27 June 2012

Where Your Milk Comes From Matters

If your milk comes from healthy happy contented cows grazing on the original natural grasses and herbs of the pasture, like on this Amish farm, their milk is pure, uncontaminated and can be consumed raw...
But, if your milk comes from cows drugged with anti-biotics, steroids and growth hormone, 
fed unnatural foods- even the rendered bodies of other cows- 
in a commercial factory dairy, 
like this one, then the milk produced is not pure, 
is highly contaminated and can not be consumed raw, if it should even be consumed at all...


WIKI-Factory-Milk-Farm.jpg

GROW FOOD, NOT LAWNS

Vaccines?- Just Say "NO"


Here's a new book that helps you to 'just say no' and defend your human rights against the infringement of government and big pharma...

Your Right to Say "NO!" to Vaccinations
Elizabeth Renter
NaturalSociety
June 26, 2012
vaccinevialsbluebackground 235x147 Your Rights: Saying No to VaccinesIf you aren’t aware that vaccines are a controversial matter, you haven’t been paying attention. The government and big pharma would have you believe your life is at risk if you don’t vaccinate. But, growing research suggests vaccines aren’t effective in the prevention of disease and that they may actually cause more harm than good.
But knowing how to say no to vaccination can be overwhelming for some people. This is particularly true for parents sending their children into schools. States set the requirements for vaccination and admittance into their school systems, and most allow for some exceptions—whether religious or personal in nature—allowing parents to avoid vaccinating their children. But, how do you know what your rights are in your states?
A new book by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny examines some tough questions in regards to vaccinations and people of all ages. According to the book’s official website, Saying No to Vaccines is a “resource guide for everyone concerned with vaccination,” a guide for “all ages.”
Within its pages is information on the history of mandated vaccinations, details on vaccine exemptions (for schools, military, healthcare professionals, and more), vaccine ingredients, and more than 350 medical references regarding common problems associated with vaccinations.
In a recent interview with Crusador as published on Rense.com, Dr. Tenpenny described her book and her mission:
“Parents needed a tool that did their homework for them. The evidence is there to support their decision to not vaccinate; you just have to do a little work to find it. Everyone seems to be so afraid of “bugs” and their potential ability to make us sick. But the reality is that we swim in “bugs” every day and we are not dropping over like flies.. The only “bugs” we seem to obsess over are associated with vaccines. Only two generations ago, measles, mumps and chickenpox were normal experiences of childhood. Why we have complete fear of these infections is media and money driven and unfounded.”
If the focus of Public Health was on sleep, exercise, clean water and safe, non-GMO food, we would have a healthy society without vaccines, but we would not have billion dollar industries employing millions of people to keep us “healthy.” The fact is, we are a very UNhealthy society with vaccines, so the Public health and argument that we must vaccinate ‘for greater good’ is a failure.
The fact is, your immune system the best fighter against illness and disease, not vaccines. If you have already received a vaccine or your child has, it is important to take some measure to ensure immediate and long-term safety by treating the immune response.
When asked whether she is confident about the people’s self-empowerment when it comes to vaccines, Dr. Tenpenny says Americans “tend to be sheep,” and expresses a commonly-held belief that “no one wants to stand out, speak up and challenge authority.” Hopefully, by giving people the knowledge needed she can influence change.
You can read the rest of her interview here and see more about her book Say No to Vaccinations on the official website. Also, look at how to avoid ‘mandatory’ vaccinations through exemption.
540x80 papaya leaf extract Your Rights: Saying No to Vaccines
Explore More:
  1. Aluminum in Vaccines Found to be Deadly for Children and Adults Alike
  2. Vaccines in Higher Doses Means More Infant Deaths
  3. Immune System Protects Against Flu, Not Vaccines
  4. United Nations Urged to Ban Mercury in Vaccines
  5. Toxic Vaccines Supported by Organization Pushing for Stricter Chemical Laws
  6. Federal Committee Calls for Mandatory Flu Vaccines in Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities


Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/your-rights-saying-no-vaccines/#ixzz1z0I0ggDi

