Dr. Michael Vlerick

Why does criticism linger longer than a compliment? Why do we imagine countless doomsday scenarios for the future? Why do we so easily fall prey to stress, depression, impulsivity, addiction, and jealousy? Why are we not happier, even when objectively we have every reason to be?

All these questions have the same answer: due to our genetic programming. Unfortunately, evolution by natural selection did not design us to be permanently happy. On the contrary, our evolutionary heritage burdens us with chronic dissatisfaction and ceaseless worrying.

So, are we destined to be unhappy? Not at all. Despite our nature, durable happiness is possible. Philosopher of science, Michael Vlerick, shows how you can take your destiny in your own hands. He translates ancient insights and practices - from Buddhism to Stoicism - into a concrete plan, with a focus on the power of meditation and modern breakthroughs in the science of happiness.

People are predictably irrational! In this talk I guide you through the dark alleys of human reasoning. Based on a series of entertaining examples, I show you where our reasoning tends to err, why this is the case and how we can arm ourselves against these biases. I also highlight the importance of critical thinking, not only for our own personal lives, but for society at large.