Perspective is the lens shaped by experiences and culture through which we view the world, while opinion is a subjective belief influenced by perspective and can change over time. Both are key to understanding others and fostering meaningful dialogue.
In the midst of daily chaos, there's an overlooked truth: impermanence. Rooted in Eastern philosophies, it asserts that all things are transient. Understanding this is vital, as it shapes our lives, teaching us to appreciate the present and navigate inevitable changes. Embracing impermanence leads to mindfulness and transcends the material world, revealing profound truths and guiding a compassionate way of living.
On June 1st, President Donald Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, igniting global outcry and reigniting discussions around global cooperation. The move, justified by potential economic losses, has drawn sharp criticism. The situation resembles the "Prisoner's Dilemma" from game theory, prompting a critical question: Can nations find a path back to cooperation despite the allure of short-term gains and the complexities of global politics?
Procrastination is often viewed as a hindrance to productivity, but it may actually enhance creativity. Research shows that letting tasks simmer in the background can lead to innovative ideas, as demonstrated by historical figures like Mozart and organizations studied by Adam Grant. By adopting "structured procrastination," individuals can prioritize smaller tasks while allowing their minds to generate new solutions. This approach suggests that taking breaks can foster creativity, resulting in unexpected brilliance when returning to work.
In a world inundated with information, the rise of "post-truth" reflects a troubling trend where emotions overshadow objective facts, shaping public opinion. This phenomenon, exacerbated by social media and political polarization, undermines trust in institutions and fuels misinformation, leading to a reality where emotional narratives often triumph over factual discourse.
I reflect on nostalgic childhood memories of Diwali, contrasting the festival's communal joy and artisan importance with today's commercialization and digital greetings. While modern conveniences alter traditions, the author urges a return to meaningful connections, preserving the festival's intimate spirit through conscious efforts to maintain its richness amidst evolving societal changes.
In the battlefield of Lanka, after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama sent Lakshmana to gather wisdom from the dying scholar. Initially, Ravana refused, but later imparted wisdom about greed, ethics, and politics when Rama himself, humbly approached him. Despite his infamous reputation, Ravana's profound teachings, gleaned from his life's lessons, were considered valuable and respected in ancient Indian mythology.
The traditional zodiac faces a cosmic twist as NASA's latest calculations reveal a 13th zodiac sign, Ophiuchus, challenging age-old perceptions. Despite its absence in mainstream astrological discourse, Ophiuchus has quietly observed the dance of celestial bodies, its significance subtly acknowledged by sidereal and Vedic astrologers. This revelation questions astrology's foundations as ancient Babylonians divided the zodiac into 12 equal parts, disregarding the varying constellation sizes and shapes. NASA emphasizes the distinction between astronomy's empirical observation and astrology's subjective interpretation.
When we were children, the summer holidays seemed to last forever, and the wait between Durga Puja-Diwali festivals felt like an eternity. So why is that when we get older, the time just seems to zip by, with weeks, months and entire seasons disappearing from a blurred calendar at dizzying speed?
Singapore's PM's wife, Ms Ho Ching, sparked interest during a White House visit for carrying a dinosaur-themed pouch priced at SGD 14.80. Once mistaken for a fashion faux pas, it was later revealed the pouch was designed by Seetoh Sheng Jie, a 19-year-old student from Pathlight, Singapore's first autism-focused school. The pouches, typically selling 200 units every four months, sold out within a day and now require a two-month pre-order.
High temperatures in Iraq are worsening due to growing desertification, prompting the government to declare a two-day official holiday. The World Meteorological Organization warns of record high global temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide. Iraqis demonstrate resilience to the heat, but urgent action on climate change is needed for the region and the planet.