22 June 2012

Chocolate, the Wonder Food


Chocolate in its natural state is clearly one of the super foods- In fact, it is sometimes referred to as 'the food of the gods". While eating the roasted cacao beans or nibs can be a bit challenging,  it is not really necessary to receive chocolate's benefits. Eating dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao is the right way to go. Anything above 70% is great, or raw chocolate powder for use in smoothies and for hot chocolate. Most chocolate is ruined because it is paired with high amounts of sugar and pasteurized milk, or is completely bogus and artificial.
 Is Chocolate Good for You?
Elizabeth Renter
NaturalSociety
June 19, 2012
chocolatedark 235x147 Is Chocolate Good for You? Only if You Pick the Right KindIs chocolate good for you? It’s been around for about three thousand years, and yes, it does have health benefits. But before you run out and buy the largest chocolate ice cream cone you can find, we should preface this report by saying: Not all chocolate is created equal!
Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest choice. It is the closest to the natural cacao bean of any chocolate treat you’ll find in your grocery store, and we all know that natural is better. Milk chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate flavored goods are all more processed than dark chocolate and therefore more likely to contain components thataren’t good for you.
Chocolate donuts, candy bars (unless they are dark chocolate without all of the “extras”), chocolate cake, ice cream, and any other highly-processed chocolate products won’t likely deliver many health benefits. But dark chocolate can.

Is Chocolate Good for You?

So now that we have answered the question to ‘is chocolate good for you’, here are just some of the health benefits of chocolate:
  1. Improved Heart Health- A little piece of dark chocolate everyday can reduce the risk of heart disease. According to an Italian study originally published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that 6.7 grams of chocolate a day can reduce inflammation that leads to heart disease.
  2. Lower Diabetes Risk- Another Italian study (maybe the Italians are on to something), published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that short term consumption of dark chocolate results in increased insulin sensitivity. The participants ate a moderate amount of dark chocolate each day for 15 days and researchers found their potential for insulin resistance dropped by about half.
  3. Healthier Skin- Dark chocolate can increase blood flow to the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, and even increase skin density and hydration, according to a 2006 study in The Journal of Nutrition. Participants also noticed less sun damage , and decreased roughness when compared with the control group not on a steady dose of chocolate.
  4. Reduced Risk of Stroke- Swedish scientists found that women who had the highest consumption of chocolate (about two bars a week) had a 20% lower risk of stroke. Although the study was exciting, scientists caution the same benefits could be achieved through high intake of other forms of antioxidant rich foods and cautioned against adding two candy bars a week to your diet.
  5. Chocolate Improves Mood! Okay, we didn’t need a scientist to tell us this, but a study did confirm what many of us already knew—that chocolate eaters had lower levels of stress hormones in their bodies after consuming dark chocolate.
In order to get the deliciously sweet and slightly bitter dark chocolate that you find on the shelves, the cacao bean is processed with fats and sugars, among other things. So even though there are great benefits to chocolate consumption, moderation is still key. A small square or two of high-quality dark chocolate every day should be enough to reap the benefits when paired with an otherwise healthy diet.
540x80 papaya leaf extract Is Chocolate Good for You? Only if You Pick the Right Kind
Explore More:
  1. Eating Chocolate on Halloween Can Be Healthy, as Long as it’s the Right Kind
  2. Chocolate Can be Healthy, as Long as it is the Right Kind
  3. The Health Benefits of Chocolate
  4. Chocolate Can Help Accelerate Healthy Fat Loss
  5. The Guilty Pleasure that can Boost Your Overall Health
  6. Candy on Valentine’s Day: It can be Healthy


Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/is-chocolate-good-for-you/#ixzz1yXkDF2sU

Natural Energy Boosters


While good nutrition, adequate rest and physical fitness are the basis of an energetic body, from time to time a boost may be needed. Here are some helpful tips that may be helpful on a  short temporary basis. If needed for longer periods, that is evidence that the above conditions need to be addressed. Long term use of herbs can be as dangerous as drugs.
Natural Energy Boosters
Mike Barrett
NaturalSociety
June 21, 2012
cayennepeppers 235x147 Natural Energy Boosters to Amp up Your DayIn addition to escalating rates of numerous illnesses and diseases, people everywhere are experiencing a huge plummet in energy levels – and it isn’t all due to lack of sleep. This lack of energy is leading many individuals to opt out of daily activities, ultimately leading to increased stress levels. While a lack of energy is almost always a symptom of another much deeper issue, there are ways you can naturally boost energy levels. Instead of buying a 5-hour energy or another energy drink at your local supermarket or pharmacy, try implementing some natural energy boosters to amp up your day.

