I read. I watch. I think. Then I write.

Essays on books, films, and ideas about human nature — by Jay Patel

Recent Writing

Whiplash — Intimidation in Vignette, Liberation in the Final Beat

A deep dive into the psychological warfare of Jazz, exploring how cinematography and tyrant-like instruction push a drummer to the brink of greatness.

FilmsBehaviorReviewHuman NaturePsychology

4 minMar 2026

Black, White, and Every Shade of Doubt: 12 Angry Men (1957)

A 1957 black-and-white film that dissects human bias, group pressure, and the fragility of certainty better than most modern cinema.

FilmsBehaviorSocietyReviewHuman Nature

5 minMar 2026

Sapiens Is Smart, But Is It Wise?

Harari explains how we got here — but does he answer whether any of it made us happier?

BooksHuman NatureHistorySocietyReview

6 minMar 2026

View all writing →

Right now —

— Reading: Sapiens (finishing), next up TBD

— Preparing: CAT 2026

— Writing: Next essay in progress