Trees have their own version of muscles: Scientists discover how they sense a tilt and straighten themselves, a lesson in how nature finds its balance

Trees have their own version of muscles: Scientists discover how they sense a tilt and straighten themselves, a lesson in how nature finds its balance

To study proprioception alone, the researchers had to remove other cues that normally affect a tree’s growth. A tree might look like it’s stuck in place, quietly suffering whatever weather comes. But below that stillness is a remarkable system for sensing, responding and correcting its own posture. But new research suggests that trees can sense … Read more

Quote of the day by Li Ka-shing: “You can believe in Fung Shui if you want, but ultimately people control…” – a timeless lesson on effort and self-improvement

Quote of the day by Li Ka-shing: "You can believe in Fung Shui if you want, but ultimately people control…" - a timeless lesson on effort and self-improvement

Quote of the day by Li Ka-shing (AP photo) There are moments when people quietly blame circumstances for the way things turn out. Luck, timing, family background, money and simple chance can all appear to have a genuine say in where a person actually ends up. Li Ka-shing, the Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist, took … Read more

Quote of the day by Melinda French Gates: “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice…” – a powerful lesson on confidence and strength

Quote of the day by Melinda French Gates: "A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice…" - a powerful lesson on confidence and strength

Quote of the day by Melinda French Gates Melinda French Gates’ words speak to something a great many people quietly recognise in themselves, the long, often uncomfortable journey towards genuine confidence, honest self-expression, and standing up for whatever actually matters to you. “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman,” she said. … Read more

Quote of the day by Plato: “The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is…” — the ancient lesson about choosing who leads

Quote of the day by Plato: “The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is…” — the ancient lesson about choosing who leads

Leadership can look appealing from a distance, but taking responsibility for other people’s decisions, work or wellbeing is rarely as simple as holding a title. There are times when people step forward because they want authority, and others when they do so because nobody else is willing to take responsibility. Plato’s famous observation examines the … Read more

Quote of the day by Paul Walker: “If you play with people who are better than you, then…” – a lesson on growth, humility and choosing challenge over comfort

Quote of the day by Paul Walker: "If you play with people who are better than you, then…" - a lesson on growth, humility and choosing challenge over comfort

Quote of the day by Paul Walker (AP photo) Growth rarely happens in the situations where everything already feels easy and familiar. Paul Walkerthe actor best known for his role as Brian O’Conner in the Fast and Furious films, put that idea plainly when he said, “If you play with people who are better than … Read more

Quote of the day by Dale Carnegie: “When we have accepted the worst, we have nothing more to lose. And that automatically means…” – a lesson in facing fear and uncertainty

Quote of the day by Dale Carnegie: "When we have accepted the worst, we have nothing more to lose. And that automatically means…" - a lesson in facing fear and uncertainty

Quote of the day by Dale Carnegie (Image: Wikipedia) Fear often grows strongest exactly when someone imagines everything that could possibly go wrong. The possibility of failure can make an uncertain situation feel considerably worse than it actually is, sometimes stopping a person from taking any action at all. Dale Carnegie offered a genuinely different … Read more

Quote of the day by Cristiano Ronaldo: “I don’t mind people hating me, because…” – a lesson on turning criticism into motivation

Quote of the day by Cristiano Ronaldo: "I don't mind people hating me, because…" - a lesson on turning criticism into motivation

Quote of the day by Cristiano Ronaldo (Image via Getty) Cristiano Ronaldo‘s career has been shaped not only by extraordinary success but also by intense, near-constant public scrutiny. Few footballers have attracted as much admiration, criticism and genuine debate as Ronaldoand yet he has repeatedly spoken about using that pressure as fuel rather than letting … Read more

Quote of the day by CT Fletcher: “Everything is impossible, until someone crazy enough comes along and…” – a lesson in persistence and unconventional thinking

Quote of the day by CT Fletcher: "Everything is impossible, until someone crazy enough comes along and…" - a lesson in persistence and unconventional thinking

Quote of the day by CT Fletcher (Image source: Instagram/c.t.ali.fletcher) What seems impossible is often simply something that has not actually been achieved yet. CT Fletcher, the powerlifter and motivational speaker known for his intense workout videos, captured that idea directly. “Everything is impossible, until someone crazy enough comes along and makes it possible,” he … Read more

Quote of the day by Bubba Smith: “Well, I’m not a violent person. You have to back off. People sometimes will…” – a lesson in restraint, self-control and knowing when to step back

Quote of the day by Bubba Smith: "Well, I'm not a violent person. You have to back off. People sometimes will…" - a lesson in restraint, self-control and knowing when to step back

Quote of the day by Bubba Smith (Image: Wikipedia) Some people assume that physical size or obvious strength naturally comes with a short temper. Bubba Smiththe former NFL defensive lineman turned actor, suggested something closer to the opposite. “Well, I’m not a violent person,” he said. “You have to back off. People sometimes will try … Read more

Quote of the day by Michael J. Fox: “I think the scariest person in the world is the person with…” – a lesson on humour, perspective and facing hard times with lightness

Quote of the day by Michael J. Fox: "I think the scariest person in the world is the person with…" - a lesson on humour, perspective and facing hard times with lightness

Quote of the day by Michael J. Fox (AP photo) Humour can genuinely change how a difficult moment actually feels. A stressful situation seems lighter once someone finds a reason to laugh, and a serious problem often becomes easier to approach once it can be seen from another angle. Michael J. Foxthe actor and Parkinson’s … Read more