literature

Whether written centuries ago or just last year, literary couples show that love is timeless.

The Standing Boy of Nagasaki
In the haunting ruins of post-war Nagasaki, amid twisted steel, crumbled buildings, and scorched earth, a quiet, solemn figure stands out — a boy, perhaps no older than ten, standing still with perfect posture. On his back, tied with a cloth, is the lifeless body of his baby brother. His face is calm, composed, and eerily mature. A U.S. Marine photographer, Joe O’Donnell, captured this moment — a photograph that would come to symbolize the human cost of war in a way no statistic ever could.
By Zakir Ullah9 months ago in Humans
Why the UK is Embracing Minimalism and How You Can Too. AI-Generated.
Introduction: In recent years, the UK has witnessed a cultural shift toward minimalism—an intentional lifestyle focused on reducing excess and finding clarity in simplicity. From decluttered homes to simplified wardrobes and sustainable consumption, minimalism has moved beyond a mere design trend to become a meaningful response to modern life’s complexities. But what’s driving this movement, and how can you adopt it for yourself? Let’s explore.
By Muhammad Ahmar 9 months ago in Humans
The Haircut, the Heart, and Holding On
I never thought a haircut would make me cry. Not in the dramatic, just-got-dumped kind of way. Not even because it was botched. But because of who it was for, and what it meant.
By Ikram Ullah9 months ago in Humans
You’ll Never Scroll the Same Way Again After Reading This
You scroll. Absentmindedly. Endlessly. Thumb flicks, eyes dart, mind drifts. It’s just another harmless habit—or so you think. But what if each scroll, each second, is quietly rewiring your brain, reshaping your life, and stealing something you’ll never get back?
By Sajid 9 months ago in Humans
Mortal Lenses
When I was fifteen, a good friend of mine cautioned me against being too “moralistic.” In fact, as best I remember it, his exact words were,
By Nora Ariana9 months ago in Humans
"What If We Could Shrink Humans? How Would the World Change?"
"I have a unique idea in my mind. I believe that if we reduce the size of humans by half, that is, 50%, we could solve all human problems and population issues.
By Usama9 months ago in Humans
Train to busan
June 16, 2026 – 9:07 AM Location: Daejeon Station, South Korea The morning train from Daejeon to Busan was late. Hana paced the platform with her younger brother, Min-jun, nervously checking the time. She was 27, sharp-eyed and alert; Min-jun, barely 10, clutched her hand tightly. Their parents had gone missing two days ago when the outbreak began in Seoul. Now, all they had left was a backpack, a fading phone signal, and each other.
By Haris Khan9 months ago in Humans
"Money Made Simple: A Real-World Guide to Personal Finance"
Understanding Personal Finance: A Simple Guide to Managing Your Money When we hear the word “finance,” most of us immediately think of complex numbers, stock markets, or banking systems. But in reality, finance is much more personal than that. At its core, personal finance is about how you manage your money—how you earn it, spend it, save it, invest it, and protect it. It’s something we all deal with every single day, often without even realizing it.
By Sanaullah9 months ago in Humans
Renowned Comedy Khiladigalu Star Rakesh Poojary Passes Away Following Heart Attack
In a tragic turn of events, Rakesh Poojary, arguably one of the most renowned comedians and a fan favorite from the Kannada reality show, ‘Comedy Khiladigalu’ has passed away. Rakesh, who was an incredible artist, suffered a heart attack, which dealt a huge blow to his fans and fellow artists alike. Rakesh Poojary’s life in the film industry will always be cherished and in this article, we will discuss his contributions to the country’s entertainment sector.
By SAYAN GURIA9 months ago in Humans
Life: A Journey of Meaning and Growth
Life: A Journey of Meaning and Growth Life is a remarkable journey, a tapestry woven with moments of joy, challenges, growth, and discovery. It is not a destination but a continuous process of evolving, learning, and finding meaning. While each person’s path is unique, there are universal principles that can guide us to live a fulfilling life.
By Syed Abdullah9 months ago in Humans
Scroll, Stress, Repeat: The Hidden Cost of Constant Connectivity.
