I experienced something for the heart yesterday when I was shopping in a large bakery. A woman in front of me, who spoke English, had a large quantity of pre-packed Christmas cookies piled up at the checkout. I had also placed my small packet of coconut macaroons on the counter. When the woman saw this, … [Read more…]
Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) is one of the most influential European Renaissance representatives. His artworks “Praying Hands”, “Rhinoceros” or “The Brown Hare” are known all over the world. He was considered to be a genius, already famous during his lifetime as accomplished painter, engraver, gifted mathematician and cultural theorist. His 3 masterworks, the copper plate “Melencolia … [Read more…]
However, Albrecht Dürer’s “Melencolia 1” is not an engraving which expresses only “melancholy” without signs of hope. The sight of the earthbound winged woman – the living focus of the picture – is fully awake. The clear eyes – regarded as the windows of the soul – show strength to persevere and yet be open/alert … [Read more…]
According to Cicero, gratitude is not only the greatest, but also the parent of all virtues. It seems that the experience of gratitude is at the center of all world religions and has been discussed and examined by all philosophers as well. However, the systematical study of gratitude through psychology did not happen before the … [Read more…]