For content related to psychology, how we learn, how we make decisions.

PEMD's Canon

Here I list what I like to call Peter's Canon: a list of books and articles I have read and consider important. If I get time, I will annotate at least some of them.

Cognitive sciences, behavior, psychology

Retirement is like playing Tetris

Submitted by PeterElias on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 00:05

After four decades in medicine, I retired from the active practice of primary care 15 months ago.  I still get asked at least once a day: “Well, how’s retirement treating you?” My usual reply is that it is a learning process. A more accurate response would be that it is like playing Tetris, but with pieces that change shape and rotate unpredictably as they fall.

(For those not of a certain age, here is Tetris:

Slow down, you move too fast

Submitted by PeterElias on Thu, 01/29/2015 - 06:00

Slow down, you move too fast.  It will all be over far too soon. 

 

I talked to a friend recently about a serious health experience. He had became ill suddenly and was hospitalized for six days. No one from his community came to visit. Only one person from work stopped by. No one called. He described being frightened by his illness and feeling vulnerable and alone in the hospital. He was devastated by what felt like abandonment in his time of crisis.

 

Results are not always the most important thing

Submitted by PeterElias on Mon, 12/22/2014 - 06:00

Lisl was very good high school skier but seemed not to have the race results she was capable of and everyone expected.  

In practice, it was clear she had great technique and a good motor, and could stay at the front without difficulty. In races, however, she would set out looking fantastic but come in near the end of the pack, beaten by skiers with much less ability than she, and seemed happy with her race.  It never seemed to bother her.  In fact, she never complained and was always one of the happiest in the van on the way home.b