Sign in

Greater Good Science Center

@greatergoodmag.bsky.social
259 followers 60 following 344 posts

Science-based resources for a compassionate and resilient society Based at UC Berkeley

PostsRepliesMedia
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Aging, chronic pain, and illness can bring a kind of grief we don’t often talk about. 💛 Here's what psychology teaches us about navigating changes in our bodies and finding meaning along the way. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
A person sits alone on a bench beneath two large trees, looking out over a sunlit lake toward hazy mountains in the distance. The trees frame the peaceful waterfront scene.
010
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Can consciousness exist without a body? Hope Reese talks with neuroscientist Antonio Damasio about the science of consciousness, how it works in the body, and how it aims to keep us alive. Read their conversation: greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item... @hopereese.com
011
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
What if love is the most powerful force to heal a fractured world and bring more meaning to our lives? Join the Greater Good Love Summit for an exciting day of science, stories, and inspiration! Continuing education credits & limited scholarships available. Register: bit.ly/GGLoveSummit #edusky
000
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
Will Rogers @spozbo.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Appreciated this 7-day joy intervention from @greatergoodmag.bsky.social — ggia.berkeley.edu/bigjoy/
ggia.berkeley.edu
The BIG JOY Project at Greater Good in Action
Join BIG JOY today. Try 7 daily micro-acts of JOY, discover what works best for you, and advance the global citizen science of JOY.
021
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Can community programs help reduce gun violence? New UC Berkeley research looks at how Richmond’s community-based approach helped reduce firearm violence. Originally published by @publichealth.berkeley.edu greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/it…
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Can Community Programs Reduce Gun Violence?
A new study finds that a gun violence program in Richmond, California, led to three times the national decline in violence.
031
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Living longer is one thing. How can we live better? Laura L. Carstensen reflects on what nearly two decades of longevity research can teach us about building healthier, more engaged lives at every age. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/it…
An individual hands a bouquet of bright yellow flowers to another person who is smiling warmly. Both are outdoors and dressed in light casual clothing.
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Our monthly Happiness Calendar is a day-by-day guide to well-being. This month, we hope it inspires you to invite someone to belong. 🤗 To open the clickable calendar, click on the image below. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Your Happiness & Connection Calendar for September 2026
This month, invite someone to belong.
120
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Comparing yourself to your partner isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 💛 It can help us better understand ourselves, our partners, and even grow together. New research explores when partner comparison can be a useful tool: greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item... @zachreese.bsky.social
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Do You Compare Yourself to Your Partner? It’s Not All Bad
Comparison may sometimes be the thief of joy, but it’s also an important tool for making predictions and decisions in our love lives.
010
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
"The next time a disagreement is brewing, instead of replying over text, try talking. Ten minutes of speaking could save you a lifetime of misunderstanding." greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Is Talking or Texting Better for Disagreements?
According to a new study, spoken conversations lead to more understanding, less conflict, and more openness to other opinions.
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
We hope your August is off to a positive start! ☀️ If you haven't had a chance to explore our monthly Happiness Calendar, it's a day-by-day guide to well-being designed to help you cultivate more joy. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
August 2026 Happiness Calendar from the Greater Good Science Center titled "This month, don't forget about joy." A colorful month-view calendar featuring one daily, science-backed well-being activity for each day of August. Activities include trying a new hobby, noticing other people's joy, having an open-minded conversation, listening to happy music, being willing to apologize, showing compassion, reflecting on where you come from, taking time to celebrate, smiling at a stranger, doing something you love, paying attention to nature, advocating for justice, taking care of your community, giving someone a compliment, imagining what forgiveness would feel like, working on a project with others, making space for difficult truths, and savoring time with loved ones.
020
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
What helps turn a stranger into a friend? 💙 New UC Berkeley research suggests oxytocin plays an important role in how we form close friendships. Read more: greatergood.berkeley...
000
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
National Book Critics Circle @bookcritics.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
NBCC member Hope Reese wrote about Justine van der Leun’s "Unreasonable Women" for Greater Good Magazine:
buff.ly
Why Do So Many Women Go to Prison After Surviving Domestic Violence?
