The Elephant in the Brain

Hidden motivation

“Elephant in the room”


Core idea
• We human beings, are species that is not only capable of acting on hidden motives-we are designed to do it
• Our brains are built to act in our self interests, while in the same time not appear selfish in front of other people
• In order to throw them off the trial, our brain often keep “us” , our conscious minds in the dark
• Unless we know of our ugly motives, the easier ti is to hide them from others



Self-deception is therefore strategic
• A play we do to look good , while behaving badly


If we keep tip toe around it , we cannot think clearly about human behaviors

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What is the elephants
-selfishness part of our psyches




Human beings are self-deceived because self-deception is useful. It allows us to reap the benefits of selfish behavior while posing as unselfish in front of others, it helps us look better than we really are