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A cross made from various denominations of old U.S. paper currency is fastened together with brass tacks, set against a brown background.
4mins
The Well
The case against self-help
Americans believe they can outthink suffering. Historian Kate Bowler explains how our obsession with self-help, optimization, and positivity became a kind of secular religion.
Kate Bowler
A woman with flowers in her hair holds a white mask near her face and smiles, wearing a ruffled pink collar.
3mins
The Well
Why toxic positivity is making us miserable
Toxic positivity isn’t optimism. It’s denial. Historian Kate Bowler explains why our obsession with “good vibes only” is making it harder to cope.
Kate Bowler
Close-up of a classical painting showing a woman in a white headscarf looking upward with her lips pressed together; background is dark.
6mins
The Well
True free speech, explained in 6 minutes
Free speech can amplify hatred, but it also protects the fight against it. Founder of The Future of Free Speech Jacob Mchangama explains.
Jacob Mchangama
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