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John Templeton Foundation

A collection of content made in partnership with John Templeton Foundation.
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A horned, fanged figure lies on the ground with a foot pressing down on its neck; red drapery is visible above.
6mins
The Well
The 3 “demons” that haunted legendary scientists
Darwin, Descartes, and Maxwell all believed in these science ‘demons.’
Jimena Canales
John Templeton Foundation
A clock face with a spiral effect, showing multiple overlapping clock dials against a solid blue background, evokes the question: is time an illusion?.
The Well
Time: Do the past, present, and future exist all at once? 
The concept is so complex that scientists still argue whether it exists or if it is an illusion.
John Templeton Foundation
A classical-style portrait of a person with their face obscured by a large white starburst shape.
9mins
The Well
How enlightenment permanently alters your brain
Enlightenment is a traditionally mystical and slippery concept, but when it is subjected to the rigors of empirical analysis, there is a lot to be learned about our brains and ourselves.
Andrew Newberg
John Templeton Foundation
Illustration of the top view of a human brain, showing detailed grooves and folds, with a textured, etched style on a dark background—evoking the complexity of mental feedback loops.
The Well
Why confirmation bias kills your brain
Humans tend to hunker down in our own minds and trust what we already believe to be true. This emotion-based way of thought isn't often the best way to think about anything, and often leads to gridlock.
Barbara Oakley
John Templeton Foundation
A silhouetted figure with outstretched arms appears in bright, radiant light against a blue sky, evoking an ethereal effect that invites reflection on arguments against God.
The Well
3 arguments against God, explained by a Catholic bishop
“The very best arguments against God have been formulated by believers.”
Bishop Robert Barron
John Templeton Foundation
A softly colored illustration of a double rainbow arches over a calm blue sea under a pastel sky, evoking harmony between religion and science.
4mins
The Well
Is religion a threat to science?
Some scientists see religion as a threat to the scientific method that should be resisted. But faith "is really asking a different set of questions," says Collins.
Francis Collins
John Templeton Foundation
A figure with wings kneels and gestures toward a standing, robed figure against a red background, evoking the question: what is hell like? Both appear in a detailed, engraved style.
4mins
The Well
Why this bishop hopes hell is empty
What’s hell really like?
Bishop Robert Barron
John Templeton Foundation
A bearded man with outstretched arms and blue drapery appears to be in motion, depicted in a classical painting style that evokes the search for evidence for God.
4mins
The Well
Can God exist in a scientific world?
There is no evidence for God as a “big being.” Is God something else?
Bishop Robert Barron
John Templeton Foundation
A metallic, blindfolded bust of a person is shown against a black background, symbolizing justice, impartiality, and the resolve to turn the other cheek in the face of adversity.
5mins
The Well
Why ‘turning the other cheek’ is fundamentally misunderstood
When should we seek justice, and when should we forgive? A bishop explains.
Bishop Robert Barron
John Templeton Foundation
A red, intricately patterned lace heart with a floral border and a cherub design in the center, set against a black background.
4mins
The Well
The power of gratitude, explained
New research shows that having an attitude of gratitude is key to healthy relationships, and it can virally impact society.
Dr. Sara Algoe
John Templeton Foundation
A nude figure with outstretched arms stands against a sky with rainbows and flying birds, evoking a sense of belief in the supernatural.
4mins
The Well
Why do we believe in the supernatural?
From superstition to religion, we are surrounded by supernatural thinking. Is that a bad thing?
Clay Routledge
John Templeton Foundation
A blurred image of a green grassy field bordered by tall trees under a partly cloudy sky evokes a sense of nostalgia.
4mins
The Well
Nostalgia is a deeply misunderstood phenomenon
Escape a mental rut by using nostalgia.
Clay Routledge
John Templeton Foundation
Two figures embrace in the foreground as celestial bodies or stars, evoking supernatural thinking, tumble from a dark sky; in the background, a crowd with raised arms watches in awe.
7mins
The Well
Why our minds crave the supernatural
"Supernatural thinking is actually an important part of being a complete human being."
Clay Routledge
John Templeton Foundation
A bronze Buddha head sculpture with ornate crown and elongated earlobes, set against a black background, embodies the philosophies of self through its serene expression and timeless artistry.
3mins
The Well
Philosophies of self: East-West distinctions
People in the East and West really do think differently, especially when it comes to self-identity. Depending where you live, either associative or distinctive thinking will shape your sense of self.
Gish Jen
John Templeton Foundation
Close-up of a lion's open mouth showing sharp teeth and tongue, painted in a realistic style with rich brown and yellow tones, capturing intensity that echoes themes seen in the neuroscience of inequality.
6mins
The Well
The incredible neuroscience behind the culture wars
What inequality and populism look like in the brain, according to a neuroscientist.
Molly Crockett
John Templeton Foundation
A painting of a brown monkey sitting on the ground with one hand raised to its mouth, looking to the left with a surprised expression.
6mins
The Well
95% of your behavior is primate behavior
He's studied apes for 50 years - here's what most people get wrong.
Frans de Waal
John Templeton Foundation
Two hands reaching towards each other against a bright blue sky with clouds, subtly exploring why empathy is bad when it leads to emotional overwhelm.
4mins
The Well
Why I’m against empathy
Not an empathetic person? Here’s why that might be a good thing.
Paul Bloom
John Templeton Foundation
Illustration of a human brain with a metallic on/off switch embedded in its side, set against a solid dark purple background.
8mins
The Well
How to turn information into intelligence
Having trouble learning? A PhD engineering professor gives you one key tip.
Barbara Oakley
John Templeton Foundation
A gold crown with pointed tips and ornate detailing is shown against a solid blue background, symbolizing the evolution of kindness through regal elegance.
4mins
The Well
Has evolution made us ultra-selfish?
We evolved to be kind – and die for others.
Paul Bloom
John Templeton Foundation
A woman cradles a baby while surrounded by four children in a rustic kitchen, with dishes on shelves and blue sky outside—a heartwarming scene that might inspire thoughts like, should I have kids?.
4mins
The Well
Should I have kids? A psychologist explains how to decide
Kids don’t always make you happier. Here’s why people have them anyway.
Paul Bloom
John Templeton Foundation
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