What does ‘miscreant’ mean? Uncover its uses, from the mildly mischievous to the truly villainous, and learn when this word might be a bit too strong.
Cosmopolitan: Meaning, Uses, and When It Might Miss the Mark
Explore what makes someone or something “cosmopolitan.” Learn how to use this word accurately and when to choose a more specific alternative.
Deride: Definition, Use, and Why It Often Backfires
What does ‘deride’ mean? Explore this word for expressing scorn and contempt. Learn when it’s used, and why it often hurts more than it helps.
Anathema: A Word of Intense Dislike
Discover the meaning of “anathema,” its origins, and when (and when not) to use this powerful word expressing extreme aversion.
What Does Affable Mean? A Guide to Using This Positive Word
Discover the meaning of ‘affable’ and how to use it to describe friendly, approachable people. Learn when to use this word and when to choose a different one.
The Numinous: Exploring a Word of Mystery and Awe
Discover the meaning of “numinous” – a word that evokes the sacred, the spiritual, and the profoundly moving. Learn when and how to use it effectively.
Panoply: Understanding a Word of Splendid Range
Explore the meaning of “panoply” and learn how to use this impressive word to describe a wide array or collection. Discover its origins and examples!
Invective: The Power and Pitfalls of Harsh Language
What is invective? Discover the meaning, uses, and times to avoid this emotionally charged form of language, complete with examples.
Rescind: Meaning, Uses, and When to Choose a Different Word
Unsure when to use “rescind”? Learn the definition, appropriate contexts, and when you should consider other words for clearer communication.
Understanding ‘Restive’: Meaning, Uses, and More
What does ‘restive’ mean? Learn the definition, correct usage, synonyms, and examples of this word to improve your vocabulary.
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The Architecture of Gratitude: How to Escape the Hedonic Treadmill & Find Joy
Why does the holiday “high” fade so fast? Discover the science of the Hedonic Treadmill and learn how to build a structural foundation of gratitude that lasts beyond New Year’s.
Winter Solstice Meaning: How to Embrace Dormancy & The Return of the Light
Why do we fear the dark? Explore the spiritual and psychological meaning of the Winter Solstice. Learn why “dormancy” is necessary for growth and how to find peace in the longest night of the year.
When the Bells Stop Ringing 15 | The Water at The Well
In the drought-stricken lands of Turkana County, the sun is a hammer and water is more precious than gold. Zola, a young woman from the Turkana tribe, walks miles to the only working well, knowing it sits on the dangerous borderlands of the enemy Pokot tribe. When she arrives, she is not alone. A woman from the opposing tribe is already there. With no men and no guns—just two women and a rusted, heavy pump handle—they face a choice: hold onto the history of war, or work together to survive the day.
365 Days of Spirit: Dismantling the “Holiday Container” & Hacking Kindness
Why limit kindness to December? Discover the psychology of the “Holiday Container” and learn practical strategies to carry the spirit of generosity, patience, and gathering into the rest of the year.
When the Bells Stop Ringing 14 | The River of Stars
The Amazon River at night is a cacophony of jungle sounds and pitch-black water. Thiago, a boat pilot, knows the dangers of the current, but when his engine dies on Christmas Eve, he finds himself drifting helplessly in the dark. Alone, with the rain pouring down and the river spinning him toward the unknown, he spots a faint spark in the distance. It isn’t a city or a harbor, but a flickering light on a rotting dock. This is a story about the terror of being adrift, and the humble lights that guide us home.
Check-Box Charity vs. Effective Altruism: How to Make Your Donation Count
Are you suffering from “check-box charity”? Discover the philosophy of Effective Altruism and learn how to move beyond temporary relief to fund systemic change. Stop buying guilt-relief and start investing in impact.