| Read time: 6 minute(s)

How do you avoid imparting your child with  a sense of entitlement?

Life is not always fair. No one owes you anything. Goals can only be attained through hard work. The biography of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller,Sr. by Ron Chernow, is highly instructive in this regard.  We quote as follows: Convinced that struggle was the crucible of character, Rockefeller faced […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Debate of the WEEK: Can you really change your character?

IN THE NEWS: An age-old psychological myth has been busted, as scientists gather increasing proof that we can change our personality at will. It can feel like a lottery. Are you an extrovert? Congratulations! You have a greater chance of being happy. Are you conscientious? Brilliant! You have a higher life expectancy. But people who […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Debate of the WEEK: Should we spend more time with our friends?

IN THE NEWS: Good relationships are the secret to happiness, say scientists. But more and more people today are spending the majority of their time alone. “Lumberjacks know the secret of happiness”. It is a bold claim. But according to a survey by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, lumberjacks are some of the happiest people […]

| Read time: 4 minute(s)

Banksy for Ukraine

A series of brand new Banksy murals have been located across Ukraine, from Kyiv to Borodyanka. As ever with the Bristol street artist, their overt anti-war messaging and solidary with the people is clear. Using art as a political weapon has always been a core part of Banksy’s street art practice and activism. As the […]

| Read time: 9 minute(s)

Five ways to practice gratitude this festive season.

For many people, the festive season can bring on the blues. Science shows that, while it’s no fix-all, nurturing gratitude can help by shifting our attention to what’s positive. For some it’s instinct, others have to practise it, but giving thanks is good for our bodies, minds and our relationships. Scientists at the University of […]

| Read time: 4 minute(s)

The Status Game

A new book says we live in a culture obsessed with status and competition, from school to work and sport. So is it time to opt out and view life another way? You are at a fork in the road. If you turn left, you start the story of your life. You love and learn. […]

| Read time: 5 minute(s)

Your picks this month

Title: The One and Only Bob Author: Katherine Applegate Publisher: HarperCollins  Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the […]

| Read time: 3 minute(s)

Book review: Know Gandhi in few sentences

We all know that Gandhiji refused to cheat in the exam, but do you know he stole once? And he was so overcome with guilt that he asked for forgiveness?  These and many more motivating anecdotes from the life of one of the greatest men on earth has been bound in a book.  With his […]

| Read time: 3 minute(s)

Book review: The very Glum life of Tootoolu Toop

Welcome to the magical world of reality! The world of fantasy has always fascinated the writers and readers alike. We all like to escape to the beautiful world of imagination where unicorns and dragons live, fairies sing melodies, mermaids turn into beautiful women and there are potions to make you look just the way you […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Top picks this month

Title: Red, White and Whole Author: Rajani LaRocca Publisher: Quill Tree Books  This is a novel in verse about an Indian American girl whose life is turned upside down when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia. Reha feels torn between two worlds: school, where she’s the only Indian American student, and home, with her family’s […]