Natural Energy Boosters

Ginseng – Stimulants like caffeine, providing a kick, also place strain on the body’s adrenal cortex, leading it to work harder to produce energy. Ginseng can act as a stimulant similar to how caffeine does, but without any added stress. Ginseng helps to feed the adrenal cortex by offering nutrients it needs to create stress-free energy.
Digestive Enzymes – Individuals often lack energy because their body is unable to break down food efficiently. Digestive enzymes help to break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber, leading to the body’s ability to utilize vitamins and nutrients. Without being able to properly and efficiently break down food, your body can’t turn food into energy – digestive enzymes help your body to produce energy by breaking down these nutrients. As you age, your body slowly loses it’s ability to produce enzymes, so supplementing with digestive enzymes becomes more important as we age.
Fasting – Among some great natural energy boosters, fasting can be an excellent method for cleansing the body and providing energy. The body spends up to one-third of its energy on digestion and elimination, and with the average American diet being what it is, it is no wonder that most people have digestion issues. By avoiding solid foods, or by engaging in a fruit fast or vegetable fast, you are essentially giving your body a rest and enabling it to cleanse and work more properly overall.  In addition, toxins are being released, improving overall health and energy levels.
Ashwagandha – A similar herb to Ginseng – a vital adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine – Ashwagandha can be great for increasing energy levels. Going byThe Herb Companion, taking one to two teaspoons twice or three times daily of this shrub extract (which equates to about a 500 mg capsule of ashwagandha three times daily)- is more than enough to obtain its energy-boosting power.
It is crucial choose natural sources over energy drinks for an energy boost. Consuming sports and energy drinks is comparable to ‘bathing your teeth with acid’ according to scientists who have unleashed their findings on how these beverages may be destroying the health of your teeth. Natural energy boosters like the ones listed above will not only provide energy, but will also help to boost overall health without any harsh chemicals or side-effects.
Additional Sources:
540x80 papaya leaf extract Natural Energy Boosters to Amp up Your Day
Explore More:
  1. Stress, Extra Fat Fueling ‘Sleepiness’ Lack of Energy Epidemic
  2. 3 Metabolsm Boosters for Maximum Weight Loss Results
  3. Energy and Sports Drinks are ‘Bathing’ Teeth with Acid, Say Scientists
  4. Even Slight Dehydration Impacts Brain Function, Mood, and Energy
  5. Bombshell Research: Energy Saving Light Bulbs ‘Contain Cancer Causing Chemicals’
  6. The Natural Benefits of Papaya Leaf Extract


Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/natural-energy-boosters-amp-your-day/#ixzz1yXULpfjj

Turmeric: Miracle Spice


"Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food" is an ancient aphorism that is as true to day as it ever was...Even more so today.
Turmeric and curcumin are spices that can be used in all types of dishes, from bean and lentil soup, to salads and vegetable dishes, or even brewed as tea. Using them reduces inflammation which is the root cause of pain and they also prevent cancers and degenerative diseases. Plus they taste and look so good...
The Miracle Healing Powers of Turmeric and Curcumin
Lisa Garber
NaturalSociety
June 21, 2012
turmericandspices 235x147 How Turmeric and Curcumin are Excellent at Preventing Chronic DiseaseAnti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer—that’s quite a lot to expect of a humble root of the ginger family. Like ginger, turmeric and curcumin (the powdered and supplement form, respectively, of the Curcuma longa plant) play center stage in millenia-old Asian medicine and cuisine. It wasn’t until 1949, however, that the West studied its scientific properties. In the magazine Nature, authors E. Schraufstatter and H. Bernt reported on the root’s ability to fight strains of Staphylococcus aureusSalmonella paratyphiTrichophyton gypseum, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and our curiosity hasn’t been sated since. Research always shows how turmeric can be especially effective at preventing chronic disease.

