It can’t be emphasized too often that GDP, which is the preferred measure of economic output and “growth”, has become progressively less meaningful over time. Essentially, GDP mistakes money for prosperity. It counts the spending of money as economic “activity”, drawing no distinctions between how the money is spent, or whether the money itself has been earned, borrowed, airily promised for the future, or simply created out of the ether.

Me and My Feelings, explores a crucial part of what makes us human. Understanding our emotions can help us to become successful and healthy adults, yet they often operate beneath our awareness. Me and My Feelings explains our emotions and how they affect our mood, thinking, and behavior. Reading it, young people will discover all that scientists and researchers know, and also explore questions yet to be answered.

This book explores the mystery of our minds and memory. How do we remember? And how do we forget? Memories give us a sense of continuity between past and present. The more associations we have to something, the more important or meaningful it is, and the better we remember it. Memory is an important part of what makes us human. It is what gives us a past, illuminates our present and helps us orient to the future.

What We See and Don’t See explores perception. It will help young people learn how our brain makes sense of the world, how it simplifies and organizes information. They’ll discover how we see what we see and, sometimes, don’t see what is obviously in front of us; how our five senses can be “extended” and our perception enhanced. Seeking assistance does not mean you are less independent. It actually shows, you know how to use your self-control.

What’s the Catch? Explores the ways in which our thinking, feelings, and behavior are influenced by those around us. Sometimes this kind of influence is helpful, but at other times it ends up “shortchanging” us. Readers will learn to become more aware of the forces nudging and pushing them, as well as how to protect them-selves from unwanted and unhelpful influence.