Pondering Destructiveness in Ants and Humans
One fairly ubiquitous creature we encountered in Costa Rica was the ant. We frequently came across lines of ants, marching alongside or across our path. In fact, Luis, our guide, told us that whenever we stopped along a path, we needed to look down to make sure we...
The Best Chocolate Is the One You Like
Do you prefer milk chocolate or dark chocolate? Most people have a definite preference. Then there’s the science, which says we should prefer dark chocolate because it’s healthier. Because of that science, some people feel they ought to say they prefer dark, even when...
Challenge by Choice
One thing I learned while I was recently in Costa Rica is that ziplining originated there. A scientist who studied life in the tops of the trees (the “canopy level”) in the rain forest of Sarapiqui faced a lot of time, effort, and danger climbing up and down trees to...
Understanding Pura Vida
I recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica. I think the country is on many people’s bucket lists, and I certainly found it to be gorgeous and inspiring. In fact, it’s been called the world’s leading ecotourism destination, and their national motto is pura vida,...
Releasing Old Understandings of Our Culture
What holds us back? This question can arise frequently over the course of a lifetime—whether we’re talking about the lifetime of a person, a community, our nation, or our culture. What prevents us from thriving, from being the best version of ourselves? It might be...
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