What mechanisms underlie human virtue and how can we use science to FOSTER them?

David DeSteno

David studies the ways that emotions guide decisions and behaviors fundamental to social living. By examining moral and economic behaviors such as compassion and trust, cooperation and resilience, and dishonesty and prejudice, his work tries to illuminate how emotions can optimize our actions in favor of the greater good or, by virtue of bugs in the system, lead to suboptimal or biased outcomes. His research continually demonstrates the variability of moral behavior and aims to develop strategies to improve it. These efforts include working with public and private sector partners to design strategies meant to enhance individual and collective wellbeing.

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Latest Book

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How God Works

From Simon & Schuster

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Book Quotes

An exceptional and expertly researched study of the science of believing in the divine … This thorough, insightful study will convince readers that worship itself is a boon for mental and physical health.

— Publishers Weekly

What do you get when you cross spiritual wisdom with modern science? A whole bunch of smart ideas about how to live a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life. A delightful and illuminating read.

— Daniel Gilbert, Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, and the author ofStumbling on Happiness.

A masterful and continually surprising tour of how spiritual practices around the world anticipated the latest evidence-based insights from the science of behavior change ...

— Laurie Santos, Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology at Yale University and host of the Happiness Lab podcast

Clear, engaging, and very persuasive, How God Works will change the way you think about faith and science.

— Paul Bloom, Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology at Yale University, and the author of The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and The Search for Meaning.