Community

History and philosophy of mental health
idea
Chinese philosophy has long known that mental health is communal
The early Chinese philosophers knew that a healthy mind comes from a harmonious community, not a matter for individuals alone
by Alexus McLeod

Technology and media
idea
To be more tech-savvy, borrow these strategies from the Amish
With their focus on values and intentionality, the Amish offer a lesson in thinking critically about digital technology
by Alex Mayyasi

Civic life
guide
How to be a hands-on citizen
You can be so much more than a well-informed consumer: it is in your (and our) power to change society from the ground up
by Jon Alexander

Travel
film
‘It pulls you in’: the staff seduced by the rhythms of the Trans-Siberian railway
Directed by Anastasia Kirillova

Play
idea
What TikTok videos have in common with Victorian parlour games
TikTok and Insta videos are the Victorian parlour games of today, allowing us to share in the emotional benefits of play
by Kim Beil & Ryan Tacata

Values and beliefs
idea
To be a responsible citizen today, it is not enough to be reasonable
To survive society’s problems, today reasonableness isn’t enough; we need citizens to recognise beliefs have consequences
by Francisco Mejia Uribe

Pleasures and pastimes
film
A club for ‘dull men’ may just inspire you to see the unremarkable anew
Directed by Andy Oxley

History of emotions
idea
True gratitude is a communal emotion, not a wellness practice
Positive psychology touts the personal benefits of gratitude. It’s actually a challenging emotion that binds communities
by Michal Zechariah

Mental health
idea
How a feeling that you belong could protect your mental health
Research on young adults at a time of social transition highlights the significance of feeling that you belong to a group
by Janine M Dutcher & Amber Quinn

Music
film
Faith, struggle and song intertwine in this classic film on Appalachian music
Directed by John Cohen