Philosophy / Social Science / Well being

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The Cherry Blossom and the Wisdom of Impermanence

The cherry blossom or Sakura is one of the most beautiful trees you will come across. Its ethereal petals hued in shades of pink and white adorn the branches of the trees with elegance. In Japan, Sakura holds deep cultural meaning, symbolizing good luck, love, and the start of spring. People eagerly anticipate the blooming of Sakura, to behold its heavenly beauty, as it lasts only for a brief period. This ephemeral quality is often paralleled to the transient nature of human existence. Within its fleeting beauty lies a profound lesson on life’s impermanence. It imparts a poignant reminder of...

Navigating the cold and prick.

behavioral science / Philosophy / Social Science / Well being

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Human relationships: navigating the cold and prick

We, as social beings are not meant to be alone. We are wired to connect and cooperate with others, to share our joys and sorrows, to give and receive support. Our ancestors knew this well, as they formed clans and communities to face the dangers of nature together. That is why we fear being cast out or shunned by those we care about. Many ancient and modern teachings have emphasized the importance of social ties, friendships, and meaningful connections for our happiness and flourishing. Relationships offer us many positive attributes: they give as a sense of belonging, work as pillars...

Philosophy / Social Science / Wellbeing

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Beyond the Void: Finding Love, Devotion, and Essence in a Chaotic World

Sometimes, we feel a deep emptiness in our soul that we cannot describe or understand. We sense that something is missing in our lives, but we do not know what it is. We try different ways to fill this void, depending on our beliefs and preferences. Some of us look for spirituality to fill the void. We seek comfort and enlightenment in the divine or other mystical realms. We hope to find a transcendental power that can provide us with purpose and fortitude when we are struggling to make sense of the world. We meticulously follow the rituals and traditions...

Culture and Tradition / Interesting Facts / Wellbeing

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Hygge moments

Denmark has topped the world happiness report three times since 2013, which may have much to do with the way of their life, incorporating Hygge in everything they do. Trend-setters Hygge has been a buzzword since then, and its trend has influenced other cultures around the world so much so that you would come across plenty of articles and books based on it. Chances are you are one of those attracted to this cosy Danish philosophy or to the Hygge home decor that has become a vogue among interior creators. The grass is always greener on the other side of...

The Vinegar Tasters

Interesting Facts / Philosophy

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Vinegar Tasters, how beliefs shape attitudes

When it comes to attitudes, people generally have different approaches to life. Some are cheerful, some optimistic, few are perennially pessimistic, others have a default complaining mode, some rational and others emotional. The best way forward You can’t claim one approach to be preferable over the other since many factors like culture, environment, and beliefs influence a person’s outlook on their life.A perfect example to show how even the wisest men stand divided on figuring out the essence of life is depicted in the Chinese allegorical painting “Vinegar Tasters”. Vinegar Tasters-The timeless meaning Have a close look at the picture...

Tar baby folk tale

fables and sayings

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Possible implications of folk tales

Any folklore may look like straightforward storytelling, but most of the time, its implications are diverse. The implications I have drawn are, of course, just a partial list. Keeping the past alive. Folk tales across various cultures were created, keeping in mind the prevailing traditions, religious beliefs and sociopolitical situations. The best way to pass on the traditions over many generations is to create stories based on it. It is a time tested strategy widely used before the technological breakthroughs. Don’t throw me in the briar patch. Have you ever come across these two expressions in English,” Don’t throw me...

behavioural science / cognitive dissonance / fables and sayings

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Cognitive dissonance in sour grapes

People generally use the saying “Sour grapes “ as a disdain expression to point out disapprovingly of those opportunities that slipped through their fingers or to mention the unfulfilled goals and dreams. While their mind may be reeling under unpleasantness and envy, outwardly people balance their behaviour in a manner that reduces their inner turmoil. A peek into the Aesop’s fable. Not intending to narrate the whole story of Fox and grapes here, but in a nutshell, once the fox realised that the mouth-watering “sweet” grapes were not quite attainable, he gives up his efforts, muttering “sour grapes “ and...

behavioral science / Interesting Facts / psychology / Social Science

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The Many Sides of Gossip

Everyone loves a good gossip, whether they are the ones sharing the latest juicy titbits or eagerly listening to someone else’s story. From watercooler moments and quiet whispers to loud conversations at social gatherings, we have all indulged in gossip at some point. For some, gossip is the thread that connects them to the fabric of life, giving their existence meaning. But what exactly is gossip? At its core, gossip involves sharing negative information about someone who is not present. Simply put, it is talking about others behind their backs, sharing thoughts that could hurt or offend if known. Why...

