4 . Optimism (乐观) is probably not a surprise that optimistic thinkers tend to be happier than pessimistic thinkers.     1     Here is what may surprise you.

Optimists live longer.

Optimistic thinkers have lower rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even risk of cancer, as well as lower rates of mortality in general. These health factors may be influenced by optimists’ focus on taking care of themselves.     2     One large study published in 2022 determined that optimists have a life span 11% to 15% longer than average.     3    

Optimists are more successful.

Just as optimists tend to be more resilient (有复原力的) outside of the workplace, they are also resilient on the job. Even if their bosses don’t recognize that they’re doing a good job, optimists are able to bounce back and keep performing well. People who are more optimistic also seem to have better job security than less optimistic workers.     4     Plus, people who feel optimistic about their careers are more likely to both succeed at work and to feel satisfied with their jobs.

    5    

People with higher levels of subjective well-being — a mindset that can include optimism — have stronger immune systems and even experience faster wound healing than others with lower levels of well-being. People with positive experiences lowered their rates of depression, physical symptoms, and sleep complaints.

5 . Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas. Critical thinking has been the subject of much debate and thought since the time of early Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates and has continued to be a subject of discussion into the modern age, for example the ability to recognise fake news.

Critical thinking might be described as the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. In nature, critical thinking requires you to use your ability to reason. It is about being an active learner rather than a passive recipient of information.

Critical thinkers rigorously (严厉地) question ideas and assumptions rather than accepting them at face value. They will always seek to determine whether the ideas, arguments and findings represent the entire picture and are open to finding that they do not.

One of the most important aspects of critical thinking is to decide what you are aiming to achieve and then make a decision based on a range of possibilities.

Once you have clarified that aim for yourself you should use it as the starting point in all future situations requiring thought and, possibly, further decision making. Where needed, make your workmates, family or those around you aware of your intention to pursue this goal. You must then discipline yourself to keep on track until changing circumstances mean you have to revisit the start of the decision-making process.

However, there are things that get in the way of simple decision making. We all carry with us a range of likes and dislikes, learnt behaviours and personal preferences developed throughout our lives; they are the hallmarks of being human. A major contribution to ensuring we think critically is to be aware of these personal characteristics, preferences and biases (偏见) and make allowance for them when considering possible next steps.

The more clearly, we are aware of ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, the more likely our critical thinking will be productive.

7 . Some Old Truths to Help You Overcome Tough Times

Life is not a bed of roses and we are going through life facing sad experiences. Hard times may hold you down at what usually seems like the most inopportune (不合时宜的) time.     1     I want to share these old truths I’ve learned along the way.

Most of your fears are unreal. Fear is both useful and harmful. This normal human reaction is used to protect us by signaling danger and preparing us to deal with it.     2     Will Smith once said, “Danger is very real. But fear is a choice.”

    3     Sometimes you can be easily caught up by life problems that you forget to stop and appreciate the things you have. Only strong people prefer to smile and value their life instead of crying and complaining about something.

You are not alone.     4     Try to keep in mind that almost everyone wants to help you if you are trying to make a good change in your life.

Pave your own unique path. Today many people find it difficult to trust their own opinion and seek balance by gaining objectivity from outside sources.     5     When you are struggling, you should believe in yourself and be sure that your decision is the best.

9 . There’s more to the jungle than just The Jungle Book. Let’s find out.

10 . Ordos Cultural Products Shine at Shenzhen Fair

A group of 10 exhibitors representing the city of Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, polish their products at the 19th China International Cultural Industries Fair in Guangdong province.

The fair is being held in Shenzhen.

It runs to October 21.

The Ordos exhibition area — themed “Meeting on the grassland, falling in love with the Warm City” — divides its 240 square meters into an immersive experience area, a cultural and tourism product exhibit and even an interactive activity area.

Nearly 300 featured handicrafts, cashmere products, personalized ceramics (陶器) and other cultural and creative products from Ordos amaze visitors. Meanwhile, the dance and traditional horse-head fiddle performances brought by the Ordos’ Ulan Muqir art troupe have been popular at the Inner Mongolia exhibition hall.

While showcasing the development achievements of the Ordos culture industry, the exhibition area also allows visitors to experience the charm of the city’s culture.