Relationships, work and leisure

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

Animals Caregiving Communication and language Community Conflict and conflict resolution Cooperation and collaboration Food and drink Forgiveness Friendship Home Love Money and economics Parenting and families Place Pleasures and pastimes Sports and games Technology and media Travel Work and vocation

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Photo of a woman playing with a smiling baby in a pram outside. The woman wears glasses and has her hair tied back.

Emotions

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Cuteness has a powerful pull, and it’s written all over your face

Our typical responses to cute things might seem cheery and unserious, but they signal something vital about us

by Makenzie O’Neil

A classical painting of two women and a man in a lavishly decorated room with ornate furniture and clothing, 19th century style.

Ethics

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The curious paradox in how we address each other today

While honouring people’s preferred pronouns, we’ve begun to neglect forms of formal address. Perhaps we need a rethink

by David Benatar

Black and white photo of two people sitting on a bench by the water, viewed from behind, with trees visible on a distant shoreline.

Depression

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How to support someone with depression

Being there for someone can be challenging. A clinical psychologist shares what to say and do to help them feel less alone

by Emma Cotterill

Close-up of an elderly woman’s face with eyes closed, light grey hair, and a blurred brown background. Her expression is calm.

Death and dying

film

Why one death doula sees an examined death as vital to a good life

A film by Annie Marr

Workers in a warehouse stacking large burlap sacks with grain on the floor and more sacks piled against the walls.

Money and economics

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There are ways to manage your finances to do good in the world

Whether you have a little or a lot, your money is always at work. Follow these steps to ensure it’s making a positive impact

by Sarah Bengtsson

A photo of a person sitting at a table in a cosy café setting. The background is softly blurred, showing shelves and decor.

Conflict and conflict resolution

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Why being snubbed can make you feel so hurt and enraged

The psychology of ostracism helps explain why you can sometimes shrug it off, yet other times feel the urge to lash out

by Christiane Büttner

Black and white photo of a couple kissing, with focus on a woman’s hand wearing a ring and watch.

Love

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How to think differently about love

Poets, philosophers and scientists all tell stories about the nature of romantic love. It can be liberating to critique them

by Arina Pismenny

Black and white photo of a hand holding a scallop shell. The background is blurred and the shell shows detailed texture.

Work and vocation

film

A poetic, sea-soaked tribute to the ‘cockle women’ of Wales

Directed by Lily Tiger

An otter rolling on a moss-covered rock, eyes closed in a relaxed pose with a blurry background.

Animals

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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

A kakapo, a flightless parrot, perched on a mossy branch in a forest setting.

Cultural diversity

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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

Photo of a museum exhibition with three tall, thin sculptures on pedestals and people observing them, with white shadows of the figures painted on the background wall.

Compassion and empathy

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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

Desert with a blurred yellow road sign and distant hills under a blue sky.

Altered states

film

Ride along on a road trip suffused with LSD, petty theft and true love

Directed by Aric Allen