Tools for Life
Tools for Life
What you’ll learn
Skills you’ll gain
Learning how to think like a scientist or a philosopher is helpful, but life is made up of much more than brain teasers or problem solving. In this course you’ll learn how to apply the knowledge of critical thinking to your everyday life. Your instructor is Michael Shermer, PhD, who has spent thirty years teaching and writing about the importance of critical thinking, and is passionate about helping people improve their lives using its tools. He’ll cover how to build a strong character and sense of self, as well as how to improve both your work life and personal life. You’ll also gain sage advice about finance, relationships, physical health, and even some tips for sorting out the meaning of life. All the tools have a built-in universality and can be applied to your particular situation. By completing this course, you’ll be well on your way to thinking more carefully and closely about how to live.
Syllabus
Download syllabus-
1
The first law of life We're all subject to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and the forces of entropy. 5m
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2
To thine own self be true You've probably been told to "be yourself." After this lesson you'll know what that means logically and practically so you can begin living it out. 5m
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3
Be antifragile It's tempting to avoid all potential stressors and dangers. 6m
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4
Be self-disciplined If you want to achieve more or just get your life in order, you'll need to cultivate self-discipline. 4m
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5
Action is character While personality tests may incline you to think your character is fixed, there's always room for change and growth. 4m
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6
Use therapy's tools Some sadness is a natural part of life. 6m
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7
Channel your inner psychopath Psychopaths understandably get a bad reputation. 4m
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8
Directing your future self Humans are highly prone to neglecting the future consequences of their present decisions. 5m
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9
Be the architect of your choices Willpower is only so strong. 6m
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10
Eat a variety of foods It seems every time you turn around, there's another fad diet promising health and immortality. 6m
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11
Be your own fitness instructor The amount of information on physical fitness can be overwhelming. 6m
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12
Be your own financial advisor Money can't buy happiness, but it can help with a lot. This lesson will give you some strategies so you can begin taking control of your own finances. 6m
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13
Build strong social networks You're probably underestimating the enormous benefit a strong social network can have on your health. 6m
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14
Sleep Scientists still don't understand all the reasons you need to sleep. 6m
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15
Find your meaning and purpose The biggest question in all of philosophy is sometimes thought to be, "What's the meaning of life?". 8m
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16
Be the master of your fate Life is very complicated, but some of the best advice for it is very simple. 7m
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1
Final thoughts 3m
Certificate
Certificate of Completion
Awarded upon successful completion of the course.
Instructor
Michael Shermer, PhD
Dr. Michael Shermer is a noted science writer, a professor, and the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine.Dr. Shermer also hosts the Science Salon Podcast and is a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University where he teaches Skepticism 101. For 18 years he was a monthly columnist for Scientific American. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers Why People Believe Weird Things and The Believing Brain, Why Darwin Matters, The Science of Good and Evil, and The Moral Arc His new book is Heavens on Earth: The Scientific Search for the Afterlife, Immortality, and Utopia. Learn more at michaelshermer.com
Michael Shermer, PhD
Science Writer, Professor, Publisher of Skeptic Magazine
Accreditations
Link to awards
How GoSkills helped Chris
I got the promotion largely because of the skills I could develop, thanks to the GoSkills courses I took. I set aside at least 30 minutes daily to invest in myself and my professional growth. Seeing how much this has helped me become a more efficient employee is a big motivation.
