Eudaimonia
On the perennial puzzle of how to live well in our complex world
Goals and motivation
idea
How temptation works, and why it nearly stopped me writing this
Temptation can be sneaky – a rationalising voice that subtly undermines your resolve. But there are ways to outsmart it
by John Schwenkler
Thinking and intelligence
idea
The surprising role of deep thinking in conspiracy theories
People who endorse and spread outlandish theories aren’t gullible, they’re drawn to the intoxicating lure of discovery
by Stephen Gadsby & Sander Van de Cruys
Consciousness
guide
How to think about consciousness
What is it like to be you? Dive into the philosophical puzzle of consciousness and see yourself and the world in new ways
by Amy Kind
Beauty and aesthetics
film
‘Nothing renders their beauty’ – can art ever capture the splendour of a flower?
A film by Miléna Trivier
Technology and media
idea
A psychologist’s tips for getting a grip on your social media use
Is social media causing you problems? Here are some personal and practical ways to reap its benefits with fewer drawbacks
by Daria J Kuss
Wonder and the sublime
idea
The most profound wonder is stirred by what is most ordinary
Rare moments of wonder at the mere existence of things – rather than the dramatic or new – involve perceiving with the soul
by Maria Balaska
Spirituality and religion
guide
How to find new spiritual practices
Even if religion isn’t for you, there’s a world of rituals and tools to lift yourself up and connect to something greater
by Morgan Shipley
Identity
film
Three sisters craft a lyrical tribute to their mother from old family VHS tapes
Directed by Jay Stephen and Ralph Briscoe
Work and vocation
idea
The ways Sugar Babies navigate two roles: lover and employee
‘Sugaring’ involves the commodification of romance – presenting a puzzle of love, labour and autonomy for those involved
by Brynn Valentine
Parenting and families
idea
Why are tiger parents willing to trade love for success?
Growing up under tiger parenting, I’ve seen that pushing a child to succeed often fails – and isn’t worth the emotional cost
by Louis Li
Emerging therapies
guide
How to look after your emotional health
Find out which of your emotional needs you’ve been neglecting and use tips from human givens therapy to address them
by Denise Winn
Altered states
film
A boy’s universe becomes strange and wondrous in this enchanting short
Directed by Gabriel Gabriel Garble