Arts

When Abigail Marsh was 19, a complete stranger risked his life to save her from a car accident. Today, she studies what motivates us to help others — and why some of us are "extraordinary" altruists.

At the prison where Cheryl Steed works, certain inmates are chosen to be caregivers for elderly inmates. The program has made her wonder — can altruism be learned?

Philosopher Peter Singer's work focuses on "effective altruism" — how to do the most good to make the world a better place. He argues effective giving involves balancing empathy with reason.

Larissa MacFarquhar writes about extreme altruists, people who make great sacrifices to help others. She says most of us aren't prepared or willing to do that — which is why we don't give more.

Pitt plays a semi-clueless four-star general charged with overseeing the war effort in Afghanistan. He says the film uses comedy to lure viewers in, then shows them some harsh realities.

In the United States, the average principal farm operator is nearly 60 years old, according to the most recent

After Ahmed Badr and his family fled the Iraq War, he used writing to grapple with his experience as a refugee in the U.S. He founded the website Narratio so other youth could share their stories.