book reviews
Reviews of books by relationship gurus, dating experts, and cautionary tale-tellers.
Empowered by Mobility: The Bright Side of Smartphone Technology
Empowered by Mobility: The Bright Side of Smartphone Technology How Mobile Devices Are Enhancing Communication, Learning, and Daily Life Around the World In a small village in Kenya, 14-year-old Amina logs into an online science class using her smartphone. The internet signal isn't always strong, but it’s enough to connect her to a world of knowledge she never had access to before. Thousands of miles away in Brazil, Paulo, a street vendor, uses a mobile payment app on his phone to sell homemade food to local customers—no cash needed, just a quick tap and a smile. These are just two examples of how smartphones, often viewed with concern over screen time and distractions, are quietly transforming lives for the better. As technology becomes more accessible and affordable, mobile phones are no longer just tools for communication—they are lifelines to education, economic growth, healthcare, and human connection. Bridging Gaps in Education One of the most powerful impacts of smartphones is their ability to bridge the education gap. In areas with limited access to schools or educational materials, mobile devices can bring the classroom to the student. Through apps, video lessons, and online tutoring, students like Amina are able to learn at their own pace, from anywhere. In countries like India, mobile learning platforms have exploded in popularity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools were closed, many students relied on their parents’ or siblings’ smartphones to continue their studies. Today, that trend continues, with educational apps offering low-cost or even free resources in multiple languages, making learning more inclusive. Opening Doors to Economic Opportunities Mobile technology is also revolutionizing the way people work and earn a living. Paulo’s story in Brazil is echoed in markets all around the world. Mobile banking and digital payment systems like M-Pesa, PayPal, and Venmo allow small business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to manage transactions, track expenses, and grow their businesses. For farmers in rural areas, mobile phones provide access to real-time weather forecasts, crop prices, and farming advice—valuable tools that can help improve yields and income. In some cases, people are finding entirely new careers through mobile platforms—whether it's selling crafts online, driving for ride-share apps, or offering remote services as a virtual assistant or tutor. Strengthening Human Connections Of course, the most well-known function of a smartphone is still one of its most important—keeping people connected. In today’s busy world, mobile phones help bridge distances between friends and family members, regardless of location. Consider Mei, a young nurse working in Canada, who uses her phone every night to video call her parents in China. It’s not quite the same as being there in person, but seeing familiar faces and hearing their voices brings comfort, reduces loneliness, and maintains emotional bonds. During emergencies, mobile phones can also be lifesaving. Whether it's calling for help, receiving weather alerts, or sharing one’s location, a mobile device can be the difference between danger and safety. Improving Access to Healthcare Another remarkable area where smartphones are making a difference is healthcare. Telemedicine apps allow patients to consult doctors without having to travel long distances—especially crucial in rural or underserved regions. People can book appointments, get prescriptions, and receive health advice right from their phones. Moreover, health and wellness apps help users track fitness goals, monitor chronic conditions, and even manage mental health through meditation and therapy tools. For many, this means taking greater control of their well-being and making informed health decisions. A Tool with Responsibility Of course, like any tool, smartphones are most powerful when used responsibly. While they open up incredible opportunities, they also come with challenges—such as excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns. Educating users, especially young people, on digital literacy and healthy device habits is key to ensuring that mobile technology remains a force for good. The Future is Mobile—and Positive Mobile technology has come a long way in just a few decades. What was once a luxury is now a necessity for billions. As devices become smarter and more affordable, the potential for positive impact continues to grow. Amina wants to be a doctor one day. With the help of her smartphone, she’s already learning biology, attending virtual science fairs, and connecting with other students around the world. For her—and for millions like her—the future is bright, mobile, and full of promise. Smartphones aren’t just about social media or entertainment. They are powerful tools for change, innovation, and connection. In the hands of inspired people, they become instruments of opportunity, empowerment, and hope.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Humans
The Power of Kindness: Humanity at Its Best
