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Philosophy & Religion

Big questions, handled carefully — world religions, philosophical ideas, mythology and ethics, explained without preaching or talking down.

Every person alive operates on answers to a few enormous questions, what exists, what matters, what happens next, whether those answers were chosen carefully or absorbed without notice. This section takes the questions seriously and the reader seriously, covering the world's religions and philosophical traditions with the care that other people's deepest commitments deserve.

The religion coverage explains beliefs, practices, texts and histories across the major traditions, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and beyond, along with the smaller and older paths that shaped them. Articles describe what adherents actually believe and do, where traditions branch and why, and how rituals, holidays and symbols carry meaning. The voice throughout is explanatory: written so that a curious outsider understands more, and an insider recognizes their own tradition treated fairly.

Philosophy gets the same plain-language handling. The great questions, knowledge, ethics, free will, mind, meaning, are walked through with the major answers and their strongest objections, from the Greeks through the moderns and across traditions East and West. Thinker profiles connect ideas to the lives and arguments that produced them, and applied pieces bring the tools to everyday dilemmas at work, at home and online, since ethics earns its keep in decisions, and clear reasoning is a transferable skill.

Mythology bridges both worlds: the stories cultures told about gods, heroes, creation and death, covered as living windows into how people made sense of existence. Comparative pieces trace how similar questions surface in very different places, a flood story here, a trickster there, always distinguishing description from endorsement.

Nothing here will tell you what to believe. The featured guides above hold our fullest treatments of a tradition or question, and the grid below runs newest first. Come skeptical, come devout, come merely curious; the questions have room for everyone, which is precisely what makes them the big ones.

Philosophy & Religion

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The Narcissism of Differences Big and Small

Freud coined phrase narcissism of small differences in a paper titled The Taboo of Virginity that he published in 1917. Referring to earlier work by British anthropologist Ernest Crawley, he said that we reserve our most virulent emotions - aggression, hatred, envy - towards those who resemble us most. We feel threatened not by Other with whom we have little in common - but by

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12 Native American Astrological Signs and Their Meanings

The Native Americans found their inspiration in the midst of nature. They associated literally everything with the traits of other living creatures, including birth symbols. This Buzzle article consists of the 12 Native American astrological signs and their meanings. These signs are nothing but animal totems, each identifying with the traits of the people born under them.

Woman with zodiac constellation symbols and celestial imagery

Personality Traits of a Person Born on Aquarius-Pisces Cusp

The cusp combination that forms when the eleventh and the twelfth signs of the zodiac come into one―the Aquarius-Pisces cusp! The Aquafish is known for its sensitivity, but, it can be equally strong. This Buzzle article throws light on the personality traits of the Aquarius-Pisces cusp, and discusses its unique characteristics that are distinctive of any other sign.

Cultural Determinism Meaning and Examples

What actually determines human behavior? Is it the natural settings within which a human being survives or is it the genes? This Buzzle article explains the meaning of cultural determinism with examples to identify human behavior influenced through culture.

Difference Between the Catholic and Orthodox Church

The Catholic and the Orthodox Church are two of the most prominent churches of the world whose differences are more ideological than spiritual. This Buzzle article states some of the basic differences in the teachings of these Churches.

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Psychology Behind the Bandwagon Effect

The bandwagon effect, also known as the ‘cromo-effect’, is a term used to describe a situation arising as a result of people following a certain idea, only because it is followed by a large number of people. An attempt to explain the psychology of the bandwagon effect, is made in this Buzzle article.

Bible, wine glass, and bottle on wooden table

What the Bible Says About Drinking Alcohol

With Jesus himself consuming wine, you would think the Bible supports consuming alcohol. But, the truth could be otherwise, drinking could well be a sin. Let’s burst the bubble shall we, through this Buzzle article.

