The Perilous Lure of the Underground Railroad

Source: The New Yorker

Journalist Kathryn Shulz examines fictional accounts of fugitive slaves navigating the underground railroad, the accuracy of those accounts, and why we are drawn to them.

Nature in Chinese Culture

Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Throughout history, nature has inspired Chinese artwork. Read the article to learn about the country’s connection to nature and click some of the images in the slideshow to view specific art pieces.

10 Things You May Not Know About Nathaniel Hawthorne

Source: HISTORY

Did you know Nathaniel Hawthorne served as an American diplomat and had a daughter who has been proposed for sainthood? Learn these and more little-known facts about the famous author.

From Bruce Springsteen to Tyson Fury, men are opening up about depression

Source: The Guardian

A number of male celebrities have recently opened up about their mental health struggles, sparking conversations about male depression.

The Castle of Otranto: The creepy tale that launched gothic fiction

Source: BBC News

Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of Otranto is considered by many to be the first example of gothic horror fiction. This article discusses the lasting influence the book has had on the horror genre.

What can Shakespeare teach us about freedom?

Source: Voices Magazine

One scholar explains how Shakespeare’s characters can inspire us to be our truest selves.

Overlooked but Undeterred, a 101-Year-Old Artist Finally Gets Her Due

Source: National Public Radio

Carmen Herrera has been creating innovative paintings and sculptures for decades. Gain insight into her striking vision and why her work went largely unnoticed until she was well past the age at which most people retire.

An animated lesson full of adorable animals made of autumn leaves

Source: TED Ed

You are what you eat! What about the stuff you don’t know you are eating, like dried plant matter that becomes part of the food chain? Here’s an interesting angle on the subject through a creative animation.

Edith Wharton: Why the Age of Innocence author is vanishing from New York City

Source: The Independent

Read this article to learn about what New York City streets looked like in the time of author Edith Wharton.

Aziz Ansari Goes to India

Source: The New York Times

In this essay, actor and comedian Aziz Ansari contemplates his American and Indian identities.