Treating and Preventing Chronic Disease with Turmeric

You might have caught Dr. David B. Agus on The Daily Show earlier this year. In his book, The End of Illness, he summarizes that low-grade inflammation is the root of most diseases, from heart disease to diabetes, Alzheimer’s to arthritis, cancer to allergies and acne. Turmeric—as you’ll see in the following research—therefore seems like a worthy ally in the fight against illness and disease, can can be used for preventing chronic disease.
  • Preliminary experimental research at the Medical University Graz in Austria shows how curcumin can protect the liver and delay liver damage that might otherwise lead to cirrhosis.
  • Kansas State University research finds a 40 percent reduction in heterocyclic amines—carcinogenic compounds formed when meats are barbecued, boiled, or fried—with the addition of certain spices, like turmeric.
  • Curcumin may inhibit melanoma and slow the spread of breast cancer into the lungs according to rodent studies at the University of Texas.
  • With the rate of Alzheimer’s disease in India being less than a quarter of that of the U.S., many epidemiologists hypothesize that turmeric—a staple for curry—has something to do with it.
  • An Italian study with 50 osteoarthritis patients found that after 90 days, 58% of those taking curcumin reported less pain and stiffness compared to control groups. Additionally, researchers determined a 300% improvement in mood and a 16-fold decrease in C-reactive protein (inflammation marker) in the curcumin group.

Using Turmeric and Curcumin

Dr. Andrew Weil (founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine), and other experts say that plants are usually better than drugs for overall health and preventing chronic disease, excepting extreme cases. With this in mind, you can incorporate a moderate amount of turmeric into your diet right in the kitchen. (And no, you don’t have to eat curry every day.)
  • Brew turmeric tea by bringing four cups of water to boil and adding one teaspoon of ground turmeric. Strain after 10 minutes and add honey or lemon to taste.
  • Sprinkle turmeric over deviled eggs or add to egg salad for a more complex taste and pretty yellow hue.
  • Like lentils? Add turmeric to almost any lentil recipe. The same goes for cauliflower.
  • The next time you’re preparing a party dip, mix turmeric with dried onion, omega-3-rich mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and pepper. Serve with raw vegetables and spread the word about turmeric’s ability to conquer chronic disease!
Additional Sources:
Agus, David B. The End of Illness. Free Press, 2012.
540x80 papaya leaf extract How Turmeric and Curcumin are Excellent at Preventing Chronic Disease
Explore More:
  1. Curcumin, Turmeric Proven Effective at Preventing Parkinson’s Disease
  2. Turmeric Shown to Cut Heart Disease, Diabetes Risk
  3. Turmeric, Curcumin Ranks as Natural Arthritis Treatment
  4. Turmeric, Curcumin Naturally Block Cancer Growth
  5. Chronic Disease to Cost $47 Trillion by 2030
  6. 3 Simple Turmeric Uses for Skincare, Cuisine, and Disease Prevention


Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/turmeric-curcumin-preventing-chronic-disease/#ixzz1yXQk4Gk3

