The Joy of Deep Thinking: Rediscovering the Ultimate Human Capacity Before It Disappears

How can we reclaim our capacity for depth in a world that demands we stay on the surface?

We are currently caught in a pincer movement. On one side, our focus is being shredded by a relentless "always-on" culture and social expectations of constant connectivity. We are pressured to do more, faster, and with less, forcing us into a state of perpetual high-speed skimming. On the other side, generative AI has arrived not just as a new distraction, but as a seductive "easy button" for the mind.

This combination creates a dangerous feedback loop: as our fragmented attention makes the struggle of deep thought feel more difficult, we are increasingly tempted to outsource our synthesis, creativity, and critical judgment to automation. As we delegate the "heavy lifting" of the mind, we lose not just our time, but our ability to wonder, the drive to find meaning, and the very depth that define us as humans.

Dr. Nicolò F. Bernardi argues that deep thinking is our most vital human capacity and a profound source of fulfillment. In this session, he will map out the forces atrophying our attention and offer a roadmap for reclaiming your contemplative muscles.

We will explore how to resist the demand for speed and the lure of outsourcing, ensuring that independent, sustained focus remains a central pillar of human flourishing. The goal is to move beyond mere reaction and rediscover the inherent joy of a capable mind.

Nicolò Francesco Bernardi, Ph.D., PCC, is a neuroscientist, licensed psychologist, and coordinator for the Centre for Human Flourishing at Concordia University. A member of the research team at the Presencing Institute, Nicolò bridges cognitive neuroscience with narrative coaching to help individuals reclaim their mental sovereignty. He is the founder of the Take Control! program, a science-backed system for mastering digital habits and restoring dopamine balance. Having coached over 1,000 clients and published 20+ research papers on brain-body interactions, Nicolò specializes in translating complex neuroscience into actionable strategies for focus, resilience, and intentional living in an AI-driven world.

To find out more about Nicolò's work, visit his website: https://www.nicolofrancescobernardi.com/

In a time marked by growing mental health pressures, uncertainty about the future of work, and increasing polarization, the Center for Human Flourishing lecture series equips students, faculty, staff, and community members with research-informed tools to move beyond coping toward flourishing.

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