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Creationism Vs. Evolution

There is still a heated debate going on about what should be taught in our schools, creationism or evolution. Knowing a little bit about both sides of the issue can help you take a stand. Separation of church and state cannot dictate what is taught in schools all the time. A classic example of this […]

Pilgrims in white and gold robes gathered around the Kaaba

The Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca

Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, that every Muslim must make in order to fulfill their obligations towards his religion. Read on to know about its significance and how it is performed… The Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam which are the five […]

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Why and How to Stop Being Too Nice

If you are the kind of person who just can’t say ‘no’ to people and end up being too nice to them, then this article could be your savior! Learn why being too nice to people is a bad idea, and how to stop doing it. What aches more than having done one wrong thing […]

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Monogamy and its Advantages

Monogamy is defined as the practice of having only one spouse at a time. There are many advantages of being monogamous, which are enlisted in this article. According to the general convention these days, monogamy refers to having only one sexual partner. However, monogamy implies a lot more than what the word is defined as. […]

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What Causes Xenocentrism

Trying to figure out the causes for xenocentrism? The following Buzzle article will elucidate the causes of this neologism. When the word ethnocentrism (preferring your own culture) was coined, numerous societies all around the world had already developed an inclination to foreign cultures. A majority of the world population was not ethnocentric any more, they […]

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Buddhist Practices

There is a major rise in the number of people turning to Buddhism these days, and it very evidently isn’t without reason. Find out what it is about these Buddhist practices that is influencing people with every passing day. There is hardly be a person who is a stranger to the name Siddhartha Gautama, more […]

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What is Intellectual Arrogance

There’s nothing wrong with being very smart. It’s when an individual lets his pride in being smart go to his head, that problems start to occur. Such swollen headed individuals exhibit a condition known as intellectual arrogance. Scroll below to learn more about this term. “When they discover the center of the universe, a lot […]

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Third-Wave Feminism

Say the word “feminist” and images of angry, shouting women, who hate men and everything masculine comes to mind. But everything changes and so does movements. Feminism need not be a loud, rioting force, it can be a quiet but powerful united front, tackling new-age issues. For an in-depth analysis on third-wave feminism, go through […]

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Words of Encouragement from The Bible

During times of trouble, when the waters seem to sweep over us, we can find solace in the words of encouragement from the Bible. Agonizing events can debilitate one’s faith, however, by constantly reminding yourself of the promises of God and clinging to them will help you stand firm even in a fierce storm. We […]

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End of the World Predictions that Proved Wrong

Is it really going to be true that our world will end? Why do these so called “prophets” predict doomsday? Just to grab public attention or to create fear in the minds of people. Let’s find out the reality behind these claims. Anytime you switch on the television for news, chances are you are going […]

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Black Butterfly Meaning

The black butterfly meaning and symbolism changes from one culture to other. In all, it is somewhat similar to meaning of black color. To learn about what is symbolic meaning of black butterfly, read following article... Black Butterfly Meaning.

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Propaganda Techniques

Be it sweet-talking or be it outright slandering, when it comes to influencing another’s judgment and opinion, it’s all about propaganda techniques and talent to convince. Read ahead to find out where this is going.... Propaganda Techniques.

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How to Attract a Cancer Man

Wondering how to attract a Cancer man and have most successful relationship together? This article will give you tips and techniques on attracting a Cancer male. Read on... How to Attract a Cancer Man.

Star constellation Ophiuchus depicted with connected points and concentric circles

Ophiuchus Traits

The following article will take you through some of Ophiuchus traits and help you understand certain characteristics of this new entrant in line of zodiac signs. Continue reading for more information. Ophiuchus Traits.

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Friday the 13th Superstitions

Ranging from bizarre to downright unbelievable Friday 13th superstitions will leave you cowering in fear or laughing in gusto. A look at Friday 13th history just tells you how this superstitious belief came into existence. Friday 13th Superstitions.

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Will the World End in 2012

If one of most hyped questions in human history - will world end in 2012, is giving you sleepless nights, following writeup which debunks all myths of 2012 and help you get rid of your fear. Continue reading for more information on alleged apocalypse of 2012. Will World End in 2012.

