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172 stories, newest first.

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ResilienceReasons to be Cheerful

What If We Never Built Another New Building?

In the realm of architecture, Swiss architect Barbara Buser stands out not for erecting new monuments but for her commitment to preserving and repurposing the old. Her philosophy is encapsulated in her work on K.118, a project that uses 70 percent reclaimed materials, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Buser’s approach, which prioritizes the social value of architecture over profit, challenges the traditional norms of the construction industry. Her projects, like the transformation of the Gundeldinger Feld and Basel’s historic Markthalle, showcase how reimagining existing structures can foster community engagement and reduce environmental impact.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Courage
Instagram
ConnectionInstagram

Anthony Bourdain: Move. Eat their food. Walk in their shoes.

Anthony Bourdain, with his signature blend of warmth and wisdom, reminds us that the world is both vast and accessible, urging us to traverse it with curiosity and openness. His philosophy champions the idea that empathy and understanding are cultivated not through distant observation but through genuine interaction and shared experiences. Bourdain's emphasis on food as a universal language illustrates how a simple act of breaking bread with others can dissolve cultural barriers and foster deep connections.

  • Curiosity
  • Courage
  • Perspective
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

People share their favorite ‘non-tech’ hobbies that keep them sane in a digital world

In an era where digital fatigue is an ever-present specter, many are finding solace in the tangible joys of analog hobbies. As highlighted in a recent article, individuals are turning to pursuits such as gardening, painting, and even writing letters to royals, to reclaim their mental clarity and joy. This shift away from screens not only enhances mental well-being but also fosters creativity and a sense of accomplishment. The story underscores a collective yearning for simplicity and the grounding power of hands-on activities, which provide a welcome reprieve from the incessant demands of digital life.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Gratitude
YouTube
KindnessNice News

Inspired by His Grandparents, High Schooler Invents Crosswalk System That Adapts to Pedestrians’ Speeds

Jay Jung, a high school senior, has ingeniously crafted an adaptive crosswalk system, SmartBlink, inspired by his grandparents' challenges in crossing streets. By focusing on pedestrian speed rather than vehicular traffic patterns, Jung’s invention ensures a safer and more inclusive urban environment. His system, which won first place at the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, uses advanced algorithms and object detection to adjust crosswalk signals, accounting for diverse mobility needs.

  • Gratitude
  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Pit bull has a rare genetic mutation that makes him look like he’s wearing a teddy bear costume

Theo, a pit bull with a rare genetic mutation, has captured hearts with his unique appearance, reminiscent of a teddy bear or a mini Chewbacca. Despite being rehomed six times due to his peculiar habits and distinctive look, Theo finally found his forever home with Joanna Meadows. His story is a testament to the power of love and acceptance, illustrating that what makes us different can also make us special.

  • Love
  • Hope
  • Kindness
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

A beautifully simple Korean phrase said to loved ones having a hard day is bringing people to tears

In a world where daily struggles often go unnoticed, a simple Korean phrase, 'soo-goh-het-suh,' has emerged as a beacon of emotional validation and support. This phrase, translated to 'you've carried your pain, but you still kept going,' is not about celebrating success, but rather acknowledging the quiet perseverance needed to simply get through tough days. The phrase gained widespread attention after Korean actor and real estate agent Hana Kim shared it on Instagram, recounting her mother's nightly texts that provided her with a sense of support and understanding.

  • Kindness
  • Courage
  • Gratitude
YouTube
ConnectionNice News

From Belgium to Maryland, These Newer Towns Were Designed to Look Old

In a world where rapid urban expansion often leads to soulless developments, a handful of towns from Belgium to Maryland are proving that new doesn't have to mean characterless. These towns, rooted in the principles of New Urbanism, blend the aesthetic charm of historic architecture with modern infrastructure, creating spaces that prioritize community and sustainability over car-centric design. The movement, which began in the U.S. in the 1980s, seeks to emulate the walkability and communal atmosphere of historic European cities while overcoming the practical challenges of aging infrastructures.

  • Hope
  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
TikTok
ResilienceUpworthy

A blind woman reached out and touched a tree she couldn’t see. She’d ‘heard’ it standing there.

Molly Burke, a blind advocate and content creator, recently shared a captivating moment on TikTok where she demonstrated the use of passive echolocation, a skill she learned as a child. While walking through a park, she was able to 'hear' a tree standing silently before her, a phenomenon she describes as the tree being 'loud' due to its interruption of the ambient soundscape. This skill, which relies on detecting sound shadows or the way objects alter surrounding noises, highlights a profound adaptation that allows blind individuals to navigate the world without sight.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Hope
Instagram
ResilienceInstagram

Messi on getting out of a rut: stop thinking, make one good play

Lionel Messi’s approach to breaking out of a rut on the football field offers a profound lesson in behavioral activation. By prioritizing action over reflection, Messi demonstrates that confidence is not something to be pondered into existence but rather cultivated through small, deliberate acts. This method, deeply rooted in the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, suggests that momentum and flow can be reignited through micro-wins—small successes that cumulatively restore confidence and drive.

