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Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior cover art

Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior

By: Mark Leary,The Great Courses
Narrated by: Mark Leary
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Summary

Every day of your life is spent surrounded by mysteries that involve what appear to be rather ordinary human behaviors. What makes you happy? Where did your personality come from? Why do you have trouble controlling certain behaviors? Why do you behave differently as an adult than you did as an adolescent?

Since the start of recorded history, and probably even before, people have been interested in answering questions about why we behave the way we do. And many fields - including philosophy, psychology, and even theology - are focused on finding explanations. But it's only in recent decades that researchers can finally approach, understand, and solve the mysteries of emotion, thought, and behavior - solutions that help each of us to better know ourselves and the people around us. The result is not only a more solid understanding of what it means to be human, but a stronger foundation from which to live more effectively with others and to grasp their intricate behaviors and quirks.

Now you can gain those benefits through a series of 24 intriguing lectures from an award-winning teacher. Professor Leary takes you on a fascinating journey into the complex heart of who you are, using the latest theories, case studies, experiments, and stories to cast light on a wide variety of human behaviors, both ordinary and puzzling.

Throughout these lectures, you'll learn about the various interacting forces that influence your behavior. These include your genetic blueprint, your personal experiences, your upbringing, and the people and social groups that surround you.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2012 The Great Courses

What listeners say about Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Some useful lectures

At first I rated this 1 star as I learnt nothing from the first few chapters. There's was nothing profound or interesting, and much repetition. Some of the lectures just state the obvious. However after skipping those I found the lectures on stress, self control, anger and others to be particularly insightful.

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20 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars

Suggests paranormal phenomena might be real....

This lecture series seemed worthwhile and interesting until lecture 16 where the professor covers the topic of parapsychology (e.g. mind-reading, clairvoyance). In this lecture he repeatedly says that scientific evidence suggests that paranormal phenomena might be genuine and that 'more research is needed'.

I am shocked that this lecture series has been included in the Great Courses. It has really tarnished the brand for me. I now no longer believe that the lecture series in the Great Courses offer high quality, reliable and valid content.

"More research is needed to establish whether paranormal phenomena are real or not" - really???!!!

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16 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good start

This gives a good over view of behaviour letting the reader decide areas of interest it's well delivered and well researched, I recommend it for the start of an interest in people

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A journey into human irrationality

Where does Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I am a big fan of The Great Courses; this is one of the best I have listened to with regard to personal enjoyment and understanding.

What other book might you compare Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior to, and why?

Irrationality, Sutherland, Stuart

What does Professor Mark Leary bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

A thorough coverage of the subject of the mysteries of human behaviour.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Intellectually stimulating.

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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Outstanding, concise information

This was a very concise description of many aspects of human psychology. Unlike many books on the subject it cuts to the char very quickly. Highly recommended.

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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Insightful, Stunningly Good

Could not put this audio book down. Learned so much about human nature and the drivers for behaviour - life changing insights.

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10 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Eye and Brain Opening Explanations of Behaviour

Very good first step into behavioural science. Tackles nature vs nurture, why we laugh and blush and psychic capability (don't laugh until you have heard the scientific evidence) among other topics. A little basic from time to time, and some of the theories have done the rounds several times, but overall a good introduction.

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Engaging, relevant and can't put down!

This is such a great collection of social psychology topics which is both informative and interesting. I love the way that Mark Leary instantly engages you with a relevant question of life, which makes you want to learn more. The topics are easy to grasp and a brilliant introduction to wet your appetite to ibis more about social psychology. Loved it!

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

simply fantastic

love it, so informative & interesting (couldn't help but think it was Morgan Freeman narrating) learnt loads with great insight with humour

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Easy to Listen to

Clear, entertaining, bite size explanations of why we do what we do. Really enjoyed it.

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4 people found this helpful