BRAIN WAVES
More than words. There are far fewer languages spoken today than in the past. For a long time, linguists believed that a massive language extinction began about 500 years ago, due to European colonial expansion. New research from Yale challenges that idea. Linguistic researchers looked at how language diversity has changed globally over the past 12,000 years. They found linguistic diversity actually peaked between 1,000–3,000 years ago — a “golden age” with tens of thousands of languages — before collapsing as empires spread out. It seems language extinction started much sooner than previously thought. “We show that language isn’t isolated from political currents and that this dynamic has been a facet of human history for much longer than previously thought,” said Yale linguist Claire Bowern.“This finding is important for the many endangered languages of today because political currents don’t have to move in one direction. It’s not inevitable that endangered languages become extinct.” not inevitable that endangered languages become extinct.” not inevitable that endangered languages become extinct.”
Treat yourself. How guilty are your guilty pleasures? Researchers wanted to figure out which kinds of purchases make people happiest — not just in the moment, but over time. Across six studies, they had people recall past purchases and rate the happiness those purchases brought them. They categorized the purchases as material goods, one‑off experiences, and what they called “activity engagement” purchases. That last category covered purchases meant to support ongoing, meaningful activities, like learning a musical instrument, or trying to work out more. They found that these kinds of “activity engagement” purchases consistently produced the highest and most enduring happiness. To put it simply, we feel happiest when we spend money on things that help us challenge ourselves in a meaningful way.
Storytime. What is the story of your life? The stories we tell about our own lives can shape our sense of purpose. Listen to learn more.
ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST
How to Be a Better Partner: When we look at the people we love, how clearly do we really see them? This week, how our fears, desires, and insecurities can shape our perceptions of our partners — sometimes creating the very reality we expect.
ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST
Kate Rogan’s Story: Kate was flying home for her mother’s funeral when her connecting flight was canceled. As she sobbed on the plane, a fellow passenger put a hand on her shoulder and offered to help.
Don’t forget to send us the story of your unsung hero! Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
ON YOUTUBE: MENTAL CHATTER
What if the voice that wakes you up at 3am is also the reason you can think clearly at all? In this video, we explore what psychologist Ethan Kross discovered when he studied our inner voice: why one of the most reassuring men on television privately wrestled with the very same doubt, what really happened when a neuroscientist’s stroke switched her inner voice off completely, and how watching your own thoughts from a distance, like they belong to someone else, can loosen chatter’s grip.
A RECOMMENDATION FROM SHANKAR...
If you love “Hidden Brain,” don’t miss “Staying Human,” the new podcast and newsletter from former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. I first met Vivek years ago when he joined me as a guest on Hidden Brain. At the time, Vivek was the surgeon general of the United States, and he pinpointed one issue in particular: loneliness and social isolation. His episode with us was hugely popular — in large part because Vivek isn’t afraid to express vulnerability and take on topics that can be painful to discuss. Vivek has continued his work on social connection in the years since our interview, and I highly recommend his new show. Be sure to check out “Staying Human” wherever you get your podcasts. —Shankar
MIND GAMES
A man got into a ship and could see more than four continents at the same time. How is this possible?
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
What do the numbers 11, 69 and 88 all have in common?
The answer: They all read the same way when turned upside down.
MOMENT OF JOY
Have an idea for Hidden Brain? A story you want to share with us? Send an email to ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Listen to us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast platform.