  • Perseverance
  • Courage
  • Hope
YouTube
ConnectionNice News

See Inside the 3 DIY Backyard Bars Competing for 2026 Pub Shed of the Year

In an era where community and sustainability converge in unexpected places, the 2026 Pub Shed of the Year contest highlights the creativity and camaraderie of backyard enthusiasts in England. The competition features three finalists, each with their unique flair: The Pampered Chicken, The Mucky Pub, and Bar Hibbys. These DIY backyard bars, crafted from recycled materials and filled with personal memories, are not just sheds but vibrant social hubs that embody the spirit of friendship and community.

  • Gratitude
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Mom explains the eye-opening reason people stop to thank her for having eight children

In a world where large families are often met with surprise or skepticism, Kuʻuleilehua Makekau's story offers a unique perspective rooted in cultural preservation and pride. As a mother of eight, Makekau frequently receives expressions of gratitude from elderly Hawaiians, who view her family's size as a vital contribution to the survival and growth of the Native Hawaiian community. This appreciation is steeped in the historical context of Hawaii, where colonization and introduced diseases once nearly decimated the indigenous population.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Perspective
YouTube
GrowthUpworthy

A hairstylist with no archaeology degree solved an ancient Roman mystery scholars got wrong for centuries

Janet Stephens, a Baltimore-based hairstylist, has turned conventional archaeological wisdom on its head by solving a centuries-old mystery about Roman hairstyles. Her journey began in 2001 when she noticed, while visiting The Walters Art Museum, that the Roman busts' hair didn't seem to rely on wigs, as previously thought. Instead, Stephens proposed that the Romans used needle and thread to sew the braids into place. Her relentless experimentation and historical research, including her innovative interpretation of the Latin word 'acus,' revealed that these gravity-defying styles were ingeniously crafted without wigs.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
YouTube
ConnectionGood News Network

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child, But This Lonely 4-yo First Had to Raise His Neighborhood (WATCH)

In a heartwarming twist on the age-old adage that 'it takes a village to raise a child,' this story from Concord, North Carolina highlights how a lonely four-year-old named Roman managed to unite his neighborhood. Following his parents' divorce, Roman found himself seeking connection by waving at passersby from his doorstep. His simple gestures of friendliness caught the attention of his neighbors, beginning with Wade Folger, a retired man who lived next door. Folger's decision to engage with Roman soon prompted others in the neighborhood to do the same, ultimately transforming a collection of strangers into a community.

  • Kindness
  • Hope
  • Love
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

Psychologists say there are 4 types of introverts. These are the personality traits of each one.

In a world where introverts are often misunderstood and pigeonholed, the work of psychologists Jonathan M. Cheek and his colleagues provides a refreshing perspective by identifying four distinct types: Social, Thinking, Anxious, and Restrained. This nuanced understanding challenges the monolithic stereotype of introversion, highlighting that introverts can be as diverse in their social and internal lives as their extroverted counterparts. With insights from Chloë Bean, a somatic trauma therapist, the article underscores that these introversion types are fluid, influenced by life phases, stress levels, and personal histories, rather than static categories.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Self-Regulation
TikTok
ResilienceUpworthy

At 51, she had just $5,000 to her name. When she died at 101, she had turned it into $22 million.

Anne Scheiber's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-education. After retiring from a career with the IRS at 51 with only $5,000, she taught herself to invest and amassed a fortune of $22 million by the time of her death at 101. Her approach to investing was marked by patience and a focus on long-term growth, echoing the strategies of legendary investors like Warren Buffett. Yet, despite her wealth, she lived modestly and left her entire fortune to Yeshiva University to support scholarships for Jewish women, reflecting both her personal experiences with discrimination and her commitment to empowering others.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Gratitude
Instagram
CreativityInstagram

Funny PSA: "Cringe" was invented by Big Normal — embrace your whimsy

In a delightful twist on social commentary, a humorous PSA confronts the societal construct of 'cringe' as a tool of 'Big Normal,' a fictional corporation embodying societal pressure to conform. This clever narrative invites us to reconsider the boundaries we set for ourselves, often dictated by a fear of judgment. The PSA suggests that what we label as 'cringey' is typically a vibrant expression of our true selves, urging us to embrace these quirks as acts of defiance against the stifling norms of conformity.