In today’s digital world, our daily rhythm often follows a familiar loop: scroll, stress, repeat. From the moment we wake up and check our phones to the last glance at a screen before bed, we are constantly connected. While this has brought us closer in many ways, it has also taken a quiet toll on our mental health. This article explores how constant connectivity affects our well-being—and how we can break the cycle to restore balance. The Illusion of Connection Social media gives the impression of community. With just a few taps, we can see what hundreds of people are doing, thinking, or feeling. Yet despite this, many of us feel more isolated than ever. This is the illusion of connection. Online interactions lack the emotional depth of face-to-face contact. We may be surrounded by digital voices, yet still feel unheard or unseen. This disconnection can lead to loneliness, even when we’re technically “connected.” The Hook of Dopamine Apps are carefully designed to be addictive. Notifications, likes, and endless content trigger dopamine, the brain’s “reward chemical.” This keeps us hooked in a loop of mindless scrolling—often without realizing it. Over time, this behavior can lead to digital addiction, which contributes to anxiety, attention issues, and even depression. Research consistently shows a link between excessive screen time and poor mental health, particularly among younger users. The Burden of Being ”Always On” Another mental strain of digital life is the pressure to be constantly available—answering messages, replying to emails, keeping up with every update. This always-on culture creates a low-level, constant stress that wears on the mind. Our brains need downtime to recharge. Without it, we become mentally fatigued, less creative, and more emotionally reactive. Over time, this state can lead to burnout and emotional numbness. Comparison Culture and Self-Worth Social media also feeds a toxic habit: comparison. We see carefully curated versions of other people’s lives—perfect bodies, dream vacations, happy families—and begin to feel that our own lives are lacking. This creates a comparison trap that leads to low self-esteem and anxiety. Numerous studies confirm that people who spend more time on social media are more likely to feel inadequate and depressed, particularly when measuring themselves against idealized images. Sleep and Attention Span The impact of screens goes beyond emotions—it affects our bodies too. Blue light from phones and laptops disrupts melatonin production, which makes it harder to fall asleep. Poor sleep, in turn, weakens mental resilience and emotional stability. In addition, our attention spans are shrinking. Rapid, endless content—especially on platforms like TikTok or YouTube Shorts—trains our brains to seek fast stimulation. As a result, many people struggle to focus on deeper tasks or long conversations. The Pandemic Effect The COVID-19 pandemic intensified our digital habits. With work, school, and social life moving online, screen time soared. Though necessary, this shift increased rates of digital fatigue, screen burnout, and isolation. Even now, these effects linger. Many continue to live in a blur of virtual meetings, endless messages, and social scrolling—with mental health paying the price. Reclaiming Control: Healthy Digital Habits While we can’t completely unplug from the digital world, we can change how we engage with it. Here are six practical ways to protect your mental health in the digital age: Set Boundaries Create tech-free zones at home—like the bedroom or dining table. Schedule breaks from your phone to reconnect with real life. Use Apps Intentionally Before opening an app, ask yourself: “Why am I doing this?” If it’s out of boredom or anxiety, try another coping strategy—like walking or journaling. Mute Non-Essential Notifications Reduce digital noise by silencing alerts that aren’t urgent. This lowers stress and helps you stay focused. Take Digital Detoxes Unplug for a few hours each day—or a full day each week. Use that time to read, rest, or be with people offline. Value Real Conversation Make time for in-person or phone conversations. These offer deeper emotional satisfaction than texts or comments ever can. Protect Your Sleep Turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime. Try reading a physical book or meditating to wind down. Conclusion: From Autopilot to Awareness The digital age isn’t inherently harmful—it’s how we use it that matters. If we live on autopilot, we fall into the cycle of scroll, stress, repeat. But by becoming more mindful of our habits, we can reclaim focus, calm, and connection. The first step Is awareness. The next is action. In choosing presence over pressure, and depth over distraction, we begin to rewrite our digital story—and our mental health improves as a result.
