Knowing the reasons people opt not to know – and the consequences of that choice – could help us see when it’s problematic ...

The metamorphosis of this special bond from feudal to modern times reveals much about the aspirations of different societies ...

Chimpanzees favour the colour red. Junglefowl prefer symmetry. Our shared capacity for aesthetic pleasure is cause for wonder ...

Other practices like sermons, yoga and retreats can also trigger ‘spiritual boredom’. Here’s why it’s normal and even useful ...

If an outright refusal feels rude but you don’t want to have to explain, here’s how to say ‘no’ the Japanese way ...

Swapping office work for the herding life, Adham finds a sublime freedom in the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees ...

What studying people without a ‘mind’s eye’ reveals about the role of imagery in the experience of emotion and memory ...

The colour violet was largely missing from art before the Impressionists, and is seen differently by different cultures. Why?

Some musical rhythms are built to get us bobbing, foot-tapping or dancing. Researchers show how rhythmic complexity matters ...

The end of your existence is inevitable. The question is whether or not you should fear it. For many of us, the idea that some day we will no longer exist is terrifying. Philosophers have argued that ...

When I first started as a police officer, none of my fellow detectives, police academy teachers or criminal investigation department bosses were seemingly able, nor interested, in telling me in ...

A psychedelic experience can be deeply rewarding, but also carries real risks. Here’s how to avoid a bad trip ...