Eudaimonia

On the perennial puzzle of how to live well in our complex world

Self-knowledge and personal growth Relationships, work and leisure Values and ethical living

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Painting of two weasels playing among trees in a vibrantly coloured landscape.

Communication and language

idea

For this unsung philosopher, metaphors make life an adventure

Susanne K Langer understood the indispensable power of metaphors, which allow us to say new things with old words

by Sue Curry Jansen & Jeff Pooley

Painting of a man in British colonial attire with an Indian child attendant holding a sword, by a tree overlooking a river landscape.

Human rights and justice

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True solidarity requires Burke’s ‘sympathetic revenge’

Social media utterances aren’t enough. Burke’s stand against colonial injustice shows we must confront our own complicity

by Jack Jacobs

An aeroplane seen in silhouette, flying against a dramatic sunset sky with clouds.

Love

guide

How to make a long-distance relationship work

Whether an hour or an ocean apart, there will be challenges, but this therapist shows how to make the most of the upsides

by Charlie Huntington

Woman in a white dress standing in front of a geometric quilt in a garden setting with trees in the background.

Traditional arts

film

Beauty is woven into everyday life for the quilters of the American West

A film by Carly Jakins and Jared Jakins

Photo of a young girl in a classroom holding a book with a calendar page, wearing a floral dress and hair accessories.

Compassion and empathy

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How do we start learning to ‘read’ other people’s minds?

Studies of young children give us insight into the building blocks of an ability that most of us use every day

by Josephine Ross & Martin Doherty

Painting of an elderly couple in 16th century attire, man in fur-lined coat and woman in white headdress on green background.

Love

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There’s no good reason to love each other – and that’s a relief

Loving is an unreasonable decision (we are all extremely unpleasant little beasts) and that’s what allows it to survive

by John Kaag

A person watering plants in an urban garden with buildings in the background on a cloudy day.

Meaning and the good life

guide

How to make your life feel more meaningful

Existential psychology offers specific ways to find meaning, giving you a buffer against despair in these anxious times

by Steven Heine

Sculpture of a human-like figure made of teal wool reaching towards a wooden chair on a light background.

Change and self-development

film

A wool puppet’s stirring journey from safety into the great unknown

A film by Kobi Vogman

Ancient mosaic of a reclining skeleton with Greek text, holding a drink, next to an amphora and bread on a dark background.

Death and dying

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Reflections on mortality can help you live well now – here’s how

For me and many others, contemplating death has clarified what matters. These curiosity-based exercises will get you started

by Joanna Ebenstein

A cheerful picnic by a river with adults and children relaxing on blankets under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Human nature

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For a happier life, we must balance two old psychological needs

Personal autonomy is abundant in the modern world. As a result, many of us get what we want but not what we need

by William von Hippel

Coloured microscopic image of pollen grains and plant fibres in close-up, showing vibrant round and elongated structures.

Food and drink

guide

How to maintain a healthy gut

With a few lifestyle and dietary changes, you can protect your gut microbiome, boost your immunity and improve your mood

by Vincent Ho

Photo of a man sitting in a circle on a speckled background, focusing on an object in his hands, with a cosmic effect.

Trauma and PTSD

film

How small creatures helped James connect with the human-scale world

Directed by Spencer MacDonald