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Compassion and empathy

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Yellow taxis drive on the Brooklyn Bridge, with the New York City skyline in the background on a partly cloudy day.

Decision-making

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The mathematical case against blaming people for their misfortune

Complexity science reveals the hard limits of our predictive abilities, and makes a mathematical case for compassion

by David Kinney

Photo of a sunny cobblestone street with colourful buildings, a red car, people walking on the sidewalk and a man on a yellow building’s balcony.

Fairness and equality

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What is a minimally good life and are you prepared to live it?

Would you be willing to swap your life with that of the least fortunate person in your society? A philosophical test for justice

by Nicole Hassoun

Photo of a man sitting on a porch playing a guitar. He is wearing jeans and a blue shirt. There is a small table with a plant nearby.

Compassion and empathy

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Self-compassion is not self-indulgence: here’s how to try it

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not self-indulgent to practise self-compassion. In fact, it helps you to care for others

by Christina Chwyl

Black-and-white photo of a serious-looking man flanked by a priest and two police officers in the background.

Virtues and vices

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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

A woman looking anxious on a subway train

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

Person standing by a lake with mountains in the background, next to an empty bench.

Compassion and empathy

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Empathy is, at heart, an aesthetic appreciation of the other

Empathy is an aesthetic practice that relies on our capacity to delight in, and respond with reverence to, the world around us

by Susan Lanzoni

A small Buddha statue seated on a green leaf with a blurred background, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Mindfulness and meditation

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Modern mindfulness meditation has lost its beating communal heart

Ancestral blessings in meditation are not premodern residue. Attachment theory suggests they’re vital for compassion

by Paul Condon & John Makransky

Painting of a heron perched on a branch against a gold background. The bird is depicted in fine detail with white feathers and a green beak, while the branch is rendered in dark, bold strokes. Traditional Asian calligraphy with red seals is present in the lower right corner.

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

A person with a pink umbrella standing near an overturned car, with a police car in the background on a grassy area with pink flowers.

Emotions

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Why it feels right to feel guilty about accidental mishaps

Say you caused a random accident. Your expression of guilt – or its lack – could send a message about who you are deep down

by Rajen Alexander Anderson

A woman holding a smartphone at night with blurred city lights in the background.

Self-harm and suicide

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Working on a suicide helpline changed how I talk to everyone

Volunteering at a suicide helpline has changed how I talk to everyone: I listen more, assume less, and focus on the moment

by Natalia Dashan

A couple in vintage attire driving a convertible, with the woman lighting the man’s cigarette. They appear to be enjoying a breezy day.

Compassion and empathy

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Helping others might feel good, but is it really good for you?

There’s a popular idea that being altruistic is unequivocally good for all involved – the reality is more complicated

by T Ryan Byerly

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