Animals
idea
You can think like an animal by silencing your chattering brain
The desire is partly whimsical, but a brief shapeshift across the taxonomic gulf could help us better empathise with animals
by Bryony Tolhurst
Death and dying
idea
As a society, we’re not death phobic, we’re death complacent
Our culture is routinely diagnosed with an excessive fear of mortality. A calm look at the evidence tells a different story
by Ingemar Patrick Linden
Compassion and empathy
guide
How to see the humanity in anyone
Practising a form of ‘deep curiosity’ can help you connect with yourself and others, even if they’re on the ‘other side’
by Scott Shigeoka
Anxiety
idea
If you think you are ‘just not a math person’ then think again
Understanding how mathematics anxiety takes root points to ways to overcome it, opening up new opportunities and pastimes
by Nathan T T Lau & H Moriah Sokolowski
Difficult emotions
idea
Feeling nothing can be as devastating as feeling too much
Emotional ‘emptiness’ is a damaging, underexplored phenomenon. Better understanding it could help steer people to fulfilment
by Christopher J Hopwood
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Cultural diversity
idea
Insularity can be a good thing, for creatures and cultures alike
The plight of threatened species can help us understand – and respond to – the endangerment of local ideas and practices
by Antone Martinho-Truswell
Autism
idea
Late autism diagnosis: it’s a relief, but who’s behind the mask?
By the time an adult learns they’re autistic, they have often been covering up for years. A period of self-discovery awaits
by Leonie Mercedes
Altered states
film
Ride along on a road trip suffused with LSD, petty theft and true love
Directed by Aric Allen
Hallucinations and delusions
idea
If you hear voices, here are some empowering ways to respond
Hearing voices isn’t always a problem – but if they’re stressful or frightening, it is possible to regain a sense of control
by Mark Hayward
Conflict and conflict resolution
idea
Restorative justice fits human nature more than retribution does
As recognised by ancestral wisdom and Indigenous practices, our need to repair relationships is a deep-rooted instinct
by Flavia Corso
Communication and language
idea
Why every utterance you make begins with a leap of faith
Time pressure and the limitations of memory compel you and your listener to engage in a fascinating linguistic trade-off
by Julie Sedivy
Dance
film
Nigeria’s first ballet school brings tutus and joy to the streets of Lagos
Directed by Jacob Krupnick
Technology and media
idea
The reason that even hands-free calls are risky for drivers
Cars are filled with ever more communication and entertainment tech, but our minds are stuck with the same limitations
by Robert Rosenberger
Memory and nostalgia
guide
How to get better at remembering
Frustrated by elusive names and misplaced phones? The science of memory reveals ways to improve your powers of recall
by Elizabeth Kensinger & Andrew Budson
Social history
idea
Bunkerised society – why prepping for end times is so American
Millions are preparing for doomsday, not together, but by closing the hatch. It’s a logical response to a hollowed-out state
by Robert Kirsch & Emily Ray
Parenting and families
idea
Trapped with no escape: the hidden problem of sibling bullying
When brothers and sisters victimise each other, the harms can be serious. But it’s never too late to heal old wounds
by Kristen Cvancara
Sex and sexuality
film
Shuli’s mother has known he was gay for years. Can they finally talk about it?
A film by Shuli Huang