Compassion and empathy

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

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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

Photo of a person in protective gear disinfecting an empty cinema with an animated film playing on the screen.

Progress and the future

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The empathy gap that is imperilling future generations

To protect our descendants from catastrophe, we must overcome the emotional hurdles that make it easy for us to look away

by Matthew Coleman

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

Close-up of hands holding clear frogspawn with visible black eggs in a natural outdoor setting.

Creativity

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A filmmaker’s never-realised ideas become an exploration of self-doubt

Directed by Cameron Nicoll

Photo of two people sitting on a park bench, one with their arm around the other, surrounded by grass and fallen petals.

Communication and language

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Why that hard conversation will probably go better than you think

If you’ve delayed raising a touchy issue, fearing it will backfire, new research could give you the confidence you need

by Matt Huston

Painting of a white egret on a branch with a gold leaf background and sparse branches extending across the scene.

Difficult emotions

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What to do when you’re feeling upset about being disliked

It’s an unavoidable part of life. Here are some tried and tested ways to get more comfortable with someone not liking you

by Ahona Guha

A person hugs two young children near a brick wall in a garden, with plants and greenery around them.

Caregiving

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How to get the most out of caregiving

Giving care is hard, but it’s one of the most meaningful things you can do. Here’s how to change up your perspective

by Elissa Strauss

Illustration of a person in a purple shirt sitting at a table with a yellow mug, receiving a supportive hand on theirs.

Compassion and empathy

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How one man saved 160 lives with an extended hand and a warm cup of tea

Directed by Alec Green and Finbar Watson

Photo of a solemn woman seen through glass, reflecting urban lights.

Goals and motivation

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Eight ways to give yourself a pep talk when you feel stuck

All of us could do with more words of encouragement and perspective, and they don’t need to come from another person

by Rachel Goldsmith Turow

Photo of a woman with curly hair comforting an injured woman in a crowd, whose nose is bleeding.

Stories and literature

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Fiction has a special power to give us insight into our flaws

Losing yourself in a book, film or show provides a useful mirror for character – one that is hard to access in real life

by Martina Orlandi

A steep road with a 1:4 gradient warning sign, flanked by greenery and hills under a clear blue sky.

Emotion regulation

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How to take the high road

When someone provokes you, it’s easy to react without thinking. Learn to slow down and respond in ways you’ll be proud of

by Alissa Hebbeln & Russell Kolts