About Me
I am a physician and behavioral scientist. My research and writing explore the quirks in human nature that influence our lives -- the mixture of rational and irrational forces that affect our health, our happiness, and the way our society functions. (more...)- Have a question or just want to get in touch? Email me at peter.ubel@duke.edu
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Category Archives: Revolutionary Thought
Revolutionary Thought
Bike riding is a lot like life. You spend a lot more time pulling yourself up hill than coasting down hill. So the key to happiness? Enjoy the climb!
Posted in Revolutionary Thought
Revolutionary Thought
I am on vacation in the warm April sun in southern Florida this week. Time to reflect on one of the best things about exercising on a bicycle.
You create your own breeze! Continue reading
Posted in Revolutionary Thought
Thought of the Day: Can someone stop Gail Collins from making “dog on the roof” jokes, please!

Is it possible for Gail Collins, New York Times op-ed columnist, to write an article about Mitt Romney without making a joke about him, as she describes it, “strapping his dog to the roof of his car”?
Posted in Revolutionary Thought
Thought of the day: On war
I drove behind a car today with a bumper sticker proclaiming “War is not the answer”. Well, doesn’t that depend on the question?

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Posted in Revolutionary Thought
Thought of the Day:
Would it be immoral for a Christian to lack faith in Tim Tebow?
Continue reading
Posted in Revolutionary Thought
Gossip and The New York Times
It was a confession, one that was perhaps more revealing than the confessor realized. Mark Leibovich, writing about Politico in The New York Times Magazine in April, felt the need to disclose that he had known Mike Allen, the subject … Continue reading
Posted in Revolutionary Thought
Mark McGwire: New Poster Child for Cognitive Dissonance
Answer = Himself Question = Who is Mark McGwire trying to deceive? It’s laughable, isn’t it. • He took steroids for “health reasons” • The drugs “didn’t help him” hit home runs • The “steroid era” made him do it … Continue reading
Posted in Revolutionary Thought
Equal Play for Equal Pay in Women’s Tennis
This year, for the first time, the Wimbledon Championship offered equal prize money to men and women, joining the U.S. Open more than 30 years after that tournament recognized the importance of equality between the sexes. Unfortunately, neither tournament has … Continue reading
Posted in Revolutionary Thought
The Wall Street Journal and Global Warming: Words of Caution
As person, I’ve always been a contrarian. To quote Bruce Springsteen: when they said sit down I stood up. As a scientist, I’ve wedded my contrarian nature with a healthy dose of skepticism. When the majority of people in my … Continue reading
Posted in Revolutionary Thought


