Compassion and empathy

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

A person in protective gear disinfecting a cinema with an animated film playing on the screen in the background.

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

Two people sit on a wooden park bench, one with an arm around the other, with fallen leaves scattered on the ground in front of them.

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

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

Caregiving

guide

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

film

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

Directed by Alec Green and Finbar Watson

Painting of a heron perched on a branch against a gold background. The bird is depicted in fine detail with white feathers and a green beak, while the branch is rendered in dark, bold strokes. Traditional Asian calligraphy with red seals is present in the lower right corner.

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 woman looking anxious on a subway train

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

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

Emotion regulation

guide

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

A woman is grappling with another woman who has a bloody nose

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

People of varying ages queue before a temporary table in a church. Food is being handed out to them

Compassion and empathy

idea

Many of us have the wrong idea about poverty and toughness

The ‘thick skin bias’ obscures the reality of hardship. We should check our assumptions about those who are struggling

by Nathan Cheek

A young teenage girl wearing a trilby hat sits on the steps leading up to a yellow front door

Childhood and adolescence

guide

How to support kids to be brave

The desire to protect kids from uncomfortable situations is natural. But they need your help to grow into the unknown

by Sarah Rose Cavanagh