Horace Wasland
Bio
Research analyst, writer & mystical healer. Exploring the edge where science meets mystery. From mystery/the mystical, to facts, news & psychology. Follow for weekly insights on all four and please leave a tip if you like what you read :)
Stories (251)
Filter by community
Why Do We Dream?
Imagine it’s winter 1862, and you’re a chemistry professor in Belgium. You’re grappling with one of chemistry’s biggest mysteries: the structure of benzene. Unlike most hydrocarbons, benzene has an unusual ratio—six hydrogen atoms and six carbon atoms. What kind of structure could allow these atoms to fit together? Frustrated, you turn your chair towards the fire and drift into sleep. As you dream, visions of atoms and molecules morph into serpents, one of which coils around and bites its own tail, like the ancient symbol of the ouroboros. Suddenly, you’ve solved the structure of benzene in your dream—a breakthrough that will revolutionize chemistry and earn you a statue people love to dress up. August Kekulé’s dream-led discovery of benzene’s structure is one of history’s most famous dream-inspired breakthroughs. But it begs the question: Why do we dream?
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Education
The Forgotten Island
In the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean lies a speck of land barely visible on the world map. Today, it's known as Tromelin Island, but for a long time, it was simply called Sand Island. This tiny, flat islet, surrounded by coral reefs and battered by the relentless ocean, is a rather unremarkable place—the sort of sand spit that savvy sailors would sail straight past without a second thought. But there's nothing unremarkable about this island because it is home to one of the most remarkable tales in all of human history.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
Internal Turmoil
I've always heard that our thoughts shape our reality. Yet, I often found myself grappling with feelings of fear, anger, and anxiety, despite knowing they were just products of my mind. I realized that to truly transform my life, I needed to understand the nature of my thoughts and how to master them. Here's a glimpse into my journey of overcoming inner turmoil and finding peace.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Psyche
The Turmoil Inside
I've always been fascinated by the workings of the human mind. It's a labyrinth of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, each intertwining to create our unique reality. But as intriguing as it is, the mind can also be a source of turmoil, reflecting distorted images that often cloud our true selves. My journey towards mastering my thoughts has been a quest to understand and eventually control this enigmatic mirror within me.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Psyche
My Dear Paranoia
In the quiet moments of my day, when the world seems to pause, I often find myself battling a relentless stream of negative thoughts and emotions. It’s like having an uninvited guest who constantly whispers doubts and fears into my ear. However, over time, I’ve come to realize that these thoughts, no matter how real they seem, are just that—thoughts. They hold no power over me unless I let them.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Psyche
Why Am I Not Successful?
Growing up, I was always told that hard work was the key to success. My parents and teachers constantly emphasized the importance of studying hard, working hard, and giving my best effort in everything I did. The message was clear: if I worked hard enough, success would naturally follow. However, as I navigated through various stages of my life, I started to realize that this wasn't always the case.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Psyche
Who Am I, Really?
Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Who am I, really?" I've been there, too. As I delved into the fascinating world of personality psychology, I discovered that our personalities are much more complex than they appear on the surface. Today, I want to share what I've learned about the different layers of our personalities and how they shape who we are.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Psyche
The Aztec Blood Rituals
The Aztec Empire, a dominant force in pre-Columbian America, flourished in Central Mexico through a network of alliances and ruthless military conquests. Despite its brief existence of less than a century, the Aztec Empire left a profound mark on history with its massive stone temples, innovative farming techniques, and unique city planning. However, one of the most striking aspects of Aztec culture was their ritualistic practice of blood sacrifice. This post delves into the sacred significance of these rituals and what drove the Aztecs to center much of their religion and culture on the shedding of blood.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
Vlad the Impaler
To some, he was the very embodiment of evil—a psychopathic incarnation of the Devil himself. To others, he was a god-fearing defender of the faith, courageously standing up to the feared Ottoman Empire. In his time, he was known as Vlad the Impaler, thanks to his favorite method of execution. Today, we remember him as the real-life inspiration for Bram Stoker’s infamous prince of darkness. In this post, we delve into the gruesome truth about the real Vlad Dracula.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
Genghis Khan
In the year 1162, between modern-day Mongolia and Siberia, a ruthless leader and great conqueror was born. The king of kings, a brutal barbarian, and the founder of the largest connected land empire the world has ever seen, his name was Genghis Khan. Genghis, together with his sons and grandsons, went to war on an immense scale. In only 25 years, the Mongol army conquered more territory than the Romans had done in 400. By the time of his death in 1227, the Mongol Empire stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea, encompassing around ten million square miles. The empire was vast, measuring the same size as the African continent and larger than the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands combined, making Genghis Khan one of the most successful military commanders the world has ever known.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
Unlocking Your Brain
In today's fast-paced world, where information is at our fingertips and digital devices are our constant companions, the need to remember and retain information seems less critical. We can take a photo of a screen, set a reminder, or search for answers online. Despite this, the ability to memorize effectively remains a crucial skill. Understanding why and how to enhance our memory can unlock new potential in both personal and professional realms. So, how can we take our memory from average to exceptional? Let's explore some powerful techniques and insights that can help triple your memory in 2024.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Psyche
Brain Hacks for Quick Learning:
In my dual roles as a neuroscientist and lecturer, I've observed the struggles students face with learning, especially as they age. Often, we are expected to learn without any real guidance on how to optimize this process. The reality is that learning becomes more challenging as we grow older. However, the good news is that by applying certain strategies supported by neuroscience, you can enhance your learning efficiency and effectiveness. In this post, I’ll walk you through six essential strategies for accelerated learning: attention, alertness, sleep, repetition, breaks, and mistakes.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Psyche
