Gossip and reputation make sure that what comes around-a person who is cruel will find that the others are cruel hack to him, and a person who is kind will find others are kind in return. Gossip paired with reciprocity allow karma to work here on earth, not in the next life. - Jonathan Haidt
The most powerful force ever known on this planet is human cooperation — a force for construction and destruction. - Jonathan Haidt
Sports is to war as pornography is to sex. - Jonathan Haidt
Many species reciprocate, but only humans gossip, and much of what we gossip about is the vale of other people as partners for reciprocal relationships. - Jonathan Haidt
Nothing is miserable unless you think it so; and on the other hand, nothing brings happiness unless you are content with it. - Jonathan Haidt
Scandal is great entertainment because it allows people to feel contempt, a moral emotion that gives feeling of moral superiority while asking nothing in return. - Jonathan Haidt
Asking children to grow virtues hydroponically, looking only within themselves for guidance, is like asking each one to invent a personal language―a pointless and isolating task if there is no community with whom to speak. - Jonathan Haidt
Loyalty, respect for authority and some degree of sanctification create a more binding social order that places some limits on individualism and egoism. - Jonathan Haidt
Religiosity developed because successful religions made groups more efficient at turning resources into offspring." (including art, cathedrals, cities, earthworks, etc?) - Jonathan Haidt
When opponents of evolution object that human beings are not mere apes, they are correct. We are also part bee. - Jonathan Haidt
Once you understand the power of stimulus control, you can use it to your advantage by changing the stimuli in your environment and avoiding undesirable ones; or, if that's not possible, by filling your consciousness with thoughts about their less tempting aspects. - Jonathan Haidt