxOhioStateUniversity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iFCm5ZokBI

·         Using Humor to Communicate: Naveed Mahbub at TEDxDhaka https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeO701Zyjnk

·         How To Be Funny - Easily Visualized https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmrC6W5IgCU

THE ADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE

Social intelligence (SI) is fundamental in social life, in business and in personal life. What does social intelligence entail and what are the benefits? Do your research and find out. Before you do so however, take the test to see where you stand.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         Social intelligence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixO-6qN8604

Take the test:

·         Social intelligence test: http://socialintelligence.labinthewild.org/mite/  

Reading material to make notes on:

·         What is social intelligence? http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_is_social_intelligence

·         What is social intelligence? http://www.aboutintelligence.co.uk/social-intelligence.html

·         Three business benefits of social intelligence  https://www.ibm.com/blogs/insights-on-business/electronics/three-business-benefits-of-social-intelligence/

·         Social intelligence and the biology of leadership https://hbr.org/2008/09/social-intelligence-and-the-biology-of-leadership   

Videos to take notes from:

·         Social Intelligence : A talk by Sandeep Atre, PhD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBH2BzHLYN8

·         The neuroscience of social intelligence: Bill von Hippel at TEDxUQ 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM2wIS8UejE

THE ADVANTAGES OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Many now claim that emotional intelligence is more important than IQ but what exactly does it mean and can it be developed? What are the advantages of a high EQ? Do your research and find out then write an essay on the topic. Before you go any further though, you need to find out where you stand so take the test:

Take the test:

EQ Test https://www.psychologytoday.com/tests/personality/emotional-intelligence-test

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman ► Animated Book Summary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6MRsGwyMuQ

Reading material to make notes on:

·         The benefits of emotional intelligence https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2015/10/29/the-benefits-of-emotional-intelligence/

·         Sorry but emotional intelligence is way more important these days  http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/emotional-intelligence-why-important.html

·          Seven practical ways to improve your emotional intelligence http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/7-practical-ways-improve-your-emotional-intelligence.html?ref=sidebar

·         The Dark Side of Emotional intelligence (Reading task on the blog) https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/good-thinking/201408/the-dark-side-emotional-intelligence  

·         The impact of emotional intelligence on relationships https://www.universalclass.com/articles/psychology/the-impact-of-emotional-intelligence-and-personal-relationships.htm

Videos to watch and take notes from:

·         What is emotional intelligence? Definition and Examples http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-emotional-intelligence-definition-lesson-quiz.html    

·         Emotional Intelligence: Katherine Fortier at TEDxYouth@ISH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxTuZeIxbgQ

·         "How We've Been Misled by 'Emotional Intelligence'" | Kris Girrell | TEDxNatick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l8yPt8S2gE

THE POWER OF A BROADER PERSPECTIVE

A broader perspective promotes better understanding, brings people together and increases the chances of world peace. It helps create empathy and sympathy both at individual and societal level. Thus, it should be encouraged in education and through the media. You can start now by following the advice of Bertrand Russell who famously said and I quote: “ In all affairs, it is a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on things you have taken for granted”.  Do our research and write an essay discussing the advantages of a broader perspective.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         The benefits of a broad perspective http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast61/ 

Reading material to make notes on:

·         The power of perspective http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-terri-kennedy/positive-attitude-advice_b_1018175.html

·         The psychology of hate and the dangers of generalizing  http://counsellingresource.com/features/2016/01/04/psychology-hate-overgeneralizing/

Videos to take notes from

·         Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story#t-135651

·         The power of perspective https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQTnrCQjssw

·         The Power of Perspective | Dia Draper | TEDxCharlottesville https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzrWM4m_qXU

·         To change the world, change your illusions | Minna Salami | TEDxBrixton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiVB5niLrWg

BIOFUELS; A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

Concern about damage to the environment and the imminent depletion of fossil fuels has led to a search for environmentally friendly, practical and plentiful sources of energy one of which is biofuels. Do your research and discover what biofuel is and what its advantages and disadvantages are. Then write an essay where you discuss them.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the topic:

·         What is Biofuel? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S88ZtNMD-7o

·         What is biomass? ?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ-cIVJuDks

Reading material to make notes on

·         What are Biofuels? http://biofuel.org.uk/what-are-biofuels.html

·         Biofuel facts http://biofuel.org.uk/biofuel-facts.html

·         Types of biofuels http://biofuel.org.uk/types-of-biofuels.html

·         Biofuel uses http://biofuel.org.uk/uses-of-biofuels.html

·         Advantages of biofuels http://biofuel.org.uk/advantages-of-biofuels.html

·         Disadvantages of biofuels http://biofuel.org.uk/disadvantages-of-biofuels.html

Videos to watch and take notes from

·         Are Algae Biofuels the Future of Energy? : Jerry Brand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5snbafLV40   

Renewable energies: the return of biomass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps6Rn-i9t1Y

THE PROS AND CONS OF MIND WANDERING

Mind wandering is often equated with being distracted but nothing can be further from the truth. The latter has a lot of negative connotations and so, according to many, does the former. As a result, mind wandering has been given a bad rap but is this fair? Do your research and determine what the differences between distractions and mind wandering are and then pinpoint the advantages and disadvantages. Finally write your essay.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         Do you have a wandering mind? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epDQmomWktU

·         The reasons why we are all so distracted https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thFgUeSzZBE

Reading material to make notes on:

·         So what is distraction again? https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/rest/201602/so-what-is-distraction-again?collection=1096974

·         Is mind wandering a good or a bad thing? https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201504/is-mind-wandering-good-or-bad-thing

·         Letting your mind wander https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/media-spotlight/201304/letting-your-mind-wander

·         5 Great reasons to zone out 3   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/17/reasons-to-zone-out_n_5592361.html

Videos to watch and take notes from:

·         Mind wandering https://vimeo.com/17568783

·         What is mind wandering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocDv9ejXqag

·         Michael Corballis 'The wandering mind - giving the mind free rein'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I24srQ6XGVE