Letters Archive

Nearly 1,400 years ago, the Chinese empire created the world's first standardized test to find talented officials. This remarkable system shows how tests have long been used to create opportunities, and offers surprising insights for approaching modern exams with confidence.

At age 14, while plowing a potato field, Philo Farnsworth imagined how to create electronic television. He spent the next seven years tirelessly working to turn that vision into reality, facing skepticism and huge challenges, showing how persistence can bring a childhood dream to life.

After learning about thousands of children affected by lead-contaminated water, 12-year-old Gitanjali Rao invented a revolutionary device that detected lead faster and cheaper than existing methods. Her invention shows how young people's creativity can solve problems that even experts struggle with.

When Norwegians were forbidden from displaying their flag during Nazi occupation, they turned to an unexpected symbol - the humble paper clip. This small office supply, invented by a Norwegian, became a powerful secret message of unity and resistance, showing how everyday objects can become extraordinary symbols of courage.

Harvard scientists discovered that people consistently overestimate how long their emotions will last. This finding about our "emotional forecasting error" helps explain why our worst feelings never last as long as we fear, and offers a powerful tool for navigating emotional storms.

A psychology professor solved his lifelong insomnia by treating himself as a laboratory and testing unconventional solutions. His story shows how the scientific method isn't just for classrooms—it's a powerful tool for solving our most personal challenges.

In 1900, Galveston was Texas's largest and wealthiest city, destined to become one of America's great metropolises. But a single devastating hurricane redirected the future toward Houston, showing how unexpected events can completely reshape destiny.

Scientists discovered that saying "I'm excited" works better than "calm down" when facing challenges. This simple word switch can transform nervous energy into a performance boost, showing how the stories we tell ourselves about our feelings can change our experiences.