Natural Cleaning Products You Can Make Yourself


One of the underlying assumptions of modern life is that corporations are the chosen ones that are supposed to make everything people need and that they do a better job then we could do ourselves. Actually, whether it is food, medicine or household products, corporations do a lousy job. The corporate motivation isn't to do a good job, its to make a profit. In fact, what they do is downright dangerous to human beings. The truth is- people are better off doing these things for themselves. It's not hard to do and its healthier. 
Here's how you can make and use your own natural cleaning products for your home... You'll need vinegar, lemons, baking soda, grain alcohol and hydrogen peroxide and you're ready to mix your own and start cleaning!
5 Top Toxic Cleaning Products and Natural Alternatives
Anthony Gucciardi
NaturalSociety
June 21, 2012
cleaningbluebottle1 235x147 The Top 5 Toxic Home Cleaning Products and their Natural AlternativesHome cleaning products are often overlooked when it comes to examining the toxic substances that may be currently present in your lifestyle. While food and water are more ‘obvious’ factors, toxic home cleaning products may also be taking a toll on your health. The EPA has even stated on record that indoor air pollution (with a shocking 12 different chemicals with irritant properties in the air at all times) is contributing to sickness and ill health.
Thankfully, natural solutions do exist. As for identifying the most toxic cleaning supplies that may currently occupy your home or office, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created a list of the ‘most’ toxic products to help you remove these concoctions from your living space. Even ‘green’ and ‘nontoxic’ products have been targeted, which often contain hazardous ingredients that can be affecting your biology.
Here are the top 5 most toxic home cleaning products and the natural alternative you can use in your home:
1. Simple Green Concentrated All-Purpose Cleaner: Despite being labeled as ‘green’ and toted as an ‘environmental’ cleaning product, this product is quite toxic. It contains a solvent known as 2-butoxyethanol, which the EWG states can actually soak through the skin and damage red blood cells. In the fine print it even calls for the cleaner to be diluted, which many people miss.
Natural alternative: Mix a combination of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle (about nine parts water and one part white vinegar) and spray the surface that needs cleaning. This potent germ-killing natural cleaner beats the other health-damaging options and is perfectly safe.
2. Citra-Solv Cleaner & Degreaser: Just as Simple Green sports the ‘green’ label for brand association reasons, Citra-Solv uses ‘citrus’ and ‘orange’ buzzwords to push for a more natural image. The product, however, contains d-limonene — a chemical that can react with the ozone in the air to form concerning particles that can penetrate the lungs and form formaldehyde — a known carcinogen.
Natural alternative: Spray hydrogen peroxide followed by the previously mentioned vinegar solution in order to fight germs and maintain cleanliness. You can even use alcohol, particularly grain alcohol for this cleaning purpose.
3. Whink Rust Stain Remover: This harmful ‘cleaning’ product is used to simply brighten up porcelain toilets and sinks. In the fine print, however, the product plainly indicates that it may “be fatal or cause permanent damage” to your body. If that’s not enough, it is known that the produce can penetrate the skin and go as far as to attack the underlying tissues and bone.
Natural alternative: Use a half bottle of white vinegar and pour it into the toilet. Afterwards, shut the lid, let it sit overnight, and then scrub and flush come morning. You’ll have a much cleaner and whiter toilet without the bodily damage.
4. Spic and Span Multi-Surface and Floor Cleaner: There’s a reason that California has placed a ban on an ingredient in this product. Known as onylphenol ethoxylate, the chemical is known to be toxic to not only the human hormonal system but the environment as a whole.
Natural alternative: Utilizing the same vinegar solution or grain alcohol will work more efficiently and be much safer. Lemon is also very practical.
5. Mop & Glo Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner: This product contains rather large concentrations of a substance that even the United Nations states is ‘suspected of damaging the unborn child’.
Natural alternative: Baking soda can clean, deodorize, and clean floors without toxic ingredients. You can also use lemon for a fresh scent and a thorough clean.
540x80 4b The Top 5 Toxic Home Cleaning Products and their Natural Alternatives
Explore More:
  1. Many ‘Green’ Products are Toxic and Deceptive
  2. The Most Toxic Places in Your Home
  3. 5 Ways to Replace Your Toxic Cleaners Naturally
  4. Turmeric for Acne | Natural Alternatives
  5. Home Remedies for Sunburn – 4 Natural Solutions
  6. The Toxic Ingredient in Most Consumer Products Causing Breast Cancer


Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/top-5-toxic-home-cleaning-products-natural-alternatives/#ixzz1yXIUKFdb

18 June 2012

Bio-Frequency, the Vibrations of Life and Death


All is vibration is a well known principle derived from the observation that all things are in a constant state of motion or vibration at set frequencies- Energy or matter- it's the same. It's all about frequency or vibration. Studies show that some vibrations foster good growth and health, others are 'bad vibes" that destroy life.


Frequency Levels and Plant Growth

06/15/2012
 
Picture
Contributed by Jennifer Villatoro

I've been interested with frequency levels and have been researching and discussing with others of how frequencies effect the growth of plants. Has anyone ever used sound to grow anything?

There is a researcher, Dorothy Retallack who published her work in 1973 on music and plants named The Sound of Music and Plants. In one experiment, Retallack found that plants thrived when she played a tone intermittently, but died when she played the same tone constantly. In another experiment, she found that plants grew better when she played “soothing” music on the radio, whereas rock music affected plant growth negatively.

Most plants and animals use enzymes to break down molecular components during their life processes. And each of these enzymes has a unique crystalline form with a specific vibratory frequency.

Bruce Tainio from Tainio Technology learned during his work with plants, soil, and water in his agricultural projects he invented and built a machine called a BT3 Frequency Monitoring System.
This device uses a highly sensitive sensor to measure bio-electrical frequencies of plant nutrients and essential oils.