A new book investigates how the U.S. criminal justice system targets survivors of domestic violence to prosecute them for fighting back.
011
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
The Conversation U.S. @us.theconversation.com · 30/07/2026
What if the fastest way to be more creative... was to stop trying so hard? Neuroscientists have been scanning the brains of musicians, and what they found might change how you think about creativity (thread ⬇️)
theconversation.com
What I found when I scanned the brains of kids creating tunes on the piano
Playing improv music activates the reward system of the brain.
1166
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Who is your role model and what is the role they have played in shaping where and who you are today? This is such an inspiring episode... excited to share it with you! Find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts: greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/ite... podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Why You Can’t Do It Alone
Can anyone truly succeed alone? We explore how role models, mentors, and strong social support make upward mobility far more possible than grit alone.
100
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
New research explores how positive leadership may help reduce burnout, improve collaboration, and strengthen relationships within police departments and the communities they serve. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
"Kindness is swirling all around us, but the perception by ordinary people is that it's not." A new Gallup poll suggests Americans experience and witness more kindness than we might expect. greatergood.berkeley...
010
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Can humor help us become more present, connected, and resilient? 😄 Join comedian, author, and podcaster Chris Duffy and GGSC's Kelly Rafferty, Ph.D., for a live conversation on the science of humor and how laughter can help us navigate life's challenges. Free! www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-go...
010
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Fear may grab our attention, but research suggests joy is what helps us make sustainable climate choices. 🎧 In this new episode, scientists share how reframing climate action around happiness instead of guilt helps us build healthier habits. greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/ite... (1/7)
static.klipy.com
Detailed Spinning World Globe
Alt: Detailed Spinning World Globe
100
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Our monthly Happiness Calendar is a day-by-day guide to well-being. This month, we hope it helps you build a better future together. 🌎 Get for the free clickable calendar here: greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
July Happiness Calendar
010
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
When I turned 40, I kept waiting for the narrative around middle age to catch up with me—the whole “downhill from here” thing. It never did. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Why Midlife Might Actually Be Awesome
From stronger relationships to deeper purpose, research finds that midlife may come with unexpected gains.
040
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
Dr. Eileen Borris @politicalforgive2.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Reconciliation in Rwanda is just one example of what can happen when people come together in dialog to create forgiveness and reconstruction. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Is There Hope for Forgiveness After Group Violence?
Reconciliation work in Rwanda can serve as a model for what political forgiveness could look like between groups in conflict.
121
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
What does forgiveness look like after the worst loss imaginable? When Maria's brother was killed, she was left with a difficult request he had made years before: forgive the person responsible, and help others do the same. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
How I Practiced Forgiveness When It Hurt the Most
When "the Compassion Guy" was killed, his sister was presented with the ultimate test of forgiveness and compassion.
021
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
You know social media affects your mood. But do you know why and what's actually happening in your brain? greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
How Social Media Brings Out the Worst in Us
A new book argues that social media does more harm than good and we might be happier and healthier using it less.
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Why does soccer make people happier? "There’s also a psychological phenomenon known as basking in reflected glory (BIRGing)... The thought is, ‘Because I’m associating with winners, I get glory as well.'" www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a715364...
womenshealthmag.com
There’s a Science-Backed Reason Soccer Makes People So Happy—And It’s Not What You Think
Come for the sports talk, stay for the BIRG-ing, collective effervescence, and emotional contagion discussion.
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Although we are wired to connect with others, we don’t always prioritize social connection in the midst of our busy lives. Here are some specific, science-based activities for cultivating more social connection... (1/5)
100
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Write the sentence: “I come from a place where…” and pause briefly before continuing. Let the words that follow come from memory, feeling, or imagery—whatever shows up first. greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/ite...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Happiness Break: Where Did You Come From? A Guided Reflection Practice
Indigenous artist Lyla June Johnston leads a five-minute freewriting exercise about our personal journeys. Autobiographical writing has been shown to help us do better in relationships and feel more s...
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Repeated studies find that children’s media can reduce prejudice and increase self-confidence if what’s being shown is inclusive and thoughtfully engaged with. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
What Research Says About Gender Representation in Children’s TV
Research suggests inclusive representation can support empathy, identity development, and belonging.
