Every major problem in our world today has its root in education. In most Western countries, mainstream state education is heavily influenced by the “progressive” ideas popularized by the early 20th century philosopher and education reformer John Dewey. He rejected...
Influential figures from Gandhi to the Dalai Lama have advocated practicing “unconditional love,” claiming that we should love others without expecting anything in return. Sometimes, people interpret this idea as meaning that we should “love” a particular person (such...
Uncover your deepest values with the Giant Mansion Exercise: imagine a life of wealth, free time, and purpose to reveal what truly gives your days meaning. Continue Reading
In order to live well as individuals and build a flourishing society, we need clear knowledge of what is and is not proper behavior. Often, guidance on this comes in the form of virtues—a set of behaviors presented as a guide to good living. The ancient Greek...
The 2020 Emma adaptation brings stunning visuals and humor but takes some liberties with the depth of Emma’s character arc. How does it compare to the original novel’s portrayal of self-improvement and personal growth? In this video, we explore what’s lost in...
Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series is set in a world filled with magical things—talking dogs, jewels that grant power, ghosts who walk among the living at night, and many humanoid characters who can fly. But the focus of The Queen’s Bargain (which is set in that world...
To borrow a phrase from author Michael Crichton, we live in a state of fear. Everywhere we turn, news and social media are trying to give us reasons to be pessimistic and fearful. It’s hard not to be infected by the deadly disease of pessimism. A quick scroll down my...
When we meet Haymitch Abernathy early in The Hunger Games, he is stumbling drunkenly onstage to mentor Katniss and Peeta, convinced he is about to watch them both die despite his best efforts to prevent that outcome. Throughout the original trilogy, we meet many...
Elizabeth Bennet, or Lizzy, lives in Regency-era England with her four sisters. Lizzy is close to her sweet older sister Jane, but struggles to connect with their awkward, studious middle sister Mary and their silly, giggling youngest sisters Lydia and Kitty. Their...