  • Courage
  • Humor
  • Authenticity
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

Elderly rescue dog can’t stop putting random items in his bed, keeping his family entertained

In the heartwarming tale of Duke, an elderly golden retriever with a penchant for collecting household items, we find a story not just of quirky canine behavior but of resilience and acceptance. Duke, once labeled nearly unadoptable due to his odd habit of stealing and hoarding random objects, has found a haven with the Hoyt family. Rather than attempting to change him, they embrace his unique ways, allowing him to find comfort and security in his peculiar collections. This understanding underscores the deep impact of past trauma and the healing power of a loving and patient environment.

  • Kindness
  • Perspective
  • Love
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

1st grade teacher asked students to color their ‘favorite’ hat. She then secretly created each one for real.

In a heartwarming tale from Wallace Elementary in Kelso, Washington, first-grade teacher Ashley Lowry turned her students' artistic dreams into reality. After asking her class to design and color their 'favorite' hats, she spent her winter break meticulously crafting each unique design into real, wearable hats. The joy and surprise on the children's faces as they discovered their creations transformed into tangible gifts showcased the profound impact of a teacher's dedication and creativity.

  • Kindness
  • Creativity
  • Perseverance
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

The real reason why every railroad in America has the same rocks lining the tracks

In a world where the grandiose often takes center stage, the humble rocks lining America's railroad tracks remind us of the power of unassuming ingenuity. Known as 'track ballast,' these jagged stones are more than mere ground cover; they are the unsung heroes of railway infrastructure. By distributing the immense weight of trains, preventing soil compaction, and allowing for necessary track flexibility, these rocks ensure safe and efficient travel across the country.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Gratitude
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Where ‘don’t speak ill of the dead’ got started and why younger generations are ending it

The tradition of not speaking ill of the dead, attributed to Chilon of Sparta in ancient Greece, has long been a staple of societal etiquette. However, younger generations are increasingly challenging this norm, advocating for more truthful narratives that acknowledge the full complexity of a person's life, including any harm they may have caused. This movement is not about disrespect but rather about validating the experiences of those who may have suffered under the deceased, acknowledging that silence can perpetuate harm by erasing the nuanced realities of their relationships.

  • Courage
  • Perspective
  • Hope
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Doctors couldn’t identify what was killing a baby in 1977 until a nurse remembered a line from an Agatha Christie book

In a remarkable intersection of fiction and reality, a nurse's recollection of a line from Agatha Christie's novel 'The Pale Horse' led to a breakthrough in diagnosing a critically ill toddler in 1977. The child, flown to London from Qatar, exhibited symptoms that mystified medical professionals until nurse Marsha Maitland connected the dots between the girl's hair loss and the thallium poisoning described in Christie's book. This insight prompted an urgent investigation that confirmed the presence of thallium, a pesticide, in the child's system, allowing for life-saving treatment.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

South Carolina Restaurant Owner Finds $12,000 in Old Cabinet and Returns it to Former Owner

In a heartening display of integrity, Sak Yiengjuntuek, the owner of Lemongrass Pho & Thai Cuisine in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, discovered $12,000 hidden in a sunglasses case within an old cabinet left by the previous owner of the restaurant. Despite the temptation that such a windfall might present, Yiengjuntuek's immediate thought was to return the money to its rightful owner. His efforts to contact the previous owner, who was grappling with health issues, culminated in a live broadcast moment where he successfully reached out and shared the good news.

  • Honesty
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
YouTube
ConnectionNice News

Go Whale Watching From Home: The Annual Beluga Cams Are Now Live — And You Can Join the Ranks as a Citizen Scientist

In a heartening blend of technology and conservation, the annual Beluga Cams, courtesy of Polar Bears International and explore.org, offer a unique opportunity for people worldwide to engage with the vibrant lives of beluga whales in their natural habitat. As these charismatic creatures make their way to the Hudson Bay for their summer sojourn, the Beluga Cams provide an intimate glimpse into their behaviors, fostering a deeper connection between humans and the endangered species. This initiative not only contributes to scientific research but also empowers citizen scientists to participate actively in conservation efforts, enhancing global awareness about the critical role of sea ice in the Arctic ecosystem.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Courage
YouTube
ConnectionNice News

Whale Watching From Home: The Annual Beluga Cams Are Now Live — And You Can Join the Ranks as a Citizen Scientist

In a delightful intersection of technology and conservation, Polar Bears International has launched its annual Beluga Cam, offering a unique opportunity for people worldwide to engage in citizen science from the comfort of their homes. The initiative, part of Arctic Sea Ice Day, not only raises awareness about the rapidly warming Arctic but also invites viewers to contribute to vital beluga whale research. By capturing and classifying images of these playful creatures, individuals can directly assist in the study of beluga behavior and ecology amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perspective