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Robichaud refers to apologies as “psychological vitamins”—that’s how good for parents and children he believes them to be. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
What Happens When Parents Say “I Was Wrong”
Accountability matters in family relationships. Here's what research says about getting it right.
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
“When life feels chaotic, acting on our values, even in small ways, can restore a sense of direction,” says psychologist Pninit Russo-Netzer. “Not because circumstances improve, but because we remember who we are within them.” greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
How to Find Inner Resolve in Times of Upheaval
Amid ongoing social, governmental, and climate crises, small values-driven actions help to keep us afloat.
021
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
Ibrahim Khan @iakhan13.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
On Juneteenth, Black Women Reflect on Seeking Freedom… greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
On Juneteenth, Black Women Reflect on Seeking Freedom Outside the U.S.
Black women can find relief when they leave the United States to live abroad—but do they find liberation?
011
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
What can a singing bird, a neighborhood walk, and a pair of puppet adventurers teach us about awe? Sit down with Wowsabout! creators Dorien Davies and Halle Stanford to discuss helping kids—and grownups—find wonder wherever they are. greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/ite... #edusky
greatergood.berkeley.edu
How To Find the Wow In Life
What can a singing bird, a neighborhood walk, and a pair of puppet adventurers teach us about awe? Sit down with Wowsabout! creators Dorien Davies and Halle Stanford to discuss helping kids—and ...
000
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
nationalnonprofits.bsky.social @nationalnonprofits.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
How Do You Learn to Care When Caring Is Your Job? - Training people across differences ~ Greater Good Magazine
greatergood.berkeley.edu
How Do You Learn to Care When Caring Is Your Job?
See how a pharmacy school is teaching students to step outside their comfort zones and care for patients with different backgrounds, beliefs, and access to power.
011
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
"When people experience emotions as a group, those feelings tend to be more intense & long-lasting. And few shared experiences can match the emotional ups & downs of cheering for a pro sports team..." greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
How My Daughter and I Connected Over the Knicks
A shared love of the Knicks gave us a common language, strengthened our relationship, and taught us lessons about belonging, resilience, and joy.
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
When someone hurts you, are you more likely to turn the other cheek—or seek revenge? Take our quiz to find out. greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Forgiveness Quiz
When someone hurts you, are you more likely to turn the other cheek—or seek revenge?
010
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
"As elite athletes and endurance experts know, going 110% without respite often sets up a crash that takes months or even years to overcome." Here are some ideas for how to pace our energy more deliberately from Elizabeth Svoboda: greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
Athlete running a marathon in motion blur
000
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
UC Berkeley @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
🎧 Berkeley Talks: Can awe help kids thrive? Hear the creators of Jim Henson Company’s new PBS Kids’ puppet special “Wowsabout” and @greatergoodmag.bsky.social researchers discuss how wonder shapes resilience, learning and prosocial behavior. bit.ly/3SqSKky
bit.ly
Berkeley Talks: Why kids need awe — and how puppets can help - Berkeley News
Creators of the new Jim Henson Company puppet special “Wowsabout” join researchers from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center to discuss the complex psychology of wonder as a powerful tool for ear...
061
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy (AICT) @aict.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Resilience isn't just something you build alone. Social resilience requires us to work together and acknowledge shared struggles beyond individual coping. Learn 3 ways you can help your community become more resilient in the face of collective challenges. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
What Is Social Resilience—and How Can You Foster It?
Some problems are felt by many, and just can’t be solved by one person.
011
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
UC Berkeley @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
How do we truly connect across deep divides? Hear @upenn.edu’s Political Empathy Lab director and a Bowie State University sociologist share actionable ways to build shared humanity on the latest @greatergoodmag.bsky.social Science of Happiness episode. bit.ly/4eg0KfL
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Finding Common Ground in Uncomfortable Times
Across school campuses and communities, students and educators are discovering how listening, curiosity, and everyday conversations can open pathways across differences and help restore a sense of sha...