The Power of a Simple Smile In the small town of Willowbrook, nestled between golden fields and winding rivers, kindness wasn’t just a virtue—it was a way of life. The townspeople had a tradition: every Friday was “Kindness Day,” a weekly reminder to look out for one another and lend a helping hand, no matter how small. On one particular Friday morning, 11-year-old Lily woke up with a spark in her heart. Her teacher had encouraged the class to go beyond just smiling at people—to do something kind that could make someone’s day. Lily, thoughtful and always curious, took this to heart. After breakfast, she packed her little backpack with handmade cards. Each one had colorful drawings and cheerful messages like “You are loved,” “Keep smiling,” and “You make the world better.” Her plan? To hand them out around town and watch people’s reactions. Her first stop was the corner bakery, where old Mr. Thomas baked the best cinnamon rolls in the county. He was known for being quiet and a little gruff, but Lily wasn’t intimidated. As he handed her a warm roll, she gave him one of her cards. He looked at it for a long moment, then smiled—really smiled—for the first time she could remember. “This… this is sweet,” he said, and his voice cracked just a little. “Thank you, young lady.” Encouraged, Lily continued on. At the park, she saw Maya, a new girl from another country who hadn’t made many friends yet. Lily handed her a card and invited her to play. The two spent hours on the swings, sharing secrets and laughter. That small act of welcome turned into a lasting friendship. Later that afternoon, as Lily passed the town bus stop, she saw a man sitting on the bench with tired eyes. His clothes were dusty, and he looked lost in thought. She hesitated—but only for a moment. Walking over, she handed him a card that read, “You matter more than you know.” The man looked up, eyes welling with tears. “No one’s said something kind to me in a long time,” he whispered. Lily smiled gently. “You deserve kindness every day.” She sat beside him for a few quiet minutes before heading home. That evening, the people of Willowbrook were buzzing. “Did you hear what Lily did today?” someone asked at the grocery store. “That little girl with the cards? She made Mr. Thomas smile!” “She played with Maya—they’re friends now!” “She sat with that man by the bus stop… that took real heart.” Unbeknownst to Lily, her simple gestures had sparked something. The following Friday, the whole town joined in. People made kindness cards, baked treats for neighbors, and helped carry groceries for strangers. Someone even organized a “Free Hugs” booth outside the library. Kindness began to ripple through the town in waves. People were more patient, more generous, more connected. A teenager who had once felt invisible at school was now mentoring younger students. A grumpy mechanic began fixing minor car troubles for free. Even Mr. Thomas started offering an extra cinnamon roll to anyone who looked like they were having a tough day. Lily didn’t expect to become the town’s little hero. She didn’t want attention. She just wanted to make people feel good. But one day, her story reached a journalist from a nearby city, who published an article titled, “The Girl Who Sparked a Town’s Kindness.” It spread online, inspiring people in other towns—and even other countries—to start their own versions of Kindness Day. Letters poured in from strangers across the world: teachers, students, grandparents, and even people in hospitals thanking Lily for reminding them of the simple power of compassion. And Lily? She just kept smiling and handing out cards. Her favorite quote, written in her own handwriting on the front of her journal, summed it up best: “Kindness doesn’t cost a thing—but it’s worth everything.” --- Moral of the Story: A single act of kindness, no matter how small, can spark change far beyond what we can imagine. When we lead with compassion, we remind others of their worth—and that reminder can spread like light, warming even the coldest hearts.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Humans
"Moments That Made Us: The Brighter Side of History"
Moments That Made Us: The Brighter Side of History History is often told through the lens of war, conquest, and conflict. But if you look closely, scattered across centuries, there are shining moments where kindness, courage, and collaboration quietly reshaped the world for the better. These are the stories that rarely make headlines, yet their impact echoes through time. This is one of them. In a quiet village in the Netherlands during World War II, a schoolteacher named Elise van den Berg found herself surrounded by darkness—Nazi occupation, fear, and uncertainty. But instead of giving in to despair, she turned her tiny classroom into a haven of hope. By day, she taught math and literature. By night, she helped hide Jewish children in the attic above her classroom, sneaking them warm bread and stories to keep their spirits alive. She wasn’t a soldier. She had no weapons. Just a chalkboard, a heart full of compassion, and the courage to resist hatred in the only way she could—by protecting innocence. Elise’s actions weren’t recorded in textbooks, but one of the boys she saved grew up to become a doctor, whose medical breakthroughs later saved thousands of lives. Sometimes, the smallest acts of bravery create ripples that grow into waves of change. Fast forward two decades and another moment was quietly reshaping the world—not through rebellion or resistance, but through collaboration. In 1962, during the height of the Cold War, a small group of scientists from the United States and the Soviet Union met at a neutral conference in Geneva. Tensions between their countries were dangerously high, and the threat of nuclear war loomed. But in a quiet corner of the conference hall, over coffee and broken English, the scientists discovered a shared dream: curing polio. Setting aside politics, they agreed to share research, data, and even live samples of the virus. What came from this unlikely collaboration was the development of a more effective, affordable polio vaccine—distributed globally, saving millions of children. That year, polio cases dropped dramatically. And for a brief moment, enemies found common ground in compassion. History marched on. The Berlin Wall fell. Apartheid crumbled. The Internet was born. Each of these milestones is often framed in political or technological terms. But look again, and you’ll see the human spirit behind them. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, it wasn’t just a political victory—it was a celebration of unity. As East met West, strangers hugged, wept, and danced together. In the middle of this joyful chaos was a 21-year-old East German woman named Anika who crossed into West Berlin for the first time. Instead of rushing to buy Western goods like many others, she joined a volunteer group handing out food and water to the elderly struggling in the crowd. “Freedom,” she said later in an interview, “only matters if we use it to lift others up.” It’s easy to overlook these moments—the teacher in hiding, the scientists in Geneva, the young woman with a sandwich in her hands—but they’re the threads that hold history together. In 2015, when the Ebola virus broke out in West Africa, another such moment unfolded. Amid fear and global hesitation, a small team of volunteers from around the world—doctors, nurses, engineers—arrived in Liberia. They weren’t looking for fame. Many had left their families behind. But they brought medicine, knowledge, and most importantly, hope. One of the nurses, Aisha from Kenya, comforted patients not just with treatments but with music. She sang softly in multiple languages, learning songs from each culture represented in the crowded hospital tents. Her music became a symbol of shared humanity. When a 10-year-old boy named Joseph finally recovered, he asked if he could sing too. That moment sparked a nightly tradition where patients and staff sang together under the stars. Grief still existed—but joy found a way to stand beside it. --- These are the moments that made us. Not grand speeches or historic treaties alone, but the quiet courage of everyday people who chose compassion over indifference, who built bridges instead of walls. Their stories may not dominate history books, but they define what it means to be human. So the next time history feels too heavy—too full of pain and division—remember Elise, the teacher. The scientists with coffee-stained papers. Anika with her open arms. Aisha with her songs. And Joseph, singing into the night. Because history isn’t just about what happened. It’s about who we chose to be when it mattered most.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Humans
The Power of Rest: Unlocking the Psychological Benefits of Quality Sleep
The Power of Rest: Unlocking the Psychological Benefits of Quality Sleep When Maya started her new job at a fast-paced design firm, she felt energized—at first. But as the weeks passed, late-night deadlines, early-morning meetings, and a steadily growing to-do list began to chip away at her sleep. “I’ll catch up on rest this weekend,” she told herself each Friday. But the weekend never seemed long enough. Eventually, her energy dipped, her mood darkened, and even her creativity—the very skill she was hired for—began to falter. What Maya was experiencing is something millions face daily: the psychological toll of poor sleep. While most of us recognize sleep as a biological need, science increasingly shows that it is also a pillar of mental well-being and psychological health. In fact, sleep isn't just something we do when everything else is done—it's a fundamental process that actively restores our minds, balances our emotions, and strengthens our ability to think, learn, and cope. The Brain on Sleep Sleep is more than just rest. It is a dynamic period during which the brain engages in critical activities that impact mood, memory, and mental clarity. During deep stages of non-REM sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes information, and clears out waste proteins that accumulate during the day—a sort of nightly cleaning service for our neurons. Then there’s REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, a stage rich with dreams and emotional processing. Studies have shown that during REM sleep, the brain replays emotional events in a safer, dream-like environment, helping us regulate our feelings and reduce stress. That’s why after a solid night’s sleep, a problem can feel smaller or a difficult conversation less upsetting. It’s not just “sleeping on it”—it’s the brain doing emotional housekeeping. Sleep and Mental Health: A Two-Way Street Psychologists often describe the relationship between sleep and mental health as bidirectional. Poor sleep can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and those same conditions can in turn disrupt sleep. It becomes a cycle that, if left unchecked, can lead to chronic emotional distress and cognitive decline. But there’s a bright side: improving sleep can directly improve mental health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), for instance, is a highly effective treatment that not only helps people sleep better but often reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in the process. Dr. Emma Rodriguez, a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep disorders, puts it simply: “Sleep is like a mirror for your mental health. When sleep improves, so does your emotional resilience.” The Hidden Power of Naps and Routines Not all sleep happens at night. Short naps—10 to 20 minutes—can refresh the brain without causing grogginess. In fact, research shows that a well-timed nap can boost memory, enhance creativity, and reduce stress. It’s