[Book Sip] Youth Is Good?... Negativity Bias Was Stronger Than in the Elderly

Editor's NoteSome sentences encapsulate the entire essence of a book, while others instantly resonate with readers and create a connection to the book. Here, we introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from books.

This is the first popular science book by a renowned neuropsychiatrist who has spent a lifetime researching brain function and cognitive abilities in old age, summarizing the results of wisdom studies. From the definition and components of wisdom from the perspectives of neurobiology and psychology, to how individuals and societies can enhance wisdom, the book encompasses a wide range of topics. It offers a new perspective on various mental health issues in modern society?such as aging, loneliness, empathy and compassion, decision-making, reflection, and happiness?through the lens of wisdom. The author explains wisdom as consisting of seven elements: 'prosocial behavior' stemming from compassion, empathy, and altruism; 'emotional regulation,' which allows one to manage not only fear and anger but also joy; 'decisiveness' in the face of sudden changes and dilemmas; 'reflection,' which transforms even bleak moments into humor; 'spirituality,' the ability to sense things greater than oneself; and the ability to accept diverse perspectives and provide social advice. Among these, prosocial behavior is the element the author emphasizes most. The author stresses that the most impressive achievements of human cognitive function?such as technology, language, and social systems?did not arise from individuals alone, but from interactions among many people.

The human brain has developed a bias toward paying more attention to negative events, so even when we feel stressed or unhappy, we tend to focus more on threatening objects or dangerous situations. This is why we remember bad news better than good news, and why political attacks are effective. As we age and become wiser, this negativity bias diminishes. When we are young, emotionally unpleasant experiences and bad memories stick in our minds as if glued there, but as we grow older, it is as if our minds have a Teflon coating?these memories do not linger as long and fall away more quickly. <p.108>

Wisdom without emotion is not wisdom at all. Just as night and day are different, it is something entirely different. For example, consider antisocial personality disorder. The hallmark of this disorder is a lack of compassion, but not all psychopaths become murderers. In fact, most psychopaths adapt perfectly to society and live completely ordinary lives. Some are even highly intelligent and serve as models of success. But can we really call such people wise? <p.120>

One of the key findings of this study is that the desire to help others does not simply arise with age. Rather, significant life events have a greater influence on the development of this desire than current stress levels or emotional functioning. In other words, the desire to help others is a reward gained through suffering. In fact, after experiencing great personal pain and loss, we are better able to understand what others are going through?because we have experienced it ourselves. There is a saying: "Before you judge someone, walk about a mile in their shoes." <p.143>

The traces of time are left all over the body, and the brain is no exception. Brain cells die, and the speed of information processing slows down. However, it has only recently been discovered that the brain’s plasticity is largely maintained even in old age. Our brains seek ways to function with whatever resources are available at any given time, and when we reach old age and can no longer solve complex mental tasks as easily as before, we find alternative ways. In some cases, these alternatives can even be better than the original methods. This is the essence of wisdom. <p.214>

Reflection enables us to make decisions by considering both the good and bad aspects of ourselves and our environment. However, this does not mean that one must possess all the elements of wisdom to the highest degree in order to be wise. Too much of a good thing can actually become harmful. Excessive reflection can make us so self-absorbed that we pay little attention to anyone else. Excessive empathy or an unwillingness to accept uncertainty can also lead to helplessness, leaving us paralyzed when action is needed. As with most things, the key is to find moderation and balance. <p.345>

No one would claim that a society becomes wise only when the proportion of wise members reaches the level of herd immunity. Not only is that impossible, but in my view, it is unnecessary. Nevertheless, wisdom shares certain characteristics with infectious diseases: it can be transmitted from one person to another, and then to yet another, in countless ways?often unconsciously and in fragments. In the process, it evolves and adapts. It can be cultivated, nurtured, and grown by anyone, anywhere. And what may seem insignificant at first can quickly exceed all expectations. <p.419>

The Secret of What We Call Wisdom | Written by Dilip Jeste and Scott LaFee | Translated by Je Hyo-young | 476 pages | Gimmyoung Publishers | 23,000 KRW