Values and ethical living
History of emotions
idea
To ancient Assyrians, the liver was the seat of happiness
Cutting-edge computational techniques are shedding light on how the emotional experiences of past cultures compare to ours
by Juha Lahnakoski & Ellie Bennett
Human rights and justice
idea
Most protests fail. What are activists doing right when they win?
The science of protest reveals successful tactics and common weak points. Those who want change should take it onboard
by Lisa Mueller
Mental health
guide
How to recover from burnout
Feeling worn down, checked out, or bitter about work? The answer is not to ‘just work harder’. Try these steps instead
by Debbie Sorensen
Values and beliefs
film
For Hutterites, ‘love thy neighbour’ is both gospel and practical necessity
Directed by Colin Low
Virtues and vices
idea
Greedy people might be frowned upon, but are they the winners?
Some individuals have a persistent tendency to want ever more stuff and status. Psychologists are examining the lives they lead
by Karlijn Hoyer
Decision-making
idea
Going with your gut feels good, but it’s not always wise
Research is revealing the mood benefits of making intuitive decisions, but some situations call for an analytical approach
by Carina Remmers
Spirituality and religion
guide
How to find new spiritual practices
Even if religion isn’t for you, there’s a world of rituals and tools to lift yourself up and connect to something greater
by Morgan Shipley
Meaning and the good life
film
An artist captures the joys of solitude amid a month living in a beach shack
Directed by Lynne Sachs
Creativity
idea
A key part of creativity is picking up on what others overlook
We all constantly filter a flood of details coming in. This process helps explain what gives some brains a creative edge
by Madeleine Gross
Music
idea
Why did bloody knights write love songs about spring blossoms?
The masculinity of medieval knighthood was expansive enough for both graphic violence and the joys of a flower meadow
by Jennifer Saltzstein
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
Nature and the environment
film
From freeze to bloom – the rhythms and splendour of life on a flower farm
Directed by Oriel Danielson