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

Blurry photo of a vibrant bar scene with a table of drinks, red lighting and indistinct figures moving around.

Neurodiversity

idea

Living without mental imagery may shield against trauma’s impact

Discovering that I’m aphantasic helped me understand my response to being assaulted and why I wasn’t debilitated by PTSD

by J B Smith

A yellow bird singing on a branch with a soft-focus green background.

Animals

idea

Learn to tune into birdsong – respite and fascination await

Listening deeply to the sounds of birds is a powerful form of meditation and a first step towards a rewarding new hobby

by David M Logue

Illustration of a person pushing a boulder on a wooden boat that is tipping over from the weight, in wavy blue waters against a pale background.

Forgiveness

guide

How to forgive (even if they’re unrepentant)

Feeling ill will toward someone who harmed you is natural but draining. You can let it go, whether you reconcile or not

by Richard S Balkin

A Chinese middle-aged woman tending plants on a rooftop garden with residential buildings and a blue sky in the background.

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

Woman seated at a cafeteria table reading a book, with her shoes kicked off.

The body and physical health

idea

In defence of slouching: the bad science behind good posture

The idea that we should all stand straight is widely accepted. But this modern obsession has dubious origins

by Beth Linker

An ancient Greek clay jug with red stripes and inscriptions against a dark background.

Communication and language

idea

I am an article about the speaking objects of ancient Greece

Talkative drinking cups and threatening oil flasks tell us how the written word asserted its authority in an oral society

by Teddy Fassberg

Two men smiling in low light, seated at a round table with drinks. One man is wearing a hat.

Stories and literature

guide

How to tell a better story

Personal stories have the power to connect, entertain, persuade. Use a pro storyteller’s tips to pick and prepare a great one

by Micaela Blei

Two silhouetted people stand against a dramatic orange and purple sunset sky.

Freedom and choice

film

In the outback, a town of two awaits visitors to their emergency airport

Directed by Yannick Jamey

Illustration of the solar system with planets in order of distance from the Sun on a dark background.

Learning and education

idea

The ‘secret strategy’ that could boost your ability to learn

It may sound illogical, but growing evidence shows the benefits of testing yourself before you start learning new material

by Ajdina Halilovic

Photo of an earthworm on rough grey asphalt surface with visible texture and sunlight casting shadows.

Bioethics

idea

Why, in a universe of pain, I’m saving stranded earthworms

Any action can seem futile amid so much suffering. I’ve realised the important thing is to stop despairing and do something

by Claire E Schultz

Photo of a person singing dramatically in colourful patterned attire and an orange headwrap on a dark stage.

Music

guide

How to get hooked on opera

Aspects of opera can seem strange. But give it a try and you’ll soon find yourself absorbed in a truly magical experience

by Alexandra Wilson

A child in a yellow shirt and red shorts pushing a tire uphill on a steep, gravelly incline against a clear sky backdrop.

Play

film

A cobalt mine becomes an unlikely playground for children in Congo

A film by Francis Alÿs