Ethics
Civic life
idea
Don’t be stoic: Roman Stoicism’s origins show its perniciousness
Stoicism might help you as an individual. But we need a philosophy that doesn’t dull us to the injustices of the world
by Henry Gruber
Virtues and vices
idea
The virtue of honesty requires more than just telling the truth
Honesty has fallen out of fashion, yet it is essential to self-improvement. How can we cultivate this neglected virtue?
by Christian B Miller
Home
guide
How to have less stuff
Do your possessions hold too much power over you? Learn to regain control – and benefit your wallet and the planet
by Melissa Norberg
Painting and sculpture
film
After years of struggle, an artist faces a new obstacle – staggering success
Directed by Titus Kaphar and Alex Mallis
Civic life
idea
You want people to do the right thing? Save them the guilt trip
If you want to inspire people to do the right thing, don’t guilt-trip them. Positive emotions are a more powerful motivator
by Claudia R Schneider
Traditional arts
idea
Could the art of ‘sashiko’ help to mend our frayed world?
The Japanese art of ‘sashiko’ celebrates the rough edges of life. Could this be the patchwork solution for our frayed selves?
by Melanie McGrath
Food and drink
guide
How to enjoy coffee
Smooth like chocolate or fruity like a berry, coffee has as many tastes as wine or beer – you just need to know your beans
by Jessica Easto
Ethics
film
A vegetarian with a beef farm faces a life-altering moral impasse
Directed by Alex Lockwood
Change and self-development
idea
Why doing your best is sometimes the worst thing you can do
The injunction to ‘do your best’ can get in the way of moral self-development. Instead, plant deep roots and learn to wait
by Mavis Biss
Personality
idea
Your sense of right and wrong is interwoven with your personality
Personality traits such as agreeableness and openness to experience can help explain differences in moral judgment
by Luke D Smillie & Milan Andrejević
Sex and sexuality
guide
How to explore ethical non-monogamy
Before enjoying the freedoms of a more open relationship, get a handle on the practical and emotional complexities ahead
by Meg Wilson