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Satanic Symbols and Their Meaning

This article dwells on some Satanic symbols and their meanings. These Satanic symbols are used by Satan worshipers in Satanic church during order of Satan worship and are also used amongst themselves to communicate certain things. Satanic Symbols and Their Meaning.

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Zodiac Dates

Studying zodiac dates have captured interest of millions since ancient times. This article will further let you know 12 signs of zodiac and corresponding dates. Read on and check out. Zodiac Dates.

Twelve zodiac animal symbols arranged in circles around a central compass wheel

Zodiac Symbols

Under fascinating subject of astrology, come zodiac symbols and signs, each with its specific characteristics and meanings. Read on to understand more about significance of these symbols. Zodiac Symbols.

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Sagittarius Personality

A Sagittarius is a zodiac sign that stands for frankness and exuberance. Let’s get into knowing some interesting Sagittarius personality traits. Keep reading to enlighten yourself about this wonderful zodiac sign! Sagittarius Personality.

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Hispanic Culture Facts

Various Hispanic culture facts discussed in this article will give its readers an insight in understanding various dimensions of Hispanic culture and customs. Here are various facts about Hispanics... Hispanic Culture Facts.

Illustration of a man’s face scowling in anger

Narcissistic Rage

Narcissistic rage is a way in which a narcissistic individual takes out his anger against people who have hurt his ego. If you are living with a narcissistic individual, it is important for you to know about what exactly is this narcissistic rage and how you can handle it... Narcissistic Rage.

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Losing Friends Quotes

Losing friends is one of toughest things that a person can go through. Here are some memorable losing friends quotes for you to peruse through. Losing Friends Quotes.

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Attachment Disorder in Adults

Learn here, about causes of attachment disorder in adults, and symptoms that help identify this condition. Attachment Disorder in Adults.

Two figures in philosophical dialogue beneath bare trees

Atheist Vs. Agnostic

This article is my understanding of atheist vs agnostic issue. These two terms are often used interchangeably but are very different from each other. Read on to find out more on atheism vs agnosticism. Atheist Vs. Agnostic.

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Characteristics of a Hero

As Norman Schwarzkopf has rightly said, It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle. Such are characteristics of a hero, someone who believes in actions rather than just words. Read on to know some great characteristics of a hero that make him one. Characteristics of a Hero.

Woman questioned by skeptical panel during job interview

Why People Lie - Psychology

Ever wondered why people lie? What is it that inspires or provokes them to lie? why people lie for no reason? Many human behavior analysts have different reasons for this. Let us try and understand why people lie psychology, in next few paragraphs of this article. Why People Lie - Psychology.

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Serial Killers Psychology

Since times of Jack Ripper, researchers and investigators have struggled to understand mind of a serial killer. Researches have suggested abnormally high or low IQ’s, behind making of a serial killer, but yes there is a lot more to it. Read more on serial killers psychology... Serial Killers Psychology.

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Communism Vs Capitalism

This article is my take on communism vs capitalism debate. It will talk about major points of difference between communism and capitalism. Communism Vs Capitalism.

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Branches of Philosophy

What are branches of philosophy? What is their significance? An analysis of philosophy branches, to help us understand their role in contemporary affairs. Branches of Philosophy.

Stylized illustrations of diverse individuals representing different personality types

Personality Types A B C

Can we really differentiate or classify people according to personality types A B C? Will it be a true measure for scaling an individual? To know more about personality types A B C, read on... Personality Types A B C.

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Obsessive Love Disorder

Obsessive love disorder is extreme feeling of love and attachment towards someone. This obsession in relationships can be triggered off by many factors such as anxiety, insecurity and vulnerability. Read on to know more... Obsessive Love Disorder.

Three Confucian scholars in traditional robes around a table

Introduction to Confucianism and Five Relationships

Confucianism is a philosophy and a doctrine of ethical and social conduct based on teachings of great Chinese philosopher Confucius. His teachings are based on specific set of principles, moral duties and social protocols designed to create a harmonious society and a united country. It’s a philosophy centered on goal of creating a society based on ‘value’. Introduction to Confucianism and Five Relationships.