Essential oils (EOs) in the higher frequency ranges tend to influence emotional levels. EOs in the lower frequencies have more effect on structural and physical changes, including cells, hormones, and bones, as well as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

The measured frequencies of essential oils begin at 52 MHz, the frequency of basil oil, and go as high as 320 MHz — the frequency of rose oil. For comparison, fresh produce has a frequency up to 15 MHz, dry herbs from 12 to 22 MHz, and fresh herbs from 20 to 27 MHz. Processed and canned foods have no measurable frequency whatsoever.

The vibrational frequency of an oil reflects–its bio-energy or life force and its original intent.


The study of frequencies raises an important question – how do the frequencies of substances found in our environment affect our personal frequency? Based on his studies, researcher Nikola Tesla said that, if we could eliminate certain outside frequencies that interfered in our bodies, we would have greater resistance toward disease. (taken from www.biospiritual-energy-healing.com/vibrational-frequency.html)


Here are some links for more to read:

http://healthreads.hubpages.com/hub/The-Solfeggio-Frequencies-what-...

http://www.relfe.com/sonic_bloom.html

http://www.biophysicsnet.ro/rjb/articles/302/art05Racuciu.pdf

The Electric Body and Water (video)



Be Your Own Barefoot Doctor (video)

Could good health be a simple as a 15 minute walk 
barefoot in the grass? 
Find out why simple grounding or 'earthing' is one key 
to better health...




The Many Health Risks of Cell Phone Use Explained (video)

No one drives a car without first learning about car safety and driving risks. Why do 5 billion people use cell phones without any knowledge of how they work and how to use them safely? Many mothers who would never smoke or drink while pregnant, none the less, are oblivious to the dangers of their cell phone use to the embryo. And many men simply do not realize the relationship of their falling sperm count and libido with their cell phone usage. Here is a definitive scientific presentation that you owe it to yourself to watch all the way through. 
You really can't afford to use high tech scientific devices like cell phones and be scientifically illiterate at the same time.


15 June 2012

How to Make Salad Dressing (video)

Many people are really into salads and good vegetables as a way of keeping healthy. Then their good veggies get ruined because they use over-priced store-bought salad dressing that has all the wrong things in it like soy bean oil, canola oil, sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. 
Here is a video that shows you how easy and quick it is to make your own salad dressing. This is a fast basic recipe to give you a starting point. Be creative and come up with your own versions! (I would skip the added sugar though.)


13 June 2012

If You're So Smart Why Are You Stupid?


The pitfalls of thinking explained, but don't 

stop- It's all you've got!!


FRONTAL CORTEX

Jonah Lehrer on science, imagination, and the mind.