no surprise that companies and schools in some parts of the world are experimenting with nap pods and flexible rest breaks. But beyond naps, the key to better psychological health through sleep lies in consistency. A regular sleep-wake cycle helps regulate your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which in turn supports hormone regulation, mood stability, and attention span. Small changes can lead to big improvements: Keeping a consistent bedtime—even on weekends Limiting screen time before sleep Creating a calming pre-sleep routine (like journaling, reading, or meditating) Making the bedroom a sanctuary for rest—cool, dark, and quiet Maya’s Turnaround Maya eventually visited a therapist who specialized in sleep and mental health. Together, they identified how stress and poor sleep were feeding off each other. With some gentle structure, mindfulness practices, and a consistent bedtime, Maya began to feel better—more focused, more hopeful, and, yes, more creative. “I didn’t realize how much sleep was affecting everything,” she says now. “Once I made it a priority, everything else started falling into place.” A Final Thought Sleep is not a luxury. It’s a biological necessity and a psychological superpower. In a culture that often glorifies hustle and late nights, choosing to sleep might feel like falling behind—but the science is clear: sleep helps us show up as our best selves. So tonight, when you rest your head, know that you're not being lazy or unproductive. You're healing. You're growing. And you're giving your brain the care it needs to face tomorrow with clarity and strength.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Humans
Embracing the Night: Finding Strength in the Shadows
Embracing the Night: Finding Strength in the Shadows When Maya was a child, nightfall brought a sense of quiet panic. The sun’s retreat felt like the closing of a protective curtain, and what came after was a stage for her fears. Shadows morphed into monsters. The ticking of the clock became footsteps. Even the breeze that brushed the curtains felt like something unseen brushing past her. She never told anyone. Fear at night seemed like something people outgrew, and she didn’t want to seem silly or weak. But as she got older, the fear evolved. It no longer came from imagined creatures or strange noises. It became a fear of the unknown, of being alone with her thoughts, of the silence that whispered doubts and insecurities. Even in her twenties, Maya kept a light on in her apartment, not because she couldn’t find her way in the dark—but because she didn’t want to face what might come with it. One evening, after a long and emotionally draining day, Maya found herself walking home later than usual. Her phone was dead, and the familiar streets felt unfamiliar under the weight of night. She had two options: take the busy main road or the quiet path through the park. Something within her urged her to choose the park. It was darker, quieter—but maybe, she thought, that was exactly what she needed to face. As she stepped into the park, a hush wrapped around her like a blanket. The trees swayed gently above her, their branches whispering secrets to the stars. At first, her heart raced with old, familiar fear. Every crunch of gravel underfoot sounded like a warning. But slowly, she started to notice something else. The moonlight painted soft patterns on the ground. A gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and damp earth. Somewhere in the distance, an owl called out—not in alarm, but as if simply announcing its presence. There was no danger, no monster, no judgment. Just the quiet truth of night, calm and present. Maya sat on a bench by the path and closed her eyes. She took a breath. Then another. For the first time, she didn’t run from the darkness—she sat with it. And in that silence, something shifted. She began to realize that fear at night wasn’t just about the dark. It was about vulnerability—being left alone with yourself, your thoughts, your doubts. It’s in the quiet that your inner voice grows loud. But maybe that voice wasn’t meant to scare her. Maybe it was there to teach her. In the following weeks, Maya began to change her relationship with night. She started turning off the lights before bed, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dark. She learned about the science of fear—how our brains are wired to be more alert in the dark as a survival mechanism. It wasn’t weakness; it was biology. But it was also something she could work with, not against. She picked up journaling, especially at night, to process her thoughts. She read about ancient cultures that revered the night as a time of reflection and renewal. In many traditions, the darkness wasn’t feared—it was honored. It was where seeds grew, where ideas formed, where the soul found rest. One night, Maya invited a few friends over for a “darkness dinner.” No lights, just candlelight and conversation about fear, growth, and the hidden gifts of nighttime. They laughed, shared stories, and found common ground. Most of them had feared the night at some point in their lives. But they all agreed—facing it made them stronger. The more Maya embraced the night, the less power her fears held over her. She began to see the darkness not as something to escape, but as something that offered peace, stillness, and even beauty. Her favorite part of each day became the moment she stepped outside before bed, looked up at the sky, and took a deep breath under the stars. That was her reminder: the night, like fear, wasn’t something to be avoided. It was something to be understood. And once understood, it could become a source of strength. --- Moral of the Story: Fear in the night is natural—but it’s also an invitation. When we stop running from it and instead listen to what it’s trying to teach us, we often find courage, clarity, and peace waiting quietly in the dark.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Humans
