1,700 People Share What They Enjoy—One Answer Won
When asked what they enjoy that others don't understand, over 1,700 people responded with surprising unity. The overwhelming winner? Silent solitude.
Search
Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
23 results for "solitude"
Apollo 11's Michael Collins: Alone Behind the Moon, Never Lonely
When astronaut Michael Collins orbited alone behind the Moon in 1969, the world called him the loneliest man in history. He spent decades gently correcting them, teaching us something profound about the difference between isolation and loneliness.
David Hockney Found Joy Painting Normandy in Lockdown
Legendary British artist David Hockney, who died at 88, spent the 2020 pandemic lockdown creating 220 vibrant iPad paintings of the French countryside. His year of solitude in Normandy became a celebration of nature's beauty.
10 Quiet Indian Hill Stations Perfect for January Travel
While tourist hotspots overflow with visitors, India's lesser-known hill stations offer something rare: winter magic without the crowds. January transforms these hidden gems into peaceful sanctuaries of snow, mist, and mountain views.
Former Rebel Becomes Colombia's First Left-Wing President
Gustavo Petro traded his rifle for a ballot box decades ago, and in 2022, the former M-19 guerrilla fighter became Colombia's first left-wing president. His journey from armed rebellion to democratic leadership shows how former enemies can transform a nation through peace.
India's Moon Lake Changes Colors From Dawn to Dusk
Hidden in the Himalayas at 14,100 feet, Chandratal Lake earns its "Moon Lake" nickname from its crescent shape and surreal ability to reflect moonlight like a mirror. The remote glacial lake transforms through shades of blue each day, offering trekkers a pristine sanctuary untouched by human development.
Rocky Mountain National Park Celebrates 111 Years
Rocky Mountain National Park, home to some of America's most stunning wilderness and diverse wildlife, turns 111 years old today. From its soaring 14,000-foot peaks to the headwaters of the Colorado River, the park remains a treasure protecting over 1,000 square kilometers of pristine landscape.
Scotland's Remote Isle of Soay Home Seeks New Owner
A secluded two-bedroom home on Scotland's Isle of Soay, where wildlife outnumbers the three human residents, offers a rare chance at remote island living. The property comes with over 1,500 acres and sits among red deer, rare Soay sheep, and breathtaking Hebridean landscapes.
World's Rarest Seals Hide in Secret Underwater Air Pockets
Scientists in Greece discovered Mediterranean monk seals using hidden "bubble caves" to escape summer tourists. The world's rarest seals prefer these underwater hideaways even without dry beaches, suggesting they're prioritizing privacy over comfort.
Artemis II Crew Returns With Moon Photos No One Has Ever Seen
Four astronauts are bringing home stunning photos and stories from their historic journey around the far side of the Moon. They traveled further from Earth than any humans in history and witnessed views no one has ever seen before.
Sailor Beats Dad's Record After 138 Days Circling Globe
A Tasmanian sailor just broke the Australian record for sailing solo around the world in 138 days—beating the mark set by his father 19 years ago. Tristan Gourlay's achievement marks a heartwarming passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
✨
Your Brain Decides to Be Social Seconds Before You Move
Scientists discovered that our brains light up in a coordinated pattern several seconds before we approach someone, revealing social behavior starts long before any visible action. The strength of this brain signal also predicts how naturally social a person tends to be.
Solo Traveler Finds Joy on Christmas Luxury Cruise
A journalist ditched traditional holiday plans to spend Christmas alone on a luxury cruise from Cairns to Sydney. She discovered that solo travel during the holidays can be just as magical as gathering with family.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F5c%2Fda%2F5cdab59c-f032-49e7-8b5c-07bccfd83800%2Fthe_adventure_of_wrangel_island_p_316.jpg)
Real Castaways Who Survived Years on Deserted Islands
From a Scottish sailor who lived four years alone to a Portuguese soldier who chose exile over shame, real-life island survivors endured isolation that makes fictional stories pale in comparison. Their tales of resilience reveal what humans can accomplish when stripped of everything but the will to live.
Whitsundays Boaties Get $80K Aid After Cyclone Koji
After Tropical Cyclone Koji destroyed their floating homes, a dozen Whitsunday sailors are receiving up to $80,000 in disaster recovery funding to rebuild their lives. The community is rallying to support those starting over, with donations of boats and swift cleanup efforts protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
15 Lost Byzantine Churches Found in Turkey's Sacred Valley
Archaeologists have uncovered 15 previously unknown churches in Turkey's "Thousand and One Churches" region, revealing it was once a major pilgrimage destination. The discoveries are rewriting the history of one of Byzantium's most mysterious sacred landscapes.
Conservation Wins Need Hundreds—Only a Few Get Credit
When conservation victories make headlines, a few names get spotlights while hundreds of essential contributors remain invisible. A movement is pushing to honor everyone who makes environmental progress possible.
7 Himalayan Treks Offer Cool Escape From Summer Heat
As temperatures climb across India, seven stunning treks in Uttarakhand's Himalayas are welcoming summer hikers with wildflower meadows, peaceful trails, and crisp mountain air. These accessible routes offer adventure seekers a refreshing alternative to crowded hill stations.
Colorado Cancer Center Celebrates 17 Survivor Stories
The University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center is marking National Cancer Survivor's Day with stories of 17 patients who found hope through clinical trials, community support, and breakthrough treatments. From psilocybin therapy easing anxiety to experimental treatments replacing surgery, these journeys show how cancer care is evolving beyond traditional approaches.
U.S.-Israel Fund Backs $20M in AI and Health Tech Projects
Seven tech partnerships between American and Israeli companies just secured $7.5 million in grants to tackle challenges from cancer detection to food security. The projects will generate $20 million in combined investment across healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity.
Showing 20 of 23