Society Archives

The Tortured Artist: Does Sadness Give Us Creative Power?

What is the “tortured artist” stereotype? How are creativity and sadness related? Are naturally creative people more prone to sadness? The tortured artist stereotype has long been associated with creativity and sadness, and according to Susan Cain’s book Bittersweet, there may be a connection between the two. However, while sadness can trigger increased creativity, it’s not the only way to increase it. Learn how Cain explains sadness, creativity, and the tortured artist.

Matthew Perry’s Near-Death Experience: How It Happened

When did Matthew Perry have a near-death experience? What caused Perry’s health to decline suddenly? In 2018, actor Matthew Perry was sent to a hospital during a health crisis. He describes the scary event in his book Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, and how it helped him come to terms with unresolved issues from his past. Find out how Matthew Perry’s near-death experience forced him to confront feelings he’d been suppressing.

Dispelling 3 Misconceptions About Climate Change

Is the weather more extreme these days? Why are sea levels rising? Are we headed for a climate apocalypse? Former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin contends that climate activists have misled the public into thinking there’s proof that our actions have led to global warming and possible climate catastrophe. On the contrary, Koonin argues that the facts about climate change are far from certain. Keep reading to learn how Koonin dispels three significant misconceptions about climate change.

What Are the Effects of Urbanization on the Environment?

What are the effects of urbanization on the environment? How are animals impacted? Is the greenery in cities natural and beneficial? In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman aims to address humanity’s environmental impact by imagining a world in which nature is allowed to flourish. He takes a close look at how cities impact the natural world. Read more to learn what Weisman discovered about urbanization’s mark on the planet.

You Are a Product of Your Environment—So Make It Count

How do the people in our lives influence us? Are your friends or colleagues instrumental in your self-improvement journey? In Be Your Future Self Now, Benjamin Hardy recommends putting yourself in environments that will help you become your higher self. This is because you are a product of your environment—the situations you put yourself in and the people you surround yourself with impact who you are and what you achieve. Find out what you can do to push yourself beyond your limits by using the world around you.

Commitment to Community: A Call to Love Your Neighbors

Do you enjoy a strong sense of community? How well do you know—and care about—your neighbors? David Brooks argues that the relationalist approach to life requires a commitment to many people in the form of a local community. He makes a case for the importance of building community, and he offers some steps for doing so. Continue reading to learn why and how you can make a strong commitment to community.

What’s the Impact of Waste on the Environment?

Does plastic ever degrade? Have we taken care of the CFC problem? What’s the worst byproduct of modern living? Garbage leaves a mark on our planet. That’s because much of our modern garbage never leaves the planet. In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman addresses the problem head-on. He explores the impact of waste on the environment and identifies the major culprits we need to tackle. Read more to learn what Weisman discovered in his investigation.

Reliance on Fossil Fuels—Why Carbon Neutrality Is Pie in the Sky

Is carbon neutrality a realistic goal? What would it take to get there? As we look for solutions to climate change, the elimination of carbon emissions seems to be near the top of everyone’s list. However, this is not a practical solution, at least for now. That’s the view of former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin. Read on to learn why Koonin believes we must accept the reality of our reliance on fossil fuels.

Brené Brown on Shame and How to Heal From It

What does Brené Brown have to say about shame? What’s the solution to feeling shame? In many of her books, author and researcher Brené Brown explains why we feel shame, why it’s harmful, and how to rise from it. All of her research combines into a meaningful discussion on human emotions that you can use to develop your self-worth. Taking advice from four of her books, we’ll look at what is said by Brené Brown on shame and how to combat it.

How Do Human Activities Affect the Environment?

How do human activities affect the environment? Which is more harmful—farms or cities? What’s the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? The human race has left a mark on our planet, sometimes through carelessness and sometimes by design. In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman outlines several ways that humanity impacts the environment: agriculture, cities, power, waste, and pollution. Keep reading to learn about the human ecological footprint.