The Important Site Explore why things matter

Who can claim credit for television? Through the years, many inventors have built on the concept. It has origins in the 19th century, but the form we recognize today wasn’t around until the 1940s and 1950s. Since those early days, life has never been the same. Why does television matter? …

The world is a beautiful place. Biodiversity is one of the reasons why. Biodiversity – which is the diversity within species, between species, and in every ecosystem – serves many essential functions in the world. When a species goes extinct – like a certain type of flower- the world loses …

Most of us know about the big figures and stories in science: an apple falling on Isaac Newton’s head. Einstein coming up with E = mc2. Marie Curie isolating the radium that would one day kill her. Most science isn’t glamorous or public. Most scientists never become household names, but …

“The arts” encompass a range of creative expressions, including literature, music, painting, dancing, and more. Through the arts, humans have told stories, taught values, recorded history, and expressed both individual and collective experiences. Unfortunately, the arts are becoming less valued compared to science, technology, and mathematics. Whether it’s an underfunded …

Some of history’s most famous art pieces are paintings. Think “The Mona Lisa,” “The Starry Night,” or “The Kiss.” People travel from all over the world to visit museums and gaze at paintings from periods like Impressionism, Realism, and Cubism. Some people go beyond just looking and begin painting themselves. …

There’s an old saying that goes “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” This captures the essence of perseverance. Even when things get hard – which they almost always do – perseverance pushes you to keep trying. Why is this a valuable trait to cultivate? Here are ten …

We hear about threats to the environment every day. Whether it’s the ravages of climate change, deforestation, or pollution, apocalyptic-sounding events fill the news cycle. It can be overwhelming and challenging to discern what exactly it all means. The environment – which includes everything from the ocean to the forests …

The benefits of exercise are well-known, but in many schools, physical education is being phased out. There are a few reasons, such as a lack of funding for PE teachers and equipment. Cutting gym may not seem like a big problem, but when you look at physical education more closely, …

Humans are social creatures. We suffer when we’re isolated and thrive when we’re part of a community. When we extend a helping hand to members of our community when it costs us something, it’s known as altruism. Helping others doesn’t always come at a cost, but its rewards are often …

Kindness and “niceness” are often considered interchangeable, but kindness goes deeper. Its layers include generosity, compassion, and empathy. When challenged by an often-cruel world, kindness also takes significant effort and emotional strength. It’s a choice that can take many forms. Why is it important? Here are ten reasons: #1 Kindness …

In 1827, Joseph Niepce took the first photo. A few years later, another man developed the first real practical camera. Innovations continued, and as the technology became more advanced and accessible, photography bloomed as a hobby and a profession. Photographers were also recognized as artists with their work displayed in …

Math has origins in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Maya. It was used for commerce, tax systems, and examining the natural world, including the stars. Today, many people have anxiety about their math skills. Research shows that 93% of the adults in the United States have at least …

When someone is sick or injured, they often need help. First aid is the immediate medical attention that can save a person’s life, prevent a situation from getting worse, or help someone recover more quickly. Medical professionals are thoroughly trained in first aid, but other careers recommend or require employees …

There are hundreds of thousands of plant species. They include the tiny caviar-sized watermeal plant to the tallest redwood in California. People travel across the world to see certain plants, like the California redwoods, the bluebells of Europe, and the cherry blossoms of Japan. Despite human’s love of plants, 40% …