Table of Contents
IN BRIEF
- Parents don't preach
- Can kids feel your pain?
- Meditating for a better tomorrow
- And more...
COLUMNS
- Brain Teaser: Do team victories feel better than individual victories?
- Body Language: President Obama's winning smile
- Social Intelligence: Daniel Goleman on willpower
Why Make Art?
Arts and Smarts
At a time when educators are preoccupied with standards, testing, and the bottom line, some researchers suggest the arts can boost students' test scores; others aren't convinced. Karin Evans asks, What are the arts good for?
The Birth of the Arts
Throughout our history, humans have felt compelled to make art. Ellen Dissanayake explains why.
Wired for Music
Music provides a window into human emotion, memory, and learning, explains Sarina Rodrigues. And you can dance to it, too.
Changing our Minds
By imagining many possible worlds, argues Keith Oatley, fiction helps us better understand ourselves and others.
Does Art Heal?
At Shands HealthCare in Florida, artists and physicians have been partners for 18 years, reports Meera Lee Sethi. Their program is proving the clinical benefits of creativity.
Everyday Art
Christine Carter reveals six steps for boosting kids' creativity.
Why We Make Art
Seven artists explain why they write, rap, take photos, draw, dance, and make movies.
Resources for the arts and arts education
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Features
Global Compassion
A conversation between the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman
Bhutan at a Crossroads
Can one of the world's happiest countries survive the 21st century?
By Mirka Knaster
In Review
Print
How to overcome violence; plus, books on cooperation, loneliness, happiness, and positive psychology at the movies.
Culture
How do TV therapy sessions compare to real life?
An Idea for the Greater Good
Psychologist Susan T. Fiske asks, Are we post-racial yet?
Write for Greater Good
Writers for our magazine range from social scientists to journalists to teachers. If you are interested in writing an article for the magazine, please first read our submission guidelines.