Michael Vlerick

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Who is Michael Vlerick?

Michael Vlerick is a philosopher of science at Tilburg University. In his work, he applies the theory of evolution to important philosophical domains, such as knowledge, society and happiness. He aims to make philosophy accessible to a wide audience and hopes to contribute to a happier and more harmonious society. He is known as a particularly inspiring, enthusiastic and lucid speaker.

He has written three books for a wider audience: ‘Why we are not happier: From selfish genes to the art of a freer life', “Critical and Scientific Thinking: A Brief Introduction” (free pdf available) and “The Second Alienation: The Age of Global Cooperation”.

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    Why we are not happier: From selfish genes to the art of a freer life

    Why does criticism linger longer than a compliment? Why do we devise countless doomsday scenarios for the future? Why do we fall prey to stress, depression, impulsivity, addiction and jealousy so easily? Why are we not happier, even when objectively we have every reason to be?

    All these questions have the same answer: because of our genetic programming. We are evolutionarily, unfortunately, not made to be permanently happy. On the contrary, our evolutionary heritage saddles us with chronic dissatisfaction and gloom.

    So are we doomed to be unhappy? Not at all. Despite our nature, happiness is indeed possible. In this keynote, Michael shows you how to take your destiny into your own hands. Michael translates age-old insights and practices - from Buddhism to Stoicism - into a concrete plan, focusing on the power of meditation and modern breakthroughs in the science of happiness.

    Experts on book:

    ‘With this book you will break free from your genes and discover the path to a freer and happier existence.’- Steven Laureys, neurologist and author

    ‘Hopeful for the pervasive Western man.’ - Dirk De Wachter, psychiatrist and author ‘From Aristotle to the Dalai Lama: the question of what makes us happy is one we all ask ourselves.Michael Vlerick crystal clear interprets the answer of science and reason.'

    'In the endless stream of opinions on happiness and unhappiness, Michael Vlerick's book is a rock. Clear, well-founded, inspiring, original and daring.' Johan Braeckman, philosopher and author.

    The era of global cooperation

    For the second time in our history, technology has radically changed the way we live together. After the ‘first alienation’ that came as a result of exponential population growth after the agricultural revolution, a ‘second alienation’ is now taking place: the groups in which we live together are no longer separate. Globalisation has increasingly fused them together. To tackle global problems such as climate change or overpopulation, we need to work together on a global scale for the first time.

    Fortunately, humans are programmed to cooperate. It is in his nature. But to cooperate globally, he must move beyond his innate ‘tribalism’. The current political context in which free-riding behaviour reigns supreme shows that this is not easy. In this keynote, I argue that there is indeed a way forward, that efficient and legitimate global cooperation is not a naive dream. More than that, the time is ripe for it. For the first time in history, humans can take their evolution into their own hands. We must seize that opportunity and create a new global social contract.

    A global model of cooperation in which citizens have a real say.

    Critical thinking

    Humans are predictably irrational! In this keynote, I will take you on a fascinating journey through the hidden twists and turns of our thinking. With surprising and entertaining examples, I show where and why our thinking often goes wrong. But more importantly, I give you the tools to recognise these thinking errors and arm yourself against them. Finally, I elaborate on the great importance of critical thinking, not only for your personal life, but also for society as a whole. An inspiring and enlightening lecture that will change your view on our thinking and on the world!

This is a brilliant keynote and book that should have a prominent place in every living room but also in every classroom. Those who read this will understand humanity, and therefore themselves, and also learn what can be done about it. Truly an eye-opener!

Koenraad De Maaschalk

Very refreshing and thought provoking; Appeals to action! Very enriching subject ! Speaker overachieved my expectations. Excellent speaker; very good Q&A.

Audience

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Some books deserve to be put in the spotlight again and this book is one of those! It was published in 2019. We learn a lot about what drove and drives Homo Sapiens, but above all, Vlerick describes a means to improve today's world by working together in such a way that peace becomes normal and poverty, the climate problem and mass migration are tackled! We should hope that all world leaders read this book and even local politicians can learn from Vlerick how to tackle e.g. mass migration. In fact, we should all read it!

Gerda Sterk