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Welcome to The Brighter Side of Everything.
This newsletter serves a simple purpose → To help you build optimism, resilience and a solution-focused perspective.
Each week, I’ll share actionable insights that not only brighten your day but position you to be a leader within your own life and seize life’s opportunities.
Read time: 12-15 minutes.
Knowledge isn’t Free - You have to pay attention.
Bright Reads - Quick links to fun or insightful articles.
Jane Goodall - From curiosity to worldwide conservation.
Elevated Viewing - Black Mirror.
A Bright Idea to Consider - Do it scared. Do it anyway.
A Previous Post - The right ear at the right time.
Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.
Daily Gratitude Journal - Transform your daily routine through reflection.
Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️
Sharing this thoughtful space with you is something I treasure each week.
Thanks for being a part of it.
This week, we’re talking about something we so often overlook.
Knowledge ain’t free.
You pay for it with your attention.
With so much competing for our attention these days.
It’s worth remembering that what we feed our minds matters.
We also celebrate curiosity and perseverance with Jane Goodall’s story and explore thought-provoking moments from one of the most intriguing series I’ve ever seen, Black Mirror.
Ready to dive in and fill your mind with what counts?
See you on the Brighter Side,
Chris
P.S. Please feel free to send me feedback on how I can improve. I respond to every email.
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We love to say “knowledge is free” these days, don’t we?
It’s on the internet.
It’s in podcasts.
You can Google anything you want.
And sure, it’s true.
We have access to more information than any previous generation.
But here’s the part we often forget:
Knowledge isn’t free.
You pay for it with your attention.
And lately, I’ve been thinking about what that really means.
Especially when life is pulling our focus in a thousand different directions.
Promising faster results and distracting us from the slow, deliberate work that real learning actually requires.
You with me?
Let’s unpack this together.
We Weren’t Meant to Take It All In, All at Once
Here’s a truth we need to own right from the start.
It’s unnatural for our brains to be plugged into everything, all day, every day.
Our brain wasn’t wired to absorb political drama in three countries.
Along with global economic shifts, your friend’s Dubai vacation reels and a deep dive into the psychological breakdown of your favourite celebrity.
All within the first 20 minutes of waking up.
We weren’t designed for that level of input.
Yes, we have adapted and evolved over time and will continue to do so.
But cognitive overload is real.
And there is a growing fear that we are retreating from meaningful engagement with information.
As the volume of data (and the speed at which it’s presented) continues to increase, many find themselves overwhelmed.
This leads to a tendency to skim rather than absorb.
Research indicates that our working memory (the part of our brain that helps us juggle info) has clear limits.
Psychologists today acknowledge that working memory can hold roughly 3 to 5 chunks of meaningful information at once.
This capacity isn’t fixed but shaped by how we learn to manage and organise what we remember.
Your capacity can increase when you practice repeatedly and properly absorb information.
Trying to “keep up with everything” overwhelms your brain’s filter.
Before you know it, nothing sticks.
Ever scroll endlessly and then realise you can’t remember a single thing you saw?
That’s not laziness.
That’s biology.
You can’t take it all in.
But you can choose what to take in, deliberately.
Because when you try to absorb everything, you’re basically absorbing nothing.
Less is often more when it comes to knowledge.
“We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom.”
Why Speedy Learning Holds You Back
Feeling overwhelmed is more than frustrating.
It encourages us to take shortcuts and seek