Tag Happiness & Hope

Need a pick-me-up? These feel-good tales of people changing the world for the better will restore your confidence in humanity and put a spring in your step.

5 min read

Image: View along the outside wall of an Earthship. Plants are seen growing inside and out!

Welcome to the Earthship—The Future of Living Well and Doing Good!

Can a house made from old tires, recycled beer bottles, and detached from water and electricity be a luxurious answer to sustainable housing needs? Well, for those who have discovered the magic of Earthships the answer is "Yes!" Find out how people are creating the buildings of the future with surprisingly low-tech innovations!

5 min read

The 14-Year-Old Entrepreneur Bringing Sweetness to Everyone!

14-year old Michael Platt is making life a little better for someone in need, one cupcake at a time. For every dessert he sells through his business, he's donating one to shelters in his community—bringing some sweetness to those who could most use it. Here's his amazing story!

Image: Tilden Middle School Students in front of a poster that says "be the I in kind"

Helping Students Find Confidence by Helping Others!

Could there be a simple way to change the lives of young people around the world? They may be on to something at Tilden Middle School—helping their students build confidence, empathy, and kindness towards other people in just a single day. Here's how it works! (And how it can benefit you, too!)

Mr. Gluck and the Not-So-Secret Secret to Creating a Legacy that Lasts!

What's the secret to getting through some of life's darkest moments, inspiring those around us to do the best work they can, and creating a legacy that will be talked about for generations? Well, as it turns out the answer starts with a little thing we can all choose to do every day!

5 min read

Image: Citi Bike docking area full of bikes

Bike Angels: Competitive Problem-Solving at Its Extreme!

What happens when we use fun to inspire people to help the world in their own way? New York City tried out this experiment with their Citi Bike Bike Angels program and the results were, well, unexpectedly enthusiastic!

5 min read

Image: Woman laughing and wiping her eyes

Happy, Sad, or Chopping Onions—The Science of Why We Cry!

When was the last time you cried? Why did you cry? Crying is our reaction to everything from bad breakups, to awe, to cutting onions, but why is this? Let's explore this uniquely human reaction that seems to be a fundamental part of our shared humanity.

Image: One of Josh Simpsons glass globes!

Hidden Planets in an Everyday World!

Have you ever received a gift from a stranger that changed your view of the world? Get ready to experience a mesmerizing ball of wonder that fits in the palm of your hand! Let us take you on a global scavenger hunt in search of Josh Simpson’s hidden glass Infinity Planets!

5 min read

Image: silhouette of a young person reading

Meet the Man Behind Books Young People Actually Want to Read!

Could there really be a simple way to encourage youth to read more? See how the author, Jason Reynolds, is making it happen by telling stories that connect to the experiences of today’s young adults.

How Do You Find the Right Words for Your Love?

Have you ever felt an emotion you didn't have the words for? This is where the beauty of other languages can step in. When it comes to love, there are a lot of feelings that English sometimes can't quite express, but other languages have captured that magic!

5 min read