Science of Optimism

We like to think of ourselves as rational creatures. We watch our backs, weigh the odds, pack an umbrella. But science suggests that most of us are more optimistic than realistic. In fact, optimism may be crucial to our existence.

Join Dr. Tali Sharot, a neuroscientist working at University College London, as she will take us on a tour of the irrationally positive brain. Tali will explain how the brain generates hope and what happens when it fails; how the brains of optimists and pessimists differ; why we are terrible at predicting what will make us happy; how emotions strengthen our ability to recollect; how anticipation and dread affect us; and how our optimistic illusions affect our financial, professional, and emotional decisions.

Date: Thursday 26th January 2012
Time: 7pm, for a 7.30pm start
Place: Upstairs at The Lamb, 92 Lambs Conduit Street, WC1N 3LZ [gmap]
Cost: Free

Photos from the night can be seen here on Flickr.

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6 Responses to “Science of Optimism”

  1. Week In Geek: 23-29 January 2012 | Londonist Says:
    January 23rd, 2012 at 11:00 am

    […] and genetics come together at the Dana Centre to reveal all. FREE, 7.30pmOPTIMISM: Find out why a cheery, positive outlook might be crucial to our species’ survival at a Science London event tonight, upstairs at The […]

  2. John Wilkes Says:
    January 23rd, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    Do I need a ticket to attend the Science of Optimism talk at the Lamb this Thursday?
    I and my girlfriend would both like to attend.

  3. admin Says:
    January 23rd, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    No ticket needed but you should get there early to guarantee a seat and get a drink 🙂

  4. Человек оптимистический | Эврика! Журнал Says:
    January 26th, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    […] интервью с, чтобы в этом убедиться. 26 января в The British Science Association состоялась встреча с очаровательной Тали. Мы же можем […]

  5. Sarah Says:
    January 27th, 2012 at 11:25 am

    Really enjoyed this, thank you very much for organising!

  6. admin Says:
    January 27th, 2012 at 11:35 am

    Thanks. We were very happy with it but we may need a bigger boat …

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