021
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
nationalnonprofits.bsky.social @nationalnonprofits.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
"At a time of uncertainty, Gen Z’s creativity, compassion, and commitment to change offer reasons for optimism." ~ Greater Good Magazine This Grad Season, the Future Might Be in Good Hands After All
greatergood.berkeley.edu
This Grad Season, the Future Might Be in Good Hands After All
At a time of uncertainty, Gen Z’s creativity, compassion, and commitment to change offer reasons for optimism.
022
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
Ozge Ugurlu @ozgeugurlu.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Thrilled to see our work with Dacher Keltner featured in The New York Times! www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/w...
nytimes.com
What It Means to Be ‘Touch-Starved’
011
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
How strong is your curiosity today? To find out—and discover ways you can strengthen it like a muscle—take this quiz curated by Scott Shigeoka. greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Curiosity Quiz
Do you seek a deeper understanding of yourself, others, and the world?
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
How do we learn to truly communicate with people who are deeply different than us? In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we follow students and educators practicing the skills of empathy and courageous listening in classrooms and on the road. 🎧 bit.ly/43OAbJx
bit.ly
Finding Common Ground in Uncomfortable Times
Across school campuses and communities, students and educators are discovering how listening, curiosity, and everyday conversations can open pathways across differences and help restore a sense of sha...
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Our monthly Happiness Calendar is a day-by-day guide to well-being. This month, we hope it helps you slow down and connect. Download the clickable calendar here: greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Your Happiness Calendar for June 2026
This month, slow down and connect.
010
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
"Ultimately, none of us know what the future holds. We are building it in the present, every day. With these idealistic, creative, community minded young people joining the ranks of changemakers, I feel optimistic for the first time in a while." greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item... #edusky
greatergood.berkeley.edu
This Grad Season, the Future Might Be in Good Hands After All
At a time of uncertainty, Gen Z’s creativity, compassion, and commitment to change offer reasons for optimism.
000
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
What if you could fall in love, or forge deep connections, in just 45 minutes? Try these 36 questions with your partner to see if you can strengthen your connection. greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/ite...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Episode 121: 36 Questions to Spark Intimacy
What if you could fall in love, or forge deep connections, in just 45 minutes? Our guests, Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg of By The Book podcast, try out 36 questions with their partners to see...
111
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
When it comes to navigating work and family, it may be more helpful to begin with a different question: What gives my life a sense of purpose? greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Are You Struggling with Work-Family Balance? Let Purpose Guide You
Focusing on what matters most can help ease the stress of competing work and family demands.
020
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy (AICT) @aict.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Becoming a better listener starts with one simple question: What am I listening for right now? Discover practical strategies to sharpen your listening and strengthen every conversation: greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
What You’re Listening For (And What You Might Be Missing)
A research-backed way to catch your default listening and respond with more care across differences.
021
Greater Good Science Center @greatergoodmag.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
How strong is your sense of purpose? To find out—and discover steps for strengthening it—take this quiz, which is primarily based on the Claremont Purpose Scale developed by psychologists Kendall Bronk, Brian Riches, and Susan Mangan. greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Purpose in Life Quiz
Do you have a long-term goal that's meaningful to yourself and the world?
010
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
Beacon Press @beaconpress.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Radical unlearning is a very different kind of tool than the dominant narrative of: We should talk to each other across the aisle. @lewispants.bsky.social reminds us that it’s also an empowering tool. @greatergoodmag.bsky.social
buff.ly
The Surprising Ways Love Opens Our Minds
A new book argues that when we are in loving relationships with others, we’re better able to unlearn prejudice and other habitual thought patterns.
032
Reposted by Greater Good Science Center
Cole Haddon @colehaddon.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Psychologist DACHER KELTNER joins 5AM StoryTalk to dive deep into the biological necessity of awe, how screens and hyper-individualism can handicap how we find it & why contemporary Hollywood trends in storytelling — and the decline of communal moviegoing — have deprived us of vital routes to awe.
colehaddon.substack.com
Psychologist Dacher Keltner | The Cultural Necessity of Awe
We've traded collective wonder for isolated screens and our art is paying the price - but what if reclaiming awe can heal us and transform our storytelling?
011