Wisdom through the ages : Bridging Ancient Philosophy and Modern Science

behavioural science / Evidence Based Wisdom / Interesting Facts / Philosophy / psychology / Social Science

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Ancient insights to modern wisdom

The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates is renowned for the saying, “All I know is that I know nothing.” His humility in acknowledging his limitations and openness to learning reflects his boundless wisdom. In ancient times, wisdom, or wise men of extraordinary insights were from the domain of philosophical and religious teachings. Their insights have stayed with us through generations. Often, we borrow their age-old insights. Is the pursuit of wisdom an elusive quest for ordinary individuals? Or, as the Chilean author Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said, “Wisdom comes to us when it can no longer do any good.”From such a...

Social Science / Well being / Wellbeing

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Crossing paths

We are all passersby in someone’s life as others are in ours and we are meant to part ways at the end of the day. We may have crossed paths on the same road for a nanosecond, waited on the same stopover for a few minutes. Or might have sat next to each other, shared the same class for a couple of years, otherwise, various life circumstances and randomness of life could have allowed us to cross paths. But there is a beauty in meeting everyone, acquaintances, lovers, seasonal friends and even the ones you don’t wish to cross paths...

absurdity called life

Interesting Facts / Literature / Mythology / Philosophy / Social Science

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Sisyphus, the myth and the absurdity of life

Mythical stories and fables that are weaved from the fabric of life have enchanted humans since the dawn of civilization. For a myth to endure a time-spanning across generations and people identifying with them for its symbolic belief signifies its credibility. Sisyphus myth is one among many that have been reviewed widely in association to work, attitude and in the realm of existentialism. A one-line description of Sisyphus myth can be a man’s perseverance in a senseless repetition of a futile pursuit.   A commoner might remember Sisyphus’ experience as a person who is toiling in vain. Sisyphus, the mythological character ...

The Butterfly Effect

Culture and Tradition / Interesting Facts / Social Science

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When a butterfly flaps its wings

Following a downpour, one might spot bunches of mushrooms sprouting here and there. One may wonder, does it abruptly grow overnight or was it present there all this time, hiding beneath the surface of the soil. Is it the rain that hastened its overnight appearance or something else? Cause,effect Likewise, some of the daily occurrences or happenings that people encounter as individuals, society, or a state might not just happen at once, or it does not happen in vacuums. There are almost always some preceding causes behind it, something akin to the butterfly effect. The butterfly effect Small causes can...

The IKEA effect

behavioural science / Interesting Facts / Social Science

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Ikea and the Ikea effect

Whoever has strolled through the tastefully decorated stalls of the furniture giant IKEA can vouch for their overwhelming feeling of awe and enthrallment that is hard to hide. Aesthetically designed pleasing home interiors, brilliant organising ideas for small spaces, innovative and ergonomic fixtures and appliances, the list of striking layouts and concepts goes on. The urge to splurge and empty one’s pocket is overpowering. You behave like a child in a toy shop, yearning to get hold of everything you come across.  The founder and the brand Swedish furniture retailer Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA. Most successful entrepreneurs share a cliched...

De Bono's strategy for thinking

behavioural science / Interesting Facts / Social Science

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Wear not one, but six hats. De Bono’s strategy for thinking.

The term thinking cap signifies an imaginary cap to be worn to facilitate the thinking process. According to etymology, the thinking cap is an allusion to the official cap worn by the judges while dispensing the judgments at the court of law.  Edward de Bono, who is famous for parallel thinking, published the Six thinking hats in 1985. The idea behind this is practically scrutinising a problem from all aspects as possible, leaving nothing to chance. Teamwork This method serves as a team-based problem-solving technique. Taking a different perspective or checklist manifesto, benefits to ensure that every problem with the...