Virtues and vices
Thinking and intelligence
idea
Why some of the smartest people can be so very stupid
Struggling to understand is perfectly honourable. Being wilfully stupid is something else and we should strive to fix it
by Sacha Golob
Personality disorders
idea
What the new science of narcissism says about narcissists
What the new science of narcissism tells us about its nuances, and how to avoid its darts while gaining from its strengths
by W Keith Campbell & Carolyn Crist
Virtues and vices
guide
How to be excellent
Plato and Aristotle can help you resist conventional worldly success, direct your energy and find your own highest calling
by Benjamin Studebaker
Virtues and vices
film
A simple morality tale finds rich depth in the hands of a master animator
A film by Georges Schwizgebel
The self
idea
When your authenticity is an act, something’s gone wrong
Authenticity has changed from an inward gaze to a social display. Can we reconcile the performance with the real thing?
by Joseph E Davis
Personality
idea
Assertiveness is a virtue that anyone can develop with practice
You can’t stop people making demands on your time and energy, but you can develop assertiveness skills to protect yourself
by Rebecca Roache
Virtues and vices
guide
How to think about pleasure
Weirdly hard to define, much less to feel OK about it, pleasure is a tricky creature. Can philosophy help us lighten up?
by Sam Dresser
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
Virtues and vices
idea
Are people with dark personality traits more likely to succeed?
Turn towards the light: contrary to popular belief, nice guys have more success and happiness in the long run
by Craig Neumann & Scott Barry Kaufman
Shame and guilt
guide
How to save yourself another pointless guilt trip
Just because you feel guilty doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. Relax the rules you live by and set yourself free
by Aziz Gazipura