Friday, 5 December 2025

Author: Esther Law Lee Poh

Curiosity as fuel for learning: Igniting the drive for personal and professional growth

“Curiosity is the mother of inquiry, and inquiry is the mother of knowledge.“ – John Dewey (1859-1952), an esteemed American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer closely linked with pragmatism and functional psychology. DEAR readers, in our previous discussion, we explored the intricacies of critical thinking – an essential skill that allows

Unleashing the power of critical thinking

“Critical thinking is a way to look at the world.” – Edward de Bono (1933-2021), a distinguished Maltese physician and commentator. Credited with coining the term ‘lateral thinking’, he authored numerous publications on the subject of critical thinking, notably ‘Six Thinking Hats’. HELLO, dear readers! Welcome back to another enlightening edition of

Cultivating curiosity, nurturing your mind

“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.“ – Mark Twain (1835-1910), a distinguished American writer, humorist, and essayist. He was widely acclaimed as “the greatest humorist the United States has ever seen”. Twain’s literary works encompass renowned novels such as ‘The Adventures of

Refreshing dawn for our physical abilities

Augmenting Human Senses DEAR readers, last week, we explored the intricate journey of pain perception. We uncovered how pain acts as a crucial alarm system for our bodies, guiding us away from harm and towards healing. It reinforced our understanding of one of the most profound aspects of human experience:

The journey of pain perception

DEAR readers, it’s always a pleasure to connect with you through the exploration of some of life’s most profound experiences. Last week, we took a deep dive into the world of sensory experiences through art, exploring how our physical sensations influence creativity and perception. This week, however, we are embarking

Exploring the physical sensory experience in art

“We live in a rainbow of chaos.” – Paul Cézanne, a renowned French post-Impressionist painter, revolutionised the art world with his innovative modes of representation. His work not only influenced avant-garde artistic movements of the early 20th century but also served as a crucial link between late 19th-century Impressionism and early

The influence of culture on physical sensory perception

DEAR readers, last week, we dove into the intersection of physical senses and virtual reality. We explored how technology is bridging the gap between our sensory experiences and the digital realm, shaping our perceptions in unprecedented ways.  This week, however, we are steering our focus towards a different avenue, one

Physical senses and virtual reality: Bridging the reality-virtual world gap

“Virtual Reality is the ‘Ultimate Empathy Machine’. These experiences are more than documentaries. They are opportunities to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.” – Chris Milk (born in 1975 or 1976), a distinguished American entrepreneur, filmmaker, music video director, and immersive artist. He holds the esteemed positions of co-founder and

The dark side of touch: Harm to humans and animals, intended or unintended

“In recognising the body’s inherent vulnerability, we must account for the ethical implications of touch, as it holds the power to harm or heal.“ – Judith Butler (born February 24, 1956), a distinguished American feminist philosopher and gender studies scholar whose impactful work has shaped political philosophy, ethics, and the realms

Adaptive senses in the animal kingdom

IN the vast tapestry of life on Earth, animal senses are not only remarkable in their diversity but also in their intricate adaptations to various environments. This phenomenon, “Adaptive Senses”, encompasses how different species have evolved unique sensory abilities to thrive in their specific habitats. As someone who doesn’t particularly