Lust makes you smarter and evidence that seven deadly sins are good for you

Good news for lovers on Valentine's Day - the seven deadly sins, including Lust, are good for you. University of Melbourne social psychologist Simon Laham uses modern research to make a compelling case for the virtues of living a sinful life in his latest book The Joy of Sin: The Psychology of the Seven Deadlies (And Why They Are So Good For You). Laham argues that human behavior is more complex than simple "good" or "evil" and shows us that Pride, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Envy, Sloth and Anger are not soul-condemning offenses, but ever-present and, if indulged wisely, are largely functional human tendencies. In particular, for lovers intent on indulging in a bit of lust this Valentine's Day, Laham reveals: Lust can make you smarter. Research shows that people with sex on the brain are better at solving 'analytic thinking' problems. Lust triggers us to become focused on the present and the details of satisfying a rather pressing current goal, namely sex. Lust makes you helpful.