Beyond zero-sum thinking: 3 international collaborations that helped the world
In a zero-sum game, one person’s win means another person’s loss. Luckily, we are living in a positive-sum world, meaning one person’s achievement can benefit and contribute to the success of those around them, and even all of humanity. This concept applies to scientific innovation, Read More...
KitKat’s new wrapper quits single use plastic… and challenges your origami skills
Getting corporations to join the fight against single-use plastics often takes more than a desire to help the environment. It also takes economic and marketing incentives. Food and drink giant Nestlé seems to have found a strategy for reducing plastic use and increase sales: paper packaging that Read More...
A former con artist turned FBI agent wants to help you avoid scammers
Last week we featured a story on how to prevent unwanted robocalls. Unfortunately, these calls can be more than just irritating, they can be dangerous. In 2017, robocalls, password theft, IRS fraud, and other scams cost Americans $16.8 billion. Fortunately, Frank Abagnale, former scammer turned FBI Read More...
High tech furniture makes smaller spaces more adaptable than ever
Would you consider placing a movable bed in front of your closet to save space? What if the bed could move itself automatically when you needed to access your shoes? Ori, a customizable furniture company, is joining others, such as Alphabet and Sidewalk Labs, and embracing how robotics will play a Read More...
Tracking menstrual cycles can help female athletes reach their full potential
While menstrual cycles have certainly not prevented women from becoming some of the most successful and revered contemporary athletes, many high-level competitors, including the World Cup-winning U.S. Women’s Soccer Team, have begun to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and are Read More...
What would a "Basic Income" really do for America?
“...paying dividends from wealth we own together is a practical, market-based way to assure the survival of a large middle class." - Peter Barnes By Kristy Jansen The United States of America has faced sky-rocketing income disparity for decades, and this issue has been gaining more Read More...
Where you live affects health, wealth and earning potential - podcast reports
A couple of weeks ago we shared a story about the cognitive benefits of listening to podcasts. This was thrilling to us since several on the Optimist Daily team are dedicated podheads. One story we listened to this week jumped out as something that we had to share - a Planet Money episode that Read More...
7 things you can do to create a more fulfilling work-life now that summer is over
By marking the traditional end of summer, Labor Day is in many ways its own type of New Year moment. It marks the time that we head back to school and back to full work schedules after summer breaks and vacations. This September, as you celebrate the work you do in your life, why not take time Read More...
A zoo in Berlin just witnessed the rare birth of panda twins
If you’re a panda lover (who isn’t?), then we have some fantastic news for you. This week, a panda by the name of Meng Meng gave birth to not one, but two panda cubs in a zoo in Berlin—marking the first time one of these rare mammals has given birth in Germany. Pandas are notoriously Read More...
How taking a break can reinvigorate creativity and boost productivity
In today’s world, we have created a culture where to be constantly productive is equivalent to being successful. We apologize over lunch with a friend when the cell vibrates, as if being always available for work or other “emergencies” means we really do matter. Even if it also means we just Read More...