Happiness is such a widespread, common, almost worn word that we hardly ever stop to think - what does it actually mean? We all feel that it is important to us, at least on some level. After all, it seems strange to imagine someone who actively pursues unhappiness. Yet, happiness is not a simple idea. … Continue reading Spreading the Word: What is Happiness?
Spreading the Word: Galaxy of Books and Articles
When data is married to beautiful visualisation new and surprising insights can emerge. One great example of this is the Open Syllabus Project with their Galaxy visualisation of books and articles that are assigned as course readings across the globe. The fascinating thing is that you can see which works are assigned mostly in one … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Galaxy of Books and Articles
Spreading the Word: Two Stories About Storytelling
Stories are powerful tools of influencing. We tell stories every day. No amount of data on its own can convince us to act. So, are stories a power of good or should we be careful of how their power is used? I share with you 2 TED talks. Each appreciates storytelling and each offers a … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Two Stories About Storytelling
Spreading the Word: Why Do We Believe In Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories, secret designs, nefarious activities, mystery stories as old as humanity where the decorations change but the plot remains. They fascinate us and pull us in, offend and enrage us, it takes an effort to ignore them, nobody is entirely immune to their potency, these arch-antagonists of a calm mind. Why? What is the … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Why Do We Believe In Conspiracy Theories
Spreading the Word: Midlife Crisis
For this weekend, I share with you a lecture by Professor Mark Jackson on midlife crisis. It is an interesting take on this now so broadly used concept. In the lecture, Prof Jackson looks into the roots of the idea and discovers that they are interwoven with both biology and culture. Link to the video: … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Midlife Crisis
Spreading the Word: Taoist Documentary
For this weekend, I share with a documentary about Taoism. Get comfortable, reserve this time for yourself and enjoy the insights from the art of effortless living. Link to the video: Taoist Documentary. Keeping up the "Spreading the Word" tradition, every weekend, I hope to share with you an article I've read or a video … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Taoist Documentary
Spreading the Word: J.R.R. Tolkien Quotes
It is a short video share today. Just under 10 minutes but what a calming and inspiring influence they have. Quotes from J.R.R. Tolkien. Enjoy! Link to the video: Tolkien Quotes. Keeping up the "Spreading the Word" tradition, every Friday, I hope to share with you an article I've read or a video I've seen … Continue reading Spreading the Word: J.R.R. Tolkien Quotes
Spreading the Word: Baltic Crusades
Today, I share with you a podcast episode by the BBC4, which discusses ''the Baltic Crusades, the name given to a series of overlapping attempts to convert the pagans of North East Europe to Christianity at the point of the sword''. Since I am originally from this region, this is a special one to me. … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Baltic Crusades
Spreading the Word: Facing Ourselves
Today, I share with you a touching, relatable, and strangely compassionate little story captured in a short 7-minute animation film by the UK filmmaker Sam Gainsborough. It is called 'Facing it' and shows us what it would be like, if all our emotional experiences were clearly available to us (and others), visible on our faces. … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Facing Ourselves
Spreading the Word: ‘No-mind’ Idea
In one week I will resume my studies and one of the courses I am very much looking forward to is philosophy of mind. In this light, it was a timely and pleasant surprise when I came across the following article recently published on Aeon: "The mind does not exist". A controversial and provocative title, … Continue reading Spreading the Word: ‘No-mind’ Idea
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