Arts & Culture
Here we cover the latest and most uplifting exhibitions, creative movements, and imaginative design to keep you inspired throughout your day.
A new understanding of an old story—part IV of True American, a mini series
"Only by learning to live in harmony with your contradictions can you keep it all afloat." - Audre Lorde Over the course of the True American mini-series, we’ve deconstructed symbols that we think of as “typically American.” In the process, we’ve gained a more nuanced understanding of Read More...
The birth of the banjo— part III of True American, a mini-series
The banjo, widely considered a quintessential symbol of the United States (along with square dancing), is an instrument that tends to conjure up images of white rural life in the Appalachian mountains, or memories of the dueling banjos from the 1972 film "Deliverance" or TV shows like "The Beverly Read More...
5 simple yet profound ways to make the world a better place today
The word activism can bring up images of aggression and vehemence, but it turns out that activism can be practiced in gentle ways, too. Here are five simple yet radical things anyone can do in their day-to-day lives to make the world a better place. Find joy These days, the simple act of being Read More...
The square dancers of today—part II of True American, a mini-series
Last Friday we shared the fascinating history of the square dance in the United States of America. Together, we traced back how it became an emblem of American society that forced so many school kids to endure the often awkward square dancing lessons. Do-si-do anyone? We also discussed the Read More...
The history of square dancing in America—part I of True American
The Optimist Daily is taking a journey into ideas and symbols that shape the world with our our mini-series True American. Our first episode explores what many consider a cornerstone of American culture: Square dancing. Square dancing, contrary to popular belief, is not just a “Southern Read More...
Being human together
The African equivalent to Rene Descartes’s famous dictum, “I think, therefore I am,” which is the foundation of much modern Western culture, is called ubuntu and goes something like this: “We are, therefore I am.” Or: “I exist to the extent that others acknowledge and respect Read More...
Revealing the history of the earliest transoceanic seafarers
A study carried out by geneticists at Harvard University, in collaboration with Indigenous communities, has revealed five previously undocumented migrations around remote Pacific islands. These people were the world’s earliest transoceanic seafarers, being able to navigate long journeys across Read More...
Introducing "True American"— a mini-series
Last month on Independence Day, The New Yorker published an issue featuring cover art by graphic illustrator Christ Ware. The narrative piece, called “House Divided,” boldly captures the sense of polarization underlying this past year’s Fourth of July festivities, and the general atmosphere Read More...
5 Ways to bring people together with food
In almost every corner of the world, coming together and sharing a meal is one of the most communal and binding traditions. As we have already reported, food is a wonderful way to bring people together; to forge friendships, exercise your creativity, and even save money while having an enjoyable Read More...
4 tips that will help you be a better friend
Our loved ones are what makes life worth living. Little else matches the wonderful experiences we have with friends full of laughter and it turns out these times are also good for your health. Many studies have shown that friendship is beneficial for our well-being and might even extend our life Read More...