By Sajid 9 months ago in Humans
The Art of Happiness
In a quiet village nestled at the edge of the mountains, there lived an old man named Rahim. He was a painter, but not one whose name echoed in galleries or whose works fetched high prices. His art was simple—landscapes of the valley, portraits of villagers, scenes from the marketplace. What made Rahim known far and wide wasn’t the value of his paintings, but the serenity in his eyes and the warmth in his smile. People said he was the happiest man they had ever met. He lived alone In a small mud-brick cottage, surrounded by a garden of wildflowers. His clothes were worn, his meals were modest, yet he never seemed to want for more. Strangers often visited just to talk to him, to ask the question they all wondered: What’s your secret, Rahim? But Rahim would only smile and say, “Happiness isn’t a secret. It’s an art.” One summer, a young man from the city arrived. His name was Ali. Tall, well-dressed, and clearly used to a life of comfort, Ali looked out of place among the simple houses and slow pace of the village. His eyes were tired, and his shoulders carried invisible weight. He found Rahim painting beneath a tree near the village spring. “You’re Rahim, aren’t you?” he asked, slightly out of breath. Rahim looked up and nodded. “I’ve heard about you. They say you’re the happiest man in the region.” Rahim chuckled lightly. “I don’t know about that. But I try not to be unhappy.” Ali sat beside him. “I came from the city looking for peace. My life feels… hollow. I have a good job, money, friends, even followers online. But none of it makes me feel alive. Someone told me you could teach me something I’ve been missing—something about the art of happiness.” Rahim dipped his brush in paint and replied, “Then stay a few days. Not to learn, but to observe. Watch the world without rushing. Speak kindly. Walk slowly. And perhaps—paint.” Ali stayed. The first day, he followed Rahim to the village well. Rahim greeted every person he met by name, often asking about their children, their crops, their health. His presence was calm, and he never seemed in a hurry. Later, Rahim invited Ali to his home. It was small, neat, and filled with art—dozens of canvases stacked against the walls, each telling stories of ordinary moments. “Why paint such simple things?” Ali asked. “Don’t you want to paint something grand? Important?” Rahim smiled. “The simple things are what matter most. A mother’s smile. A child’s laughter. A quiet morning. Happiness lives there.” The next day, they visited the fields. Rahim walked barefoot in the grass, helping an old woman pick herbs. Ali stood aside, unsure of what to do. He had never picked anything in his life except his phone. Rahim handed him a small basket. “Try it. Feel the leaves. Smell the earth. This is life, Ali. And life, if touched gently, gives back joy.” Ali was puzzled, but he tried. As the hours passed, something in him shifted. The sun on his face, the roughness of the leaves, the laughter of the villagers—all felt real in a way nothing had in the city. By the third day, Rahim handed Ali a paintbrush. “I’ve never painted,” Ali protested. “That’s fine,” Rahim said. “It’s not about skill. It’s about seeing.” Ali dipped the brush and began. His lines were crooked, his colors uneven, but he didn’t stop. For the first time in years, his mind was quiet. Each evening, they sat by the fire. Rahim would tell stories—some humorous, some thoughtful. He spoke of loss without bitterness, of mistakes without shame. To Ali, this was strange. Back in the city, people hid their flaws behind filters and silence. “How are you so at peace?” Ali asked one night. Rahim looked at the stars. “Because I don’t fight life. I accept what comes, and I let go of what goes. Happiness isn’t about having the most. It’s about needing less, giving more, and being present.” Ali listened, truly listened. A week turned into ten days. Then two weeks. Ali no longer reached for his phone every hour. He no longer needed noise to feel alive. He helped villagers fix broken fences, watched the clouds drift across the sky, and painted scenes that, though imperfect, felt full of life. One morning, Ali said, “I think I understand now. Happiness is not a destination—it’s a way of being. A way of seeing.” Rahim nodded. “Yes. It’s an art. You don’t master it in a day. You practice it in small strokes, every moment, every choice.” Ali returned to the city, but he wasn’t the same. He left behind his high-paying job and opened a small art studio. Not to become rich, but to teach others what Rahim had taught him—not just how to paint, but how to slow down, how to appreciate, how to feel. And every morning, before the studio opened, Ali would sit quietly with a cup of tea, watching the sunrise, and whisper to himself: “This, too, is the art of happiness.”
By Sajid 9 months ago in Humans