Face It!

Commentaries on emotion, facial expression, deception and compassion
Paul Ekman, Ph.D.

Anger Can Be Useful

So you have an anger problem. Did you know that there are benefits to experiencing and expressing anger? Here's how to use your anger for good.

Life as Our Ancestors Lived It

In most of the time human beings have lived on Earth, it was in circumstances different from those we encounter now.

Officials Who Break the Rules

Why officials who break the rules think they can get away with it.

Respectful Disagreements

With the holidays upon us after one of the most controversial elections, here are some tips on how to engage in respectful disagreements.
Paul Ekman

Nonverbal Messages: Cracking the Code

Lifting the curtain to reveal the who, the why, and the how of scientific pursuits...

Despair and Exaltation: Our Country Divided

This election season has resulted in a myriad of extreme emotions for many. Dr. Ekman discusses what to do now.
iStock

The President's Personality

Are there certain personality traits that help predict the success of a president? Do our current candidates embody these?
Paul Ekman

Constructive Anger

Do you use anger constructively? The Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman weigh in.

Emblematic Slips

Did you know that a shoulder shrug may be an indication of lying? Certain subtle body movements may be more revealing than you think.

Should We Want a President Who Can’t or Won’t Lie?

When it comes to lies, not all are created equal. At what point do we accept that some lies are beneficial, especially when it comes to our leaders?

Should We Limit What We Take on as We Near Death?

We will all age and we all will die; we just don’t know when or how. Does that matter? How should we spend our remaining days?
Paul Ekman

How I Became Friends With the Dalai Lama

A friendship with the Dalai Lama is no small matter, even when you're a world renowned psychologist.

Should We Torture Suspected Terrorists?

Weighing in on the use of torture as an interrogation tactic for suspected terrorists.
Paul Ekman

Why I Don’t Call the Dalai Lama “Your Holiness”

To the world, he's referred to as "His Holiness the Dalai Lama".
Wikimedia Commons

Our Emotional Reactions to Terrorism

Here's how to untangle the confusing array of emotions we feel in the aftermath of terrorist attacks.
Paul Ekman

Introducing the Atlas of Emotions

Backed by funding from the Dalai Lama, read about our new Atlas of Emotions.
InnervisionMedia/Shutterstock

How We Spot Liars Today

On facial recognition technology, using it to detect malicious intent, and problems that could arise.

#AskEkman: How Do I Become a Facial Expression Expert?

Paul Ekman answers the popular question 'How do I become a facial expression expert?' in his new #AskEkman blog series.

Is Snowden Lying?

What does Edward Snowden's recent NBC interview with Brian Williams say about the various claims about the state of privacy in the United States?

Who Should Know How You Are Feeling?

Paul Ekman writes on facial recognition technology, privacy concerns, and the urgent need to establish guidelines. Read more Dr. Ekman's blog, Face It!

Global Compassion and the Nigerian Schoolgirls

Why do we care when we see the Nigerian schoolgirls who are the prisoners of Boko Haram?

Spotting Poker Bluffs

On spotting poker bluffs, testing poker winners' ability to detect deception, and whether lie catching is needed or justifiable.