Emmaline Soken-Huberty 
Computers have seemingly countless uses these days, but when they were first dreamed of, it was all about numbers. In 1880, the United States had grown so large, it took more than seven years to count the U.S. Census results. The government needed a better method. This led to the creation of the first punch-card … Read more
Every year on February 14th, the world celebrates Valentine’s Day. Traditions vary across the globe, but often involve chocolate, flowers, heartfelt cards, and romantic gestures. Not everyone likes Valentine’s Day, so why should you at least consider celebrating the day or understanding what it’s all about? Here are fifteen reasons why Valentine’s Day is important: … Read more
The history of voting and elections stretches far back in time. Ancient Greece seems to have been home to the earliest form of democracy. Voters could only be male landowners. Similar restrictions continued through the years and across nations, but different groups – like women – fought for more equal voting rights. Throughout the world, … Read more
At its most basic, communication transfers information from one place, person, or group to another place, person, or group. All living things communicate in some way. Animals communicate through sound, touch, and smell. Even plants use a form of communication with each other, sending messages, warnings, and nutrients through chemicals, electrical signals, and underground fungi … Read more
What is a “language” exactly? Experts define it as a system of spoken, written, and signed symbols that humans use to communicate. There are around 6,500 languages in the world. Some are more similar than others, but each one is a reflection of cultural evolution. Why are languages important? Here are ten reasons: #1. Language … Read more
According to The World Bank, the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste every year. At least 33% of that waste isn’t managed in an environmentally safe manner. 34% of that waste comes from high-income countries, though they only make up 16% of the world’s population. What can be done about this issue? … Read more
In 2020, over 3.6 billion people were using social media. According to Statista, that number is projected to increase to over 4.4 billion by 2025. You can find social media users on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok. People use social media to connect with friends, build communities, and find jobs. Brands are … Read more
When it comes to work, school, and other tasks, many cultures glorify “the grind.” The ability to focus and work intently for hours at a time – no matter how boring or challenging a task is – is seen as desirable. The reality is humans can’t function this way. We need breaks. Here are ten … Read more
Can a machine mimic a human? This is a question society has wrestled with for many years. It’s been the focus of more than a few science fiction books and movies. Artificial intelligence is the ability of a machine to perceive, learn, solve problems, and more. Why is this technology important? Here are ten reasons: … Read more
Facebook’s algorithm, self-driving cars, and spam filtering: these are all examples of machine learning technology. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that lets software applications process huge amounts of data and “learn” to predict outcomes. Why is machine learning important? Here are ten reasons: #1. Machine learning improves video games Machine learning … Read more
Humans are social creatures. We may not all love large groups of people, but we are wired for social connections. For some, that means a big network of friends and family, while others need fewer relationships. Whatever community looks like for you, there are many reasons why social ties are important. Here are ten: #1. … Read more
Leadership is the ability to guide and influence others. What makes a leader a success or a failure? What traits does a good leader need? Can anyone become a leader? These are questions researchers, business people, politicians, and countless others are always trying to answer. Here are ten reasons why leadership is important: #1. Good … Read more
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” He most likely imagined a specific kind of music system, but the sentiment still rings true. Every culture in the world has some kind of musical tradition. Why is music so important to humans? How can music make life better? Here are ten reasons: … Read more
VPNs are virtual private networks. They work by extending a private network across a public network. You can send and receive data as if your device was directly connected to a private network, therefore hiding your online activity. Why do these networks matter? Here are ten reasons why VPNs are important: #1. VPNs let you … Read more
History encompasses more than dates, names, and places. It describes how cultures remember events, how those events are presented to the next generation, and how the present engages with the past. In recent years, there’s been a decline in the study of history. Why is this something we should care about? Here are ten reasons … Read more
The concept of vaccination – or the exposure to a milder form of a disease to “prime” the immune system – has existed for thousands of years. Vaccines as we know them have been used for hundreds of years. Despite this fact, misinformation and fear about vaccines have politicized one of the most important public … Read more
You’re going about your day and then feel that familiar rumbling in your stomach. Hunger. All living things need to eat, though what they eat varies significantly. Humans eat a huge variety of food that depends on income, culture, access, and personal preferences. When you eat a meal or a snack, how much do you … Read more
Wars have been fought for freedom. People have died for it. Freedom is the power to live, speak, and think as you like. Freedom manifests in a variety of ways – through speech, religion, voting – and it defines how we live our lives. It’s also complicated by an ever-shifting definition. That makes it both … Read more
There are a lot of opinions about money. On one side of the spectrum, there’s the idea that money is “the root of all evil” and that “it can’t buy happiness.” On the other, there’s a massive financial industry made of wealth-building experts vying for your attention. The fact is that – like it or … Read more
You’re facing a decision or problem. It could be at work or in your personal life. You could be taking this step alone or with a team. Whatever the scenario, you need a plan. Planning is important for organizations, like a business wanting to expand its reach, and for individuals, like a person who wants … Read more
The world is warming due to human-created climate change. Climate scientists have sounded the alarm for decades. We’re already seeing many of the catastrophic effects such as rising sea levels, massive hurricanes, severe drought, and more. While some of the changes can’t be reversed, there’s still hope. The key? Reduce greenhouse gases. That can be … Read more
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? Here are ten reasons: #1. … Read more
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 more than just something pretty. … Read more
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 they’re engaging in work that … Read more
“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 school music program or an … Read more
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. Why are paintings so important? … Read more
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 reasons: #1 You need perseverance … Read more
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 – impacts every area of … Read more
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, it becomes clear what students … Read more
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 unclear. So why is it … Read more
