The Origin of Mindfulness Meditation (+ Modern Manifestations)

An Indian man practicing meditation and an American woman practicing mindfulness depicts the origin of mindfulness meditation

What’s mindfulness meditation rooted in? How did it come to the West and become so popular? The origin of mindfulness meditation is primarily in Theravada Buddhism, the oldest of the three major Buddhist schools. It evolved from traditional practices and was simplified for wider accessibility. Western travelers, including authors Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson, brought these techniques from India in the 1970s. Read on to discover the fascinating journey of mindfulness from ancient spiritual traditions to modern-day applications.

Principles for Dealing With the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio

A bearded man wearing glasses and a denim jacket reading a book in a cafe by a window with shelves of dishes behind him

How does history unfold in cycles? What can we learn from studying these patterns? Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio explores the cyclical nature of history and its impact on global powers. Dalio examines how empires rise and fall, economies expand and contract, and societies experience periods of harmony and discord. Keep reading for our overview of this book, and discover Dalio’s insights on navigating an uncertain future in a changing world.

Cycles of Society: The Ebb & Flow of Harmony & Disharmony

Balanced scales tipping back and forth between happy emojis and angry emojis illustrates cycles of society

How do societies evolve over time? What causes periods of harmony and disharmony in civilizations? Ray Dalio explores the cycles of society in his book Principles for Dealing With the Changing World Order. He examines how economic and social factors contribute to the rise and fall of major powers. Dalio argues that societies progress through stages of building harmony and increasing disharmony. Read on to discover Dalio’s insights into these cycles, including the state of the US and China within them.

Ray Dalio: Economic Cycles of Debt & Credit Are Natural

Three stacks of coins (tall, short, and tall) represent economic cycles

Does the global economy follow a predictable pattern? Can understanding economic cycles help you make better financial decisions? According to Ray Dalio, economic cycles are natural. In his book Principles for Dealing With the Changing World Order, he explores the rhythm of debt and credit use and explains how these patterns have shaped major powers throughout history. Continue reading for Dalio’s fascinating perspective on how economies ebb and flow over time.

Cycles of War and Peace: Ray Dalio on the Dynamic of Geopolitics

Balanced scales with a dove on the left and a hawk on the right illustrates cycles of war and peace

Is the world locked in an endless cycle of conflict and cooperation? How do major powers shape the global landscape? Ray Dalio’s insights on cycles of war and peace offer a fascinating perspective on international relations. He explores how nations interact, compete, and sometimes clash on the world stage. From economic battles to the looming threat of military confrontation, Dalio paints a vivid picture of the complex dance between global powers. Keep reading to understand this characteristic of geopolitics, especially in regard to the United States and China in our current era.

The Threat of Nuclear War Has Us on the Precipice (Toby Ord)

A man's finger about to push a red button in a sophisticated command center illustrates the threat of nuclear war

Is the threat of nuclear war still a concern in today’s world? How close have we come to nuclear catastrophe? The looming specter of nuclear conflict remains a serious global issue. Toby Ord’s analysis in The Precipice highlights the devastating potential of nuclear weapons and our historical mishandling of this technology. Keep reading to discover the shocking realities of nuclear warfare and its potential impact on human civilization.

The Big Cycle: Ray Dalio Explains How World Orders Are Created

People in a book store in a section with a sign that says "HISTORY" illustrates the big cycle of world history

Is the world moving in predictable patterns? Can we learn from history to anticipate future events? Every 250 years or so, an empire falls and a new one rises. The big cycle, Ray Dalio says, helps us understand history and predict the future. Inside this big cycle are smaller cycles of economy, society, and geopolitics that help shape the world order. Keep reading for Dalio’s perspective on the cyclical nature of wealth, power, and global dynamics.

The Importance of Knowledge Sharing: 4 Benefits in Society

Two people talking to each other and showing the importance of knowledge sharing

What’s the importance of knowledge sharing? How does trade lead to cultural evolution? Matt Ridley says that humans’ distinguishing characteristic is our penchant for exchanging and accumulating knowledge. We don’t merely hoard knowledge; we share, combine, and build upon it. Let’s take a closer look at how powerful the practice of sharing knowledge can be.

Ray Dalio: The Rise and Fall of Empires Reveal History’s Cycles

An ancient pyramid in Egypt with modern cities in the distance illustrates the rise and fall of empires

Is history repeating itself? What can we learn from the rise and fall of past empires? According to Ray Dalio, the rise and fall of empires provide insights into the patterns that shape global powers. He outlines the three stages empires typically go through, from their emergence to their eventual decline. Keep reading to discover how these cycles might apply to our world today.