There is no doubt that humans live longer today than at any other point in our history. However, the diseases we face (obesity, heart disease, cancer, etc) are those that we rarely needed to defend against a few centuries ago. This class gives an evolutionary answer as to why many of the diseases of modernity exist and plague us today.

Meditation is entering a time of resurgence, with internet blogs saying meditation can do anything from help prevent cancer or even help increase fertility. But what is meditation at its core, and does it actually have tangible health benefits? I will cover both questions in this class.

Did you know that in 2011, a scientific study found evidence that people have the ability to see into the future? Did you know that studies have shown that tea either lowers, increases, or has no effect on cancer? Science is sometimes held on a pedestal, and we often equate science with the truth. However, as I'll show you, scientists can be just as dirty as regular people to get the result they want. In this course, I will teach you how to spot bad science and laugh at a few scientific studies along the way.

One of the oldest conundrums we face (apart from how to plug in a USB stick correctly on the first try) is how to achieve happiness. Throughout history, some of the smartest minds in the world have come up with very different answers. You will find that some philosophies that are the farthest apart in era or culture have come up with strikingly similar conclusions. Other philosophies that arise at nearly the same times have opposite perspectives of the world. In 50 minutes, I will try and explain four philosophies and how each tries to find the true path to happiness. None of these philosophies is objectively correct. However, hopefully, you will be able to find something that resonates with you.