Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior

By: Mark Leary, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Mark Leary

Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's 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

Awesome

This book helped me to understand human behaviors and why we do what we do. This gave me so much insight even to my own life. I now can approach life in a different manner. This is one book that i will listen to again. Most importantly I plan to purchase a hard copy to have as well because the content is just that important

Great course in deed

Narrator did a good performance.

I strongly recommend this book for general knowledge.

Was listening while driving.

MGTOW should know this

As a MGTOW I find the content very interesting. It is certainly what every MGTOW should know.

Explains why we are so complex.

Makes you think about many things we take for granted. Professor Leary breaks down why we do what we do and presents many thought provoking ideas as to how are behaviors are evolutional. I will listen to these lectures again, especially as he make them very interesting and fun.

Very interesting

What did you love best about Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior?

I enjoyed all the fasinating info given. I would like to look up more books that are simulat.

What did you like best about this story?

Added humour

Have you listened to any of Professor Mark Leary’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Very good

Wow what a book!

I learn a lot !

The Processor is amazing ! And thank you so much for all the time and care but more for the love of your work !
I will recommend this book for sure

Excelent book for someone like me

Any additional comments?

I have a Master degree in Marketing and Economics, but have an interest in psychology. This is my first educational book on this topic, and for that it was great.
Maybe this is basic info for someone who are educated in this area, but for me it lays out the basic perceptions and give a great ground for understanding this area.

So glad I finally listened to this course!!!

I have been wanting to listen to this course for quite some time, and am so glad that I finally had the time to do so. I found the lectures very interesting and informative, and really enjoyed Professor Leary’s delivery and abundance of great examples that made complex ideas (for those of us with limited formal knowledge) easy to understand and relatable. Each lecture was dense with content in an ideal length (approximately 30 minutes each), and all presented at a great pace, with pauses to reflect the content timed just right. I have read some of the very negative reviews some have posted, and can only imagine those people are far advanced in this subject matter, or were perhaps looking for something very different. From my perspective I would, and will, recommend this course to others. Just like when reading a great book, I’m actually sorry the course has been completed, but I’m excited for what’s up next on my list from Professor Leary: “Why You Are Who You Are”.

Stimulating

Each lecture presented interesting questions and thoughts, with clear presentation of each point. Only negative would be that some lectures were oversimplified and little was gained.

Very enjoyable

Moments of insight

Would you listen to Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior again? Why?

I would listen to a few sections which I found interesting. Mostly the beginning, which dives into what drives most human behavior. Much of the lectures contain little to no resolution, with common place explanations and no specific citations.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Lackluster. The lecturer attempts to make a grand statement at the end of each session, which often seems forced. The ending is no exception.