Compassion and empathy
Decision-making
idea
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
Fairness and equality
idea
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
Compassion and empathy
idea
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
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
Compassion and empathy
idea
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
Mindfulness and meditation
idea
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
Self-harm and suicide
idea
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
Emotions
idea
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
Compassion and empathy
idea
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
Communication and language
idea
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
Compassion and empathy
idea
For Iris Murdoch, being understanding is life’s moral project
Being understanding is a virtue that lets us see the other as fully real. For Iris Murdoch, this is life’s main project
by Eva-Maria Düringer
Death and dying
idea
I thought I knew everything about death. Then grief struck me
Even though I grew up in Death World, and still live there, it couldn’t prepare me for being my family’s sole survivor
by John Troyer