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Compassion and empathy

A vintage voltmeter displaying a scale in volts and ampères with a brass base and needle indicator.

Ethics

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What a real-life ‘trolley problem’ reveals about morality

We used an electric-shock dilemma to test the strength of people’s moral principles when faced with real-world complexities

by Dries Bostyn

Photo of a woman playing with a smiling baby in a pram outside. The woman wears glasses and has her hair tied back.

Emotions

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Cuteness has a powerful pull, and it’s written all over your face

Our typical responses to cute things might seem cheery and unserious, but they signal something vital about us

by Makenzie O’Neil

Photo of a person in protective gear disinfecting an empty cinema with an animated film playing on the screen.

Progress and the future

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The empathy gap that is imperilling future generations

To protect our descendants from catastrophe, we must overcome the emotional hurdles that make it easy for us to look away

by Matthew Coleman

Photo of two people sitting on a park bench, one with their arm around the other, surrounded by grass and fallen petals.

Communication and language

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Why that hard conversation will probably go better than you think

If you’ve delayed raising a touchy issue, fearing it will backfire, new research could give you the confidence you need

by Matt Huston

Painting of a white egret on a branch with a gold leaf background and sparse branches extending across the scene.

Difficult emotions

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What to do when you’re feeling upset about being disliked

It’s an unavoidable part of life. Here are some tried and tested ways to get more comfortable with someone not liking you

by Ahona Guha

Photo of a solemn woman seen through glass, reflecting urban lights.

Goals and motivation

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Eight ways to give yourself a pep talk when you feel stuck

All of us could do with more words of encouragement and perspective, and they don’t need to come from another person

by Rachel Goldsmith Turow

Photo of a woman with curly hair comforting an injured woman in a crowd, whose nose is bleeding.

Stories and literature

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Fiction has a special power to give us insight into our flaws

Losing yourself in a book, film or show provides a useful mirror for character – one that is hard to access in real life

by Martina Orlandi

Compassion and empathy

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Many of us have the wrong idea about poverty and toughness

The ‘thick skin bias’ obscures the reality of hardship. We should check our assumptions about those who are struggling

by Nathan Cheek

Illustration of a person listening with a hand cupped to their ear, surrounded by soft pastel colours.

Communication and language

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Why listening well can make disagreements less damaging

Offering undivided attention and curiosity not only lowers the temperature of a conversation but can change its outcome

by Guy Itzchakov

Mixed media artwork on book pages with painted figures and snake overlapping text. Pages titled “The Interpretation of Dreams.”

Sleep and dreams

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The reason we dream might be to bring us closer together

Research has tended to focus on what dreams do for us when we’re sleeping – but what if the benefits play out the next day?

by Mark Blagrove

Photo of two people meditating on a road in front of a police van in an urban setting with a few bystanders.

Mindfulness and meditation

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Here’s what to know about using meditation to be a better person

Meditating has long been thought to enhance morality. But the type of meditation – and the aspects of morality – matter

by Jakob Hohwy & Kevin Berryman

Photo of bare feet standing at the edge of a dock above green water, with a worn wooden surface beneath.

Fear and phobia

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To fear well is virtuous and more important than being brave

Fear is not the enemy, but a real and legitimate emotion. To truly support another in their fear, let them give it a voice

by Ami Harbin