Society Archives

Heroic Individualism and Why We Obsess Over Productivity

A heroic individual looking up at a skyline in the city.

What is heroic individualism, and where does it come from? Why are so many people stuck in an extreme individualistic mindset? Heroic individualism is a mindset of thinking that you need to outperform and achieve more than other people, and it comes from overvaluing productivity. Examining the concept of heroic individualism can help you determine if you have a healthy mindset toward work and happiness. Keep reading to learn more about the origins of heroic individualism and what it looks like in practice.

Accept Death—and Avoid Needless Suffering (Sadhguru)

A middle aged woman holding a necklace in a cemetary

Do you think about death, or do you pretend it’s not an inevitability? Is embracing the reality of death a better approach than ignoring it? If you avoid thinking about death, you’re in the majority. Most people today ignore death because it’s not fun to think about. But, Sadhguru argues that this avoidance leads to suffering. Read more to learn why you should accept death, acknowledging its inevitability in a measured way.

Economic Pessimism Rises, Despite a “Strong” US Economy

A sweaty man experiencing economic pessimism as he reads a paper saying the economy is up.

Why is there so much economic pessimism in the US, despite an objectively strong economy? How might the disconnect between economic realities and perceptions impact consumer habits and the future state of the American economy? Despite robust economic indicators in the US, public opinion surveys find many Americans are pessimistic about the economy. Factors contributing to the negativity include persistent inflation, political polarization, the media, and lasting scars from the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s why there’s such a disparity between the numbers and public perception.

Here’s Why Many Americans Are Avoiding the News

An older man ignoring the news on the television by looking at his phone.

Why are so many Americans avoiding the news? What are some of the negative effects of news fatigue? If you’ve been spending less time keeping up with the news, you’re in good company. Research shows that many Americans are paying less attention to the headlines than they used to—and there are many possible reasons why. Here’s how we get the news and a few reasons why experts think that our interest in following current events might be changing.

How to Save the Trees: Actionables From The Hidden Life of Trees

A lumberjack trying to save the trees by blocking the road that a logging truck is driving down.

How many trees are at risk of extinction? Why are sustainable forestry practices necessary? How can arboreal mortuaries help save forests? In his book The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben doesn’t just teach readers about the science of trees, it’s also a call to action to help save the forests. He lays out multiple ways that people and governments can help save the trees. Here are the actionables that Wohlleben shares in his book.

2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) Overview

What are the key takeaways from the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference? How have global stakeholders responded to the outcomes? Is the deal enough to thwart global warming’s threats? The recent UN Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai ended with a historic agreement, for the first time calling on nations to transition away from fossil fuel use. Critics argue the deal doesn’t go far enough, citing the pact’s weak language and support for transitional fuels and carbon capture technologies. Here’s a look at how the 2023 Conference of Parties went down.

How to Minimize Social Harms: 3 Inspiring Approaches

A woman feeding a homeless person on the street to avoid social harms.

How should we address social harms such as war and poverty? Do you sense a call to take on such issues in your community or the world? The 2023 book Life Worth Living urges you to adopt a philosophy of life. Oftentimes, such personal life philosophies entail an obligation to minimize social harms such as crime and bigotry. The authors share approaches from Mary Wollstonecraft, James Baldwin, and Confucius. Read more to draw inspiration from these thought leaders.

What Is the Winter Solstice & Why Does It Matter So Much?

What is the winter solstice? What makes the winter solstice the shortest, darkest day of the year? Why have humans marked the occasion since prehistory? Each year, the astronomical winter begins with the shortest day of the year: the winter solstice, the day with the fewest hours of sunlight. In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs every year on December 21 or 22. After that point, the days begin to grow longer. Here’s a look at what the winter solstice actually is and why it’s so historically and culturally significant.

How to Deal With Hardship in a Way That Inspires Others

A young man with a slight smile, trying to deal with hardship.

How do you deal with hardship? Do you respond in a way that inspires others? Every year, Yale professors Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz teach a course on living well. Their book Life Worth Living captures the course’s concepts. One of the matters they discuss is how to deal with hardship in the context of a life well lived. Keep reading for their advice based on insights from philosophers, religious traditions, and literary greats.

Donald Trump’s Racism and Stereotyping Origins

Where does Donald Trump’s racism come from? What factors contributed to his tendency to stereotype by race? Donald Trump’s racism comes from a segregated upbringing and a lack of exposure to minority communities. Understanding where this comes from offers insight into how it can be addressed. Learn where Donald Trump’s racism comes from and why he has the beliefs that he does.