The Psychological Game of Human Connection
The Psychological Game of Human Connection Understanding the Strategies That Bring Us Closer In a sunlit room filled with the hum of quiet conversations, eight people sat in a circle. Some crossed their legs, others leaned forward with their elbows on their knees. There were subtle movements—a smile here, a raised eyebrow there. A silent dance of psychology was unfolding. They had come together for a weekend workshop on communication and emotional intelligence. Most had different reasons for being there. Emma, a school counselor, wanted to connect more deeply with her students. Jamal, a project manager, hoped to improve his leadership. Others, like Lena and Carlos, were simply curious about how humans interact below the surface. At the center of the room was a table with a few simple objects: a deck of cards, a small mirror, and a puzzle missing one piece. These weren't just props; they were tools. The facilitator, Maya, stood beside them. "Every day, we play psychological games," Maya said, her voice calm and steady. "But unlike poker or chess, these games are not about winning. They're about understanding." She picked up the deck of cards and held it up. "Let’s begin." Each card had a prompt: a question, a statement, or a challenge. When it was your turn, you pulled a card and responded honestly. The idea was simple, but the effects were powerful. Emma drew a card: “Share a moment when you felt truly seen.” She paused. “Last year, a student who never spoke much told me, ‘You’re the only one who listens without fixing me.’ I didn’t know I’d made that impact.” There was silence for a moment, but not an empty one—it was full of recognition. Around the circle, people nodded, their expressions softening. This was the first lesson of the game: vulnerability invites connection. Later, Carlos picked a card that read: “Mirror someone’s body language for two minutes and share how you feel.” He mirrored Lena, who had her arms gently folded, a calm tilt to her head. As he did, something shifted. “I feel… more at ease,” he said. “Like I understand her, without words.” Maya smiled. “Exactly. We mirror subconsciously all the time—it’s how we show empathy and build trust. The more aware we are of it, the more intentional our connections become.” The second lesson: empathy is both instinctive and learnable. As the day continued, the group explored other "games"—not competitive, but cooperative. They role-played misunderstandings, practiced active listening, and even engaged in light debates where the goal wasn’t to win, but to truly understand the other person’s viewpoint. One exercise required them to guess each other's emotions without speaking. Jamal, often the loudest in the group, found himself moved when Lena looked at him and gently mouthed, “You’re tired, but still giving.” He hadn’t said a word about how draining his week had been. But somehow, she knew. That moment stuck with him. It reminded him of the third lesson: most communication is nonverbal—and often, what we don’t say matters most. By the final day, something had changed in the group. They no longer sat stiffly or hesitated before speaking. Their psychological games were no longer defenses or performances; they were bridges. Maya gathered them one last time. “You’ve learned how we all play roles, read cues, and navigate unspoken rules. This isn’t manipulation—it’s human nature. The key is awareness. When we understand the game, we don’t use it to win—we use it to connect.” She picked up the puzzle from the table. “This,” she said, pointing to the missing piece, “is each of us. No one’s complete alone. But when we share, listen, and mirror each other with intention, we help one another grow into something whole.” Emma looked around the circle and saw faces she’d only met a day before, but now felt deeply connected to. Not because of shared history, but because of shared honesty. Later, when the group left and went back to their lives, they carried subtle changes with them. Jamal led his next team meeting differently—he listened more, spoke less. Lena called her sister and had the first real conversation they’d had in years. Emma smiled more at her students, not out of politeness, but because she understood what it meant to truly see someone. --- In the end, the psychological game isn’t about cleverness or control—it’s about connection. We’re all playing it, whether we realize it or not. And when we choose to play it with awareness, kindness, and authenticity, we don’t just win—we all grow.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Humans
Overthinking: The Mind’s Never-Ending Loop
Sophia was known among her friends as the thinker—someone who carefully analyzed every detail before making decisions. She prided herself on being thorough, cautious, and prepared. But recently, her mind had become a relentless maze of questions, doubts, and “what ifs” that left her feeling stuck, anxious, and exhausted.
By Najeeb Scholer7 months ago in Humans
What Growth Actually Looked Like for Me
For most of my life, I thought personal growth was about collecting achievements. Doing more, earning more, checking off goals—like I was slowly climbing a ladder toward some better version of myself. But no one tells you that sometimes, the ladder you’re climbing isn’t even leaning against the right wall.
By Mehran Aman7 months ago in Humans
