At the iron gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most infamous extermination camps of Nazi Germany, the chilling phrase “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work sets you free”) still casts a haunting shadow. These deceptive words led into one of history’s darkest chapters. Beyond that gate, more than a million lives were brutally ended. Auschwitz-Birkenau was just…
Currently Viewing: Humanities
Are you fascinated by vampires, haunted houses, or the macabre? If you nodded at any of those horror tropes, chances are you’ve encountered (or at least heard of) Gothic literature. From the timeless terror of “Frankenstein” to modern-day Gothic thrills like “The Haunting of Hill House,” Gothic literature draws us into the creepy underbelly of…
What do virtual historical sites, AI-powered poetry analysis, and digital art galleries have in common? They’re all part of the growing world of digital humanities, where technology meets the study of human culture. From history and literature to art and beyond, digital tools are reshaping how we explore and connect with the past. Curious about…
More than 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide. So, how did English become the “international language?” It didn’t happen overnight. English is closely tied to major historic events, trends, inventions, and media that connect the world today. How English Became a Global Language Today, English boasts the most speakers globally. But how did its reach come…
On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb—named “Little Boy”—over the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later, “Fat Man” was dropped on Nagasaki. Between 110,000 and 210,000 people died, either immediately from the blasts or later from radiation exposure. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki heralded the end of World War…
Many of us have experienced misunderstandings due to miscommunication. For example, you might ask your partner to help with a chore around the house, shouting, “Can I get a hand?” They reply, “Be there in a minute!” But five minutes later, you’re frustrated—because to you, “a minute” means exactly 60 seconds, while to them, it…
Thousands of years ago, as flowers bloomed and the weather warmed, villagers in what is now Europe gathered to celebrate the vernal equinox. Communities gathered in open clearings, the air filled with the rich scent of burning herbs and fresh, damp earth. They placed eggs—symbols of renewal—on altars, and the sight of a hare darting…
In our modern world, there are countless mediums through which we can document our emotions regarding the human experience: photos on Instagram and shorts on YouTube, to name a few. But nothing quite reflects our highs and lows like the written word, particularly in the form of poetry. For centuries, poets have shaped the way…
“I don’t paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.” —Frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo’s iconic self-portraits became a mirror of her struggles and independence, portraying both physical pain (from a life-altering bus accident) and emotional torment and giving voice to women of her time who were often silenced. Kahlo’s struggles mirrored those of many female…
Every fall, families in Mexico and beyond gather to honor the lives of their ancestors in a tradition rooted in ancient beliefs. This is Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. It’s a celebration with origins that stretch back thousands of years to the time of the Aztecs and the…
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