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Pleasures and pastimes

Photo of a person singing dramatically in colourful patterned attire and an orange headwrap on a dark stage.

Music

guide

How to get hooked on opera

Aspects of opera can seem strange. But give it a try and you’ll soon find yourself absorbed in a truly magical experience

by Alexandra Wilson

Shelves filled with numerous vinyl records, aligned vertically and tightly packed together, showing varied colours of spines.

Music

guide

How to discover new music

In a musical rut? Whatever your age or existing tastes, you can find surprise and enjoyment beyond the streaming algorithms

by James Hadfield

A group of people in vibrant green and floral costumes, laughing and celebrating with flowers and horns, next to a stone wall and window.

Joy

guide

How to start having more fun

Fun isn’t frivolous – it’s vital for your wellbeing. Here’s a step-by-step plan to bring more pleasure into your busy life

by Mike Rucker

Music

guide

How to listen to, and enjoy, classical music

Whether you’re a newbie or an aficionado, these ways to navigate and approach the genre will enrich your experience

by Lawrence Kramer

A person walking on a pier towards a lighthouse, holding a book behind their back, with the sea on the right under a grey sky.

Pleasures and pastimes

guide

How to wander

Whether in a city or the wilderness, near or far, there’s joy to be had in a journey where the destination doesn’t matter

by Jordan Fisher Smith

A single cherry with a stem and two leaves, covered in water droplets, set against a dark background.

Meaning and the good life

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How to live like an Epicurean

Forget shallow hedonism. Follow this philosophy for wondrous, unexpected joys and resilience against inevitable misfortune

by Emily Austin

A man and a woman sitting at a café table, both looking off to the side, with a glass of wine and ashtray on the table.

Film

guide

How to find great films to watch

Bored with Hollywood and Netflix? Becoming an adventurous and informed explorer of the cinema world is in everyone’s grasp

by Geoff Andrew

Wooden shelves filled with books, framed pictures, small ornaments, a bowl, and various decorative items.

Stories and literature

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How to nurture a personal library

An escape, a sanctuary, a place of pleasure, a memoir. Take these steps to ensure your library is just what you want it to be

by Freya Howarth

Coloured sketch of a man with a moustache seated and resting his head on his hand, with a window in the background.

History of ideas

guide

How to read philosophy

The first thing to remember is that the great philosophers were only human. Then you can start disagreeing with them

by Charlie Huenemann

Painting of a woman in a yellow sleeveless dress and black hat, holding a guitar against a green background.

Music

guide

How to start making music

It’s never too late to play an instrument or learn to sing. Take the leap from listener to maker in the way that suits you

by Gayla M Mills

Painting of a woman in black sleeping on a wood-frame bed, on a yellow textured coverlet and with her feet under an orange blanket.

Pleasures and pastimes

guide

How to rest well

Taking a break isn’t lazy – learning to recharge is a skill that will allow you to enjoy a more creative, sustainable life

by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

Close-up of two people lying together, one person gently touching the other’s forehead.

Sex and sexuality

guide

How to talk about sexual desires

It’s not always easy to open up about sex. But letting a partner in on your wants and fantasies can strengthen your bond

by Sarah Hunter Murray