X CLOSE

Values and ethical living

A judge with a stern expression in a courtroom wearing a black robe standing in front of a US flag.

Fairness and equality

idea

A lawyer’s view of irrelevant influences in the courtroom

Psychology studies cast doubt on old assumptions about legal objectivity. Lawyers and laypeople alike should take notice

by Samu Czabán

A classical painting of two women and a man in a lavishly decorated room with ornate furniture and clothing, 19th century style.

Ethics

idea

The curious paradox in how we address each other today

While honouring people’s preferred pronouns, we’ve begun to neglect forms of formal address. Perhaps we need a rethink

by David Benatar

Workers in a warehouse stacking large burlap sacks with grain on the floor and more sacks piled against the walls.

Money and economics

idea

There are ways to manage your finances to do good in the world

Whether you have a little or a lot, your money is always at work. Follow these steps to ensure it’s making a positive impact

by Sarah Bengtsson

A blue sports car and a grey luxury car parked on a city street with people and a Christian Dior shop in the background.

Gender

idea

The ‘masculinity crisis’ is actually a crisis of self-esteem

There’s a modern belief that talent or effort can carry anyone to the top. It’s a myth that’s especially harmful to men

by Leo Rogers

Scene from a film with three characters walking from a futuristic spacecraft in a city setting.

Progress and the future

idea

We need the toolkit of utopian thinking, now more than ever

Many dismiss utopian ideas. But imagining a better world is a vital political skill for tackling today’s challenges

by Caitlin Rajan

Close-up photo of a blue eye with detailed lashes and skin texture visible.

Mind and brain

idea

The pupil of the eye opens a remarkable window into the mind

From mental effort to the content of a person’s imagination, these tiny apertures reveal far more than you might realise

by Christoph Strauch

A kakapo, a flightless parrot, perched on a mossy branch in a forest setting.

Cultural diversity

idea

Insularity can be a good thing, for creatures and cultures alike

The plight of threatened species can help us understand – and respond to – the endangerment of local ideas and practices

by Antone Martinho-Truswell

Photo of people in winter clothing exiting a tram at a busy station.

Autism

idea

Late autism diagnosis: it’s a relief, but who’s behind the mask?

By the time an adult learns they’re autistic, they have often been covering up for years. A period of self-discovery awaits

by Leonie Mercedes

Photo of a person in a white vest and jacket with folded hands and a tattoo, viewed through a mesh screen.

Conflict and conflict resolution

idea

Restorative justice fits human nature more than retribution does

As recognised by ancestral wisdom and Indigenous practices, our need to repair relationships is a deep-rooted instinct

by Flavia Corso

Social history

idea

Bunkerised society – why prepping for end times is so American

Millions are preparing for doomsday, not together, but by closing the hatch. It’s a logical response to a hollowed-out state

by Robert Kirsch & Emily Ray

Blurry photo of a vibrant bar scene with a table of drinks, red lighting and indistinct figures moving around.

Neurodiversity

idea

Living without mental imagery may shield against trauma’s impact

Discovering I have aphantasia helped me understand my response to being assaulted and why I wasn’t debilitated by PTSD

by J B Smith

Photo of a yellow bird singing while perched on a branch with a blurred green background.

Animals

idea

Learn to tune into birdsong – respite and fascination await

Listening deeply to the sounds of birds is a powerful form of meditation and a first step towards a rewarding new hobby

by David M Logue