Anthropologist Margaret Paxson writes about her struggle to quantify peace and ultimately argues that peace is knowable.
Tag Archives: People
A Photographer Follows in Gandhi’s Footsteps
See photos retracing the route of Gandhi’s famous Salt March and learn about the photographer’s experience in this interview.
The Epic Quest to Ride the World’s Biggest Wave
Follow the journey of Garret McNamara as he attempts to surf the dangerously large waves of Portugal.
U.S. immigrants get supersized
In 2011, researchers conducted a study to find out why people often gain weight after moving to the United States. They found that immigrants often choose unhealthy foods because they want to fit in to American culture.
The Courage And Ingenuity Of Freedom-Seeking Slaves In America
In their desperation, runaway slaves found creative ways to hide and escape. This article tells the stories of slaves who shipped themselves to freedom in crates and of others who found safe haven in the Great Dismal Swamp of North Carolina.
When Does Adulthood Really Begin?
What is the biggest step toward becoming an adult? A poll taken in 2015 suggests that many people believe it has to do with financial independence.
This 14-year-old turned down a $30M buyout offer
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Read to learn about 14-year-old Taylor Rosenthal, whose idea to create a vending machine to sell first aid supplies has made him a successful young entrepreneur.
An Interview with Poet Patricia Smith
Patricia Smith harnesses the power of words in her work. In this interview, read about why Smith feels that poetry—especially when spoken aloud—has the power to change not only attitudes but also people’s lives.
How a book club is helping to keep ex-offenders from going back to jail
Reading books and writing poetry while in prison helped save Jimmy Santiago Baca from returning to a life of crime. A program in Washington, D.C., strives to make the same difference in the lives of prisoners.
How to Build a Happier Brain
There’s an old saying that people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. A new book bolsters the idea that it’s not what you see but how you see it that matters most when it comes to happiness.
Your Gloomy Friends Don’t Want Cheering Up
Friendship can provide support during difficult times. But the best way to help a friend depends on that friend’s outlook.
Before Rosa Parks, A Teenager Defied Segregation On An Alabama Bus
Meet Claudette Colvin, the teenager who inspired Rosa Parks.
DeepSea Challenge
On March 26, 2012, James Cameron made a solo 6.83-mile journey to the Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in the ocean. Cameron completed the dangerous trek in a single-seat submersible named the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER. What risks did Cameron encounter on his journey, and what did he hope to discover? Learn more about the mission at this official site.
Abigail Adams, Founding Mother
In this review of Woody Holton’s book Abigail Adams, we learn more about the First Lady who often reminded her husband to “remember the ladies.” Although the changes of her time had yet to extend to women, Abigail Adams was standing up for her own and other women’s rights.
Why I’m rowing across the Pacific
Roz Savage was the first woman to row solo across three oceans. Here, she talks about how her first voyage; how it came about that she gave up her normal life to row solo across the Atlantic, the obstacles that she faced, and how she overcame them.
Ai Weiwei Alcatraz tour: Legos, protest songs and prison cells
Although detained in China for being critical of the Chinese government, Ai Weiwei still manages to create art supporting human rights and free speech. Read this photo essay about a visit to Alcatraz, a former military prison, and view Weiwei’s art made of Legos that speaks up for people from around the world who were imprisoned or exiled from their countries.
On Stephen Hawking, Vader, and Being More Machine Than Human
In this article, author and anthropologist Helene Mialet analyzes the relationship between humans and machines as it existed for scientist Stephen Hawking.
Property Brothers: Living the Dream
Selling hangers and buying a house for a $250 down-payment were two important decisions for the Property Brothers. They offer suggestions about how to make other decisions in your life.
How to Survive a Disaster
It’s hard to predict how we’ll react in a crisis until one occurs. Some people spring into action, while others freeze. Find out how you can prepare yourself to respond well when things go wrong.
Don’t think too positive
In her research, psychology professor Gabriele Oettingen has found that overly-positive thinking actually disincentives people from achieving their goals. She suggests pairing positive thinking with visualizations of obstacles that stand in the way.