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Pleasures and pastimes

A woman reading a book sitting outside a café with a drink, surrounded by menus, signs and a small table with bottles.

Habits and routines

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How to read more books

Modern life can feel too frantic for books. Use these habit-building strategies to carve out time for the joy of reading

by Christian Jarrett

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

Cubist artwork depicting a fragmented still life with a book, glass and other objects in earthy tones.

Stories and literature

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How to gain more from your reading

There’s more to words than meets the eye. Deepen your appreciation of literature through the art of slow, attentive reading

by Robert DiYanni

Illustration of a person drinking with colourful food items, plants, and steam emanating from the cup, representing various flavours and scents.

Food and drink

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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

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

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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

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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

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

Young woman dances near a young man on a skateboard by a vintage car beside the ocean on a clear day.

Virtues and vices

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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

Music

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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 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