Going beyond self-help solutions to burnout, Philosopher Alec Stubbs argues that society's obsession with productivity requires structural changes to embrace play as a fundamental, joyful part of life. Read by Michael Satow.

Psyche is a digital magazine from Aeon which examines the human condition, with articles that explore mental health, emotions, and new ideas.

Psyche

The achievement society is burning us out, we need more play

Why do we believe in UFOs?

Even when it’s not explicitly religious, humans do what they always have: raise their heads, shout questions to the stars, and wish for an answer. Francesco Dimitri reflects on how belief in alien visitors resembles our oldest ways of making sense of the world. Read by Jonathan Booth.

UFO belief is a modern outlet for ancient spiritual yearnings

Recent changes in political discourse have moved previously outrageous racist and conspiracist views into the mainstream. Jennifer Saul argues that it is vital that we understand the mechanisms that facilitate these changes. Read by Gina Rogers.

Beyond dog whistles – racists have a new rhetorical trick

Most TV viewers and filmgoers love a good 'baddie', but does anyone understand why? For starters, they can be very entertaining, but Ana Gantman and Jordan Wylie reveal research highlighting a more profound psychological reason viewers are drawn to the bad guys. Read by Marni Penning.

What is it about film and TV antiheroes that’s so captivating?

Mindfulness has become a big business. Chris Wheatley reflects on the Buddhist roots of mindfulness and argues the way it is often practised today strips it of its original meaning and purpose. Read by Gary Furlong.

When mindfulness meets capitalism, it loses its way

The curiosity that comes naturally to babies and young children can soon wilt – but there are ways to help it grow. Shayla Love reveals how we can help children use curiosity as a lever for learning. Read by Jennifer Jill Araya.

This is how to nurture curiosity in children (and yourself)

How we take in information has a significant effect on how intuitive or analytical we are in thinking about it. Janet Geipel and Boaz Keysar reveal how this insight could impact decision-making across law, medicine, and public policy fields. Read by Jennifer Jill Araya.

Do you think more clearly when reading or when listening?

Despite attempting various therapies, Chloe Faure found that cooking can offer a mindful escape where senses are engaged, time is forgotten, and stress is relieved. She reflects on how it's likened to mindfulness and childhood play, enabling positive sensory memories and a connection to the past, present, and future. Read by Emma Powell.

If you don’t fancy mindfulness, then try cooking instead

How does emotional pain change people? Kelsey Day reflects on the idea it is comparable to decomposition, and why it helps to begin a cyclic process that culminates in the potential for regrowth.

When emotions rot, they compost and transform into something new

Words matter. The language we use has the power to influence our behaviour. Therefore, Justin Kompf explores the important distinction between goals and commitments to help you on your path to success. Read by Ron Butler.

A commitment is different from a goal – here’s why that matters

The idea that you should love your enemies can seem contradictory at best. However, it appears across many different religious and ethical traditions. Alex Moran examines the philosophy behind this guidance to explain why following it serves your best interests. Read by Malk Williams.

Morality aside, there’s another good reason to love your enemies

When awaiting a stressful update or event, do you assume it won't go your way? Psychology research fellow Ella Moeck debunks the folk wisdom to expect the worst to present a new method: holding positive expectations. Read by Emma Powell.

Why it might not help – and could hurt – to brace for the worst

We need reassurance about all sorts of concerns and fears. But what happens when 'productive' reassurance-seeking becomes detrimental? Matt Huston provides simple steps to help you overcome this unproductive behaviour for a more lasting peace of mind.

What to do when your urge for reassurance has gone too far

Our stress levels don't rise and fall in isolation. PhD candidate Shihan Li argues that stress can be better understood as a dynamic network phenomenon and breaks down the personality characteristics that can mitigate the contagion.

Why some people are at higher risk of ‘stress contagion’

Did you know there's a way to take control of your dreamscape? Whether you want to adventure to exotic places or achieve the impossible (while asleep), Christian Jarrett provides five simple tips to cultivate your dreams.

Five ways to take control of your dreams

Can you find freedom in life without a car? As romantic tropes about the rebellious individual taking to the highway are replaced by regulation and wars on emissions, Vicky Grut explains why she doesn’t need to drive to find liberty and adventure.

Why not driving is my own form of resistance

The concept of personality disorders has been around for centuries, so it needs a new name and a rethink. Matt Huston explains that to help people, we must challenge the entrenched ways of conceiving mental health problems.

There’s a growing case for renaming ‘personality disorders’

Is enjoying an imitation burger any different from enjoying a sex doll? Philosopher Rebecca Lowe poses a thought experiment, questioning whether lab-grown meat could be too true to be good.

A fake-meat burger, a sex doll and a thought experiment

Is propaganda always bad? From Martin Luther King to overcoming cognitive bias, Anne Hennessey argues for the benefits of propaganda as an educational tool.

The case for propaganda: how a TV ad influenced my birth plan

From Greek mythology to science fiction, what makes invisibility so compelling? Greg Gbur explains why and how the power not to be seen has captured the fascination and fantasies of people for thousands of years.