Mind & Spirit

Are Teens Growing Up at a Slower Pace? Study Says Yes!

Many people believe that teens today grow up faster than they used to, while others argue that today’s youth are growing up more slowly, perhaps due to over protection by their parents. A new study explored this issue by examining how often teens in recent years (compared to teens in previous decades) engaged in adult ...

Troy Oakes

Block Play May Improve Children’s Math Skills, Executive Functioning

Semi-structured block play among preschool-age children has the potential to improve two skills — mathematics and executive functioning — critical to kindergarten readiness, according to a new study by Purdue University researchers. Sara Schmitt, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, said: “As an early childhood expert, I feel like I’m constantly being ...

Troy Oakes

Cosmology of the Han Chinese: Taiji and Bagua

Every culture on Earth has its own myths and legends that explain the origin of life. In China, there are many cultures and thus many origin stories. The following is one of the most common representing the cosmology of the Han Chinese. Cosmology of the Han Chinese In ancient China, the Han people believed that ...

Nspirement Staff

two hands cupped above each other one holds ice one holds fire symbolic of a yin yang symbol

The 11 Virtues of Jade

“Jade worship” is a common phenomenon among Chinese around the world. It was established in China thousands of years ago. The culture of jade worship began in ancient times when jade was seen as being symbolic of rulers and having a connection to God. Jade was considered to be at a level as high as ...

David Jirard

A jade necklace.

Young Children Use Physics, Not Previous Rewards, When Learning

Children as young as seven apply basic laws of physics to problem-solving, rather than learning from what has previously been rewarded, suggests new research from the University of Cambridge. The findings of the study, based on the Aesop’s fable The Crow and the Pitcher, help solve a debate about whether children learning to use tools are ...

Troy Oakes

Retribution for Destroying a Sacred Temple

Lin Biao (December 5, 1907–September 13, 1971) was a marshal of the People’s Republic of China. In 1966, he became known as the second in command to Mao Zedong and was named his successor. Lin adhered as closely to Mao’s direction as possible and was believed to be Mao’s closest follower. However, what Lin did ...

Emma Lu

Why Crime Affects a Youth’s Academic Performance

A new study has found that violent crime changes youths’ sleep patterns the night immediately following the crime, and changes patterns of the stress hormone cortisol the following day. Both may then disrupt academic performance in students. Almost 1.2 million violent crimes — homicide, sexual assault, assault, and robbery — were committed in the United ...

Troy Oakes

When Do Children Start Preparing for the Future? You May Be Surprised!

A new study from Australia found that children spontaneously practice skills to prepare for the future, starting at the age of 6. The study, from researchers at the University of Queensland, is published in the journal Child Development. Deliberate practice is essential for improving a wide range of skills important for everyday life, from tying ...

Troy Oakes

Be a Happy You

It’s important to always remember that whatever you do must be governed by your ability to make yourself happy, whether it’s work, leisure, or your responsibilities. And happiness cannot be defined in terms of comparison — comparing what you have and your situation with others. Happiness should be satisfying your innate desires and aspirations that give ...

Armin Auctor

Study Shows Living Abroad Leads to a Clearer Sense of Self

Living abroad can clarify your sense of self, according to new research by a team of social scientists at Rice University, Columbia University and the University of North Carolina. The new research also shows that living abroad leads to clearer career decision-making. They found living abroad increases “self-concept clarity” — the extent to which individuals’ beliefs about ...

Troy Oakes