Material Well-Being: Views of Aristotle, Buddhists, & Nietzsche

A rich man and poor man standing next to each other in a city to represent material well-being.

What’s material well-being? How do different philosophies define it? In what sense do you have it? Yale professors Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz contend that one component of a good life philosophy is that it promotes material well-being. In their book Life Worth Living, they explain that different thinkers have different standards of material well-being. Keep reading to learn about these intriguing perspectives.

Why Forests Are Important to the Planet, Humans, & Biodiversity

Close-up image of raindrops on a leaf.

Why are forests so important to the global ecosystem? What role do forests play in regulating the climate? Why do so many species rely on forests? We all know trees are important, but in his book The Hidden Lives of Trees, Peter Wohlleben explains just how crucial forests are to life on Earth. Trees help water move around the planet, mitigate climate change by storing carbon dioxide, provide habitats for animals and plants, and more. Continue reading to learn why and how forests are important to life on Earth.

Perspectives on Moral Well-Being: How Do You Measure Virtue?

A young woman helping an older woman's moral well being by volunteering to help her grocery shop.

Do you believe that you’re essentially a good person? How do you measure your virtue? According to authors Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz, life is worth living when you have a good philosophy of life. A strong life philosophy promotes moral well-being—the sense that you’re generally a virtuous person—by defining right and wrong behaviors. Continue reading to learn about various perspectives on moral well-being.

CIA Interrogation Techniques: Questions to Ask and Avoid

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What CIA interrogation techniques can you use to collect the truth? What are the best questions to ask in an interrogation? CIA interrogation techniques are centered on asking the right kinds of questions: short, relevant, and loaded. Learning these techniques can help you separate truth from lies in many contexts. Read on for more about CIA interrogation techniques and sample questions to ask in an interrogation.

Pros and Cons of Quantum Computing: Worth the Risks?

Pros and Cons of Quantum Computing: Worth the Risks?

What is a quantum computer? What can quantum computers do that normal computers can’t? Why are quantum computers potentially dangerous? In November 2022, IBM unveiled its 433 qubit powerful Osprey processor, marking a significant step toward revolutionary quantum computing systems. Quantum computing promises to solve problems currently deemed insurmountable by classical computing. But it could also threaten existing encryption systems and exacerbate digital divides. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of quantum computing.

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.

Motivation for Living Life Well: How 4 Views of Death Can Help

A black and white image of a thinking woman at a cemetery.

How do you view death? How can your belief about death motivate you to live your life well? What you believe about death affects the way you live your life, for good or for bad. Life Worth Living discusses what a few philosophers and religious traditions say about death and how these beliefs put life into perspective in various ways. Read more to learn how different views of death might give you motivation for living life well.

The 4 Verbal Signs of Deception, According to the CIA

A person showing verbal signs of deception while engaging in a worrying conversation.

What are the most common verbal signs of deception? What does lying look like? The four verbal signs of deception according to the CIA are inappropriate responses, failure to answer, qualifier-heavy answers, and generally suspicious responses like inconsistency and aggression. Noticing these signs can help you determine if someone is lying in an interview or interrogation. Continue reading for more detail on what these verbal signs of deception look like.

2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) Overview

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.