Category: Essays
Honeybees and Zen During Ecological Collapse
Honeybees don't only inform us of further ecological collapse but invite us into being more mindful: present and compassionate.
Global WEIRDing Threatens Cognitive Diversity
Human cognitive diversity joins a number of other forms of diversity that are disappearing. Diversity of mammals and plants, of languages and cuisines. But the loss of cognitive diversity raises issues all its own.
What Earthquakes Teach Us About Embracing Uncertainty
For natural disasters large enough to reshape society, Dr. Lucy Jones explains, “The best fit to the data is that it’s random. And we hate it. Random makes people really upset." But such uncertainty doesn't have to leave us feeling helpless—we should embrace the inherent chaos of the universe.
‘Schools of Character’ Demonstrate a Path for Education Reform
In the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting, a grieving parent becomes an education reformer, champions "Schools of Character."
How ‘Silent Night’ Went from Humble Hymn to Holiday Staple
Translated into over 300 languages, it originates in a small Austrian village, having been written for a poverty-stricken and traumatized congregation.
Ecstatic Experience: How the West Can Find Itself by Losing Control
In the West, we resist ecstatic experience, fearful of losing control—this hyper-rationalistic mindset excludes us from crucial paths to insight and connection. But there is a dark side to ecstasy.
A Tough President and An Unsettled Nation
While the most violent mood in recent history settles over the nation, can we blame it on Donald Trump and his aspirations to be "tough?"
How CBT Strengthens Political Life and Untruths Which Weaken It
Many in the US are experiencing emotional unwellness, while our foundational institutions are rattling. CBT can help with both.
Depression Isn’t Caused by a Chemical Imbalance
The prevailing theory for depression focuses on an alleged chemical imbalance in the brain—meta-researchers are now dispelling this narrative.
The Brain Can Be Rewired Through Meditation and Mindfulness
Neuroscience increasingly validates Buddhist practices, like meditation, which unlock the ability of the mind to change the brain.
‘History of White People’ and Dealing with Race Theorists
Nell Irvin Painter's book identifies some of the roots of the inequality we see today, which are based on the antiquated "science" of race theory. We can use the social construct of race to address social injustices, but what do we do with the mixed legacies of race theorists?
LGBTQ…P? Polygamy in the Era of Marriage Equality
Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015. Ever-individualized notions of love, sexuality, and gender identity broaden our definition of family—but will we make room for polygamy? Should we?
Agape Restaurants Could Revive Toleration and Multiculturalism
Debates surrounding tribalism and bigotry abound, many focused on biased media or public policy. Agape Restaurants conceptualize food as a cultural force for realizing toleration and nurturing community—all while dining with strangers.
Urban Youth Use Myths and Drums to Become Men
Drawing power from mythological stories and self-disclosure, this award-winning mentoring program transforms teens into community leaders.
Funerals Are Vital Spaces for Emotional Learning
We dishonor a person's memory and do ourselves a disservice when we don't also acknowledge the dead person’s flaws, faults, or missteps—in other words, embrace their whole humanity. Whether we want it or not, funerals are spaces for emotional learning, not just grieving or reinforcing cultural norms.
First Impressions of an Unschooling School
Envision a school that is not compulsory or coercive, that is a completely student-directed educational environment, whose primary aim is to develop emotionally intelligent children who can live meaningful lives.
As Atheists and Believers, We Need Deeper Reverence for Mystery
Throughout most contemporary discourse about God and practiced religion, God is conceptualized as a literal being, leading believers to harm, vilify, and limit the potential of other people. While atheists ridicule the religious for believing in such a temperamental God, they have also limited their own potentials.
Unconditional Cash Transfers Can Fix Foreign Aid
Foreign aid in the form of conditional cash transfers between governments tends to be abused by corrupt regimes, and rarely makes it into the hands of those in need. UCTs are a way to bypass that, and reinforce personal freedom.
Is Jordan Peterson an Antidote Against the Pitfalls of Postmodernism?
Synthesizing neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, literature, and mythology, Peterson distills a message of individual responsibility, and how we can find meaning in the balance between chaos and order.
For Love’s Sake, Let’s Reclaim the Manic Pixie Dream Girl
The Manic Pixie Dream Girl is a deservedly maligned Hollywood trope. But, she hearkens to an ancient archetype which can unlock a deeper understanding of love.
A Divided World Needs to Make God a Useful Idea, Again
In his newest book, God: A Human History, Reza Aslan seeks to provide an explanation for this rise of what he refers to as “the humanized God.” He proposes a more pragmatic idea of god, instead.
Building a Faith Community Without Belief in God
Tranquil chaos surrounded me, but I fervently believed that the humanities could offer answers to the big questions. Could a commonwealth of non-believers offer the same benefits of a faith community?
Why Do We Think The Working Class is Less Intelligent?
Traditional methods of measuring IQ suggest that a correlation exists between intelligence and social class. This outdated view of intelligence, among other social and environmental factors, perpetuates a stigma and enlarges a widening intelligence gap.
How the Toothbrush Mirrors Societal Progress: An Oral History
Just as simple technologies have been abandoned for more beneficial advancements, so should we jettison institutions, laws, philosophies, and cultures which no longer incubate human flourishing.
Medicine Alone Can’t Beat Diseases. We Need Stories Too.
In joining the fight against the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, one graduate student discovers the psychological power of proper stories, and how their equally impressive ability to challenge practices, were essential to improving medical outcomes.
Overcoming Childhood Trauma and Other Heroic Lessons from The Dark Knight
Not only is the Dark Knight Trilogy a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s also a plat du jour of insight into the consequences of empathy and emotional resiliency.
Geek Culture is Mainstream, But Geek Girls Remain Left Behind
Geek girls are vying for top-billing in a culture that used to ignore them and now frequently makes self-deprecating jokes about male geeks’ inability to coherently talk to women. Female representation is diversifying as women continue to grow as a consumer block, but women and girls deserve more.
The 3 Faces of Political Incorrectness
There are three distinct types of anti-PC rebels. Two of them serve a valuable social function. The third is a menace and should be treated as such.
Peter Pan, Existentialist Fairy Tale?
For all its silliness and sentimentality, Peter Pan serves as a precautionary tale for those who fear the responsibilities of living, and the uncertainties of dying.