Reflections on people, culture, creativity and the possibilities we discover along the way.
Goutam BasakFounder · Infonity
From the conversations.
4 articles · Select a row to read
01Thinking & wisdom
What Does It Really Mean to Be Smart? Intellect, Intelligence, and Wisdom
Prof. Art MarkmanExpandCollapse
Prof. Art Markman Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing, University of Texas
Major Takeaways
Smartness is Process-Based and Context-Dependent
Rather than an inherent trait or quick wit, being smart is an adaptable mental process. Intelligence varies by circumstance—a PhD professor may lack basic mechanic skills, making the car mechanic the ‘smart’ person in a breakdown context. Curiosity serves as the engine for this process, building a rich reservoir of knowledge long before specific problems arise.
Revisiting Schooling, Labels, and Intelligence Types
Traditional academic systems reward a narrow band of traits, particularly ‘fluid intelligence’ (mental processing speed and focus) while often penalizing kinesthetic or easily distracted learners who possess high potential. True competence relies equally on ‘crystallized intelligence’ (accumulated knowledge) and dynamic engagement with the world rather than fixed classroom labels.
Wisdom, Openness, and Emotional Intuition
Wisdom extends beyond intellectual processing by embedding ethical values, team orientation, and broad cultural openness into decision-making. Truly smart thinking requires listening to emotional ‘spidey senses’ so that choices both think right and feel right, while remaining open to evaluating unfamiliar or opposing viewpoints before passing judgment.
Overcoming Perfectionism and Defining Real-World Value
Procrastination typically stems from a fear of making mistakes rather than laziness. Real-world effectiveness favors launching imperfect solutions (a ‘B-minus’ effort) and iterating over waiting for perfection. Ultimately, genuine smartness is defined by reliability, practical effectiveness, and a consistent capacity to help others solve complex problems.
Health & Healthcare – Is Doing the Right Thing Always the Right Decision?
Prof. Jonathan IvesExpandCollapse
Prof. Jonathan Ives Professor of Bioethics, Bristol Medical School
Major Takeaways
Empirical Bioethics and Grounded Realities
Unlike traditional, purely theoretical philosophy that relies on abstract logic, empirical bioethics starts by studying how people actually experience and live ethical problems in the real world. This methodology bridges the gap between high-level ethical theory and practical healthcare applications.
The Reality of AI in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence in medicine is still relatively nascent rather than functioning like magic. While tools like ambient scribes successfully save clinician time by automating notes, complex AI systems acting as diagnostic or triage aids place clinicians in a tough position due to the ‘black box’ phenomenon—where recommendations cannot be fully interrogated or explained.
Moral Distress, Dilemmas, and Moral Residue
Moral distress occurs when institutional barriers or conflicting obligations prevent practitioners from taking the right action. Genuine ethical dilemmas—such as balancing the duty to preserve life against relieving terminal pain—inevitably leave behind ‘moral residue,’ a lingering sense of emotional weight even when the correct choice was made. Experiencing this distress signifies a healthy, engaged moral conscience rather than a flaw.
Patient Autonomy, Best Interests, and Uncertainty
When patients lose capacity, substitute judgment and best-interest determinations attempt to mirror what the individual would have wanted based on known values, though absolute perfection is impossible. Furthermore, healthcare decisions frequently involve balancing probabilities and personal values (such as quality versus quantity of life) rather than chasing a single absolute ‘truth.’
Navigating Information Overload with Healthy Skepticism
Modern individuals face a constant barrage of health advice, wellness advertisements, and unverified digital information. Rather than falling into paralyzing cynicism or following institutional or digital advice blindly, the most sustainable approach is to cultivate a critically skeptical mindset—remaining open to evidence while carefully scrutinizing claims.
Can Ordinary People Recognise Suicide Risk Before It's Too Late?
Prof. Philip BatterhamExpandCollapse
Prof. Philip Batterham Professor of Health Psychology, Australian National University
Major Takeaways
The Varied Timecourse of Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal ideation does not follow a single pathway. For some, it is a sudden, brief experience fluctuating over minutes or hours; for others, it is a chronic, long-term struggle spanning years. Most people who experience thoughts of suicide never attempt it, and most who attempt do not die by suicide.
Predicting Behavior and the Role of Suicide Capability
Standard mental health conditions like depression or anxiety are weak direct predictors of who will transition from thoughts to attempts. Instead, risk is influenced by ‘suicide capability’—a high tolerance for physical pain, low fear of death, and past exposure to trauma or self-harm—coupled with situational access to lethal means.
Recognizing Signs and Asking Direct Questions
Warning signs can include social withdrawal, giving away possessions, or talking about ending things, though these are not always obvious. The only reliable way to know if someone is struggling is to ask directly. Explicitly asking about suicide does not plant the idea or increase distress; instead, it typically brings immense relief and normalizes the conversation.
Interpersonal Theories of Suicide
Contemporary psychological models highlight two core drivers of suicidal desire: perceived burdensomeness (feeling like a burden to others) and thwarted belongingness (profound isolation or lack of social connection). When combined with distress and capability, these factors elevate risk.
Barriers to Help-Seeking and Digital Interventions
Stigma, fear of consequences, and privacy concerns in tight-knit or rural communities often prevent people from seeking professional care. While evidence-based digital mental health tools and self-guided online interventions cannot entirely replace human clinicians, they serve as crucial, accessible adjuncts for individuals who face barriers or are hesitant to seek traditional support.
Unlocking Mental Wealth: The Science of Resilience & Holistic Well-being
Dr. Amit Ranjan BiswasExpandCollapse
Dr. Amit Ranjan Biswas Consultant Psychiatrist & Holistic Well-being Coach
Major Takeaways
Defining Resilience as a Dynamic Process
Resilience is far more than an inborn trait; it is a dynamic capacity to adapt, navigate adversity, learn from challenges, and bounce back or ‘bounce forward.’ It functions as an inner muscle that can be cultivated and strengthened through consistent, evidence-based practices and a growth mindset.
Attachment Styles and Parenting
Parenting styles deeply shape a child's psychological template. While authoritarian (control-heavy) parenting produces compliance at the cost of confidence, authoritative parenting combines healthy boundaries with emotional attunement, flexibility, and love. Secure early attachment styles build robust psychological foundations for future resilience.
The Power of High-Quality Social Connections
Human connection is a cornerstone of well-being and stress protection. Research on ‘charismatic adults’ shows that even one compassionate, supportive mentor or high-quality relationship can profoundly mitigate the long-term impact of childhood trauma, serving as an emotional ‘radiator’ that nurtures personal growth.
Self-Regulation and the STOP Strategy
Managing acute stress and navigating stormy adolescent years requires self-regulation rather than reactive escalation. Practicing physiological calming techniques (such as box breathing or vagus nerve stimulation) alongside structured frameworks like the STOP strategy—Stop, Take a breath, Observe, and Proceed to coping—helps individuals break out of impulsive fight-or-flight loops.
Mindful Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is an essential mental skill rather than a wishy-washy concept. By replacing harsh self-criticism with kindness during failures, recognizing common humanity (realizing everyone struggles), and treating oneself with the patience of a best friend, individuals can significantly improve their emotional resilience, confidence, and physical health.
From Mental Illness to Mental Wealth and Gratitude
True well-being requires moving beyond a narrow, symptom-reduction medical model toward a holistic framework of ‘mental wealth’ that integrates physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Cultivating daily gratitude—acknowledging life's ordinary gifts through reflection, journaling, or tactile practices—fundamentally rewires the brain and anchors long-term resilience.
