I want to study human cognition (actually I already do), but there's no money in it. Yet, anyway.

What meaningfulness do you feel can be found in human cognition in relation to a 'bigger picture'? What is the end-all, be-all that you imagine?

Some parts of human intelligence can translate to machine intelligence (like how neurons inspired deep learning). Also, new ways of modeling and treating mental illness. Those are just the first two that come to mind.

So what?

(I’m asking rhetorically, what I really want to know is why this is meaningful to you, but ask yourself that question as though I was being irreverent to your ambitions and let me know what comes out).

Something is inherently cool to me about solving deep mysteries, I guess.

You’ve got my attention now. I’ve been treading a similar path myself…what if the bigger picture involved a component that was indifferent (or fundamentally inverse) to intelligence?

Do you keep up with current events? Is there much to say in support of the intellect of the general public and is it worthwhile to technologically equip the ignorant with simulated rations of reason?

Why is it that those deemed to possess cognitive faculties of abberance seem to be the deepest thinkers & possess a greater capacity for zeal and determination than those we are supposed to believe possess more “normal” minds (as in their intellect and their conduct is deemed desirable)?

Is this a case you’re willing to confront? Or am I begging you to question.

If traits like "neuroticism", which would result from the very mental illnesses that psychotherapy promises to address, constitute personality, isn't it obvious that psychotherapy should change it? Why is anyone acting surprised?

Neuroticism in the context of personality is not necessarily the same as having a mental illness or being "neurotic." There is some crossover between the behavior of someone we would describe as "neurotic" and someone with "high neuroticism" on the big five, but as a matter of personality, high neuroticism simply means that you worry more and tend to see things in a more negative, realistic way.

This carries obvious advantages in certain contexts as long as it is tempered and doesn't get out of hand. It has lots of disadvantages too, especially in the job market, but all personality traits have a downside if you score too highly. If you are too open, you can fail to weigh and measure risks properly. If you are too agreeable, people will walk all over you. If you are too extroverted, it can create dependency issues and alienation. If you are too conscientious, you can end up so consumed by the minutiae of life that you miss important, big picture ideas.