JUNE 12, 2012

WHY SMART PEOPLE ARE STUPID

Intelligence-Stvenson.jpg
Here’s a simple arithmetic question: A bat and ball cost a dollar and ten cents. The bat costs a dollar more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?
The vast majority of people respond quickly and confidently, insisting the ball costs ten cents. This answer is both obvious and wrong. (The correct answer is five cents for the ball and a dollar and five cents for the bat.)
For more than five decades, Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Laureate and professor of psychology at Princeton, has been asking questions like this and analyzing our answers. His disarmingly simple experiments have profoundly changed the way we think about thinking. While philosophers, economists, and social scientists had assumed for centuries that human beings are rational agents—reason was our Promethean gift—Kahneman and his scientific partner, the late Amos Tversky, demonstrated that we’re not nearly as rational as we like to believe.
When people face an uncertain situation, they don’t carefully evaluate the information or look up relevant statistics. Instead, their decisions depend on a long list of mental shortcuts, which often lead them to make foolish decisions. These shortcuts aren’t a faster way of doing the math; they’re a way of skipping the math altogether. Asked about the bat and the ball, we forget our arithmetic lessons and instead default to the answer that requires the least mental effort.
Although Kahneman is now widely recognized as one of the most influential psychologists of the twentieth century, his work was dismissed for years. Kahneman recounts how one eminent American philosopher, after hearing about his research, quickly turned away, saying, “I am not interested in the psychology of stupidity.”
The philosopher, it turns out, got it backward. A new study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology led by Richard West at James Madison University and Keith Stanovich at the University of Toronto suggests that, in many instances, smarter people are more vulnerable to these thinking errors. Although we assume that intelligence is a buffer against bias—that’s why those with higher S.A.T. scores think they are less prone to these universal thinking mistakes—it can actually be a subtle curse.
West and his colleagues began by giving four hundred and eighty-two undergraduates a questionnaire featuring a variety of classic bias problems. Here’s a example:
In a lake, there is a patch of lily pads. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long would it take for the patch to cover half of the lake?
Your first response is probably to take a shortcut, and to divide the final answer by half. That leads you to twenty-four days. But that’s wrong. The correct solution is forty-seven days.
West also gave a puzzle that measured subjects’ vulnerability to something called “anchoring bias,” which Kahneman and Tversky had demonstrated in the nineteen-seventies. Subjects were first asked if the tallest redwood tree in the world was more than X feet, with X ranging from eighty-five to a thousand feet. Then the students were asked to estimate the height of the tallest redwood tree in the world. Students exposed to a small “anchor”—like eighty-five feet—guessed, on average, that the tallest tree in the world was only a hundred and eighteen feet. Given an anchor of a thousand feet, their estimates increased seven-fold.
But West and colleagues weren’t simply interested in reconfirming the known biases of the human mind. Rather, they wanted to understand how these biases correlated with human intelligence. As a result, they interspersed their tests of bias with various cognitive measurements, including the S.A.T. and the Need for Cognition Scale, which measures “the tendency for an individual to engage in and enjoy thinking.”
The results were quite disturbing. For one thing, self-awareness was not particularly useful: as the scientists note, “people who were aware of their own biases were not better able to overcome them.” This finding wouldn’t surprise Kahneman, who admits in “Thinking, Fast and Slow” that his decades of groundbreaking research have failed to significantly improve his own mental performance. “My intuitive thinking is just as prone to overconfidence, extreme predictions, and the planning fallacy”—a tendency to underestimate how long it will take to complete a task—“as it was before I made a study of these issues,” he writes.
Perhaps our most dangerous bias is that we naturally assume that everyone else is more susceptible to thinking errors, a tendency known as the “bias blind spot.” This “meta-bias” is rooted in our ability to spot systematic mistakes in the decisions of others—we excel at noticing the flaws of friends—and inability to spot those same mistakes in ourselves. Although the bias blind spot itself isn’t a new concept, West’s latest paper demonstrates that it applies to every single bias under consideration, from anchoring to so-called “framing effects.” In each instance, we readily forgive our own minds but look harshly upon the minds of other people.
And here’s the upsetting punch line: intelligence seems to make things worse. The scientists gave the students four measures of “cognitive sophistication.” As they report in the paper, all four of the measures showed positive correlations, “indicating that more cognitively sophisticated participants showed larger bias blind spots.” This trend held for many of the specific biases, indicating that smarter people (at least as measured by S.A.T. scores) and those more likely to engage in deliberation were slightly more vulnerable to common mental mistakes. Education also isn’t a savior; as Kahneman and Shane Frederick first noted many years ago, more than fifty per cent of students at Harvard, Princeton, and M.I.T. gave the incorrect answer to the bat-and-ball question.
What explains this result? One provocative hypothesis is that the bias blind spot arises because of a mismatch between how we evaluate others and how we evaluate ourselves. When considering the irrational choices of a stranger, for instance, we are forced to rely on behavioral information; we see their biases from the outside, which allows us to glimpse their systematic thinking errors. However, when assessing our own bad choices, we tend to engage in elaborate introspection. We scrutinize our motivations and search for relevant reasons; we lament our mistakes to therapists and ruminate on the beliefs that led us astray.
The problem with this introspective approach is that the driving forces behind biases—the root causes of our irrationality—are largely unconscious, which means they remain invisible to self-analysis and impermeable to intelligence. In fact, introspection can actually compound the error, blinding us to those primal processes responsible for many of our everyday failings. We spin eloquent stories, but these stories miss the point. The more we attempt to know ourselves, the less we actually understand.
Drawing by James Stevenson.

Read more http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/frontal-cortex/2012/06/daniel-kahneman-bias-studies.html#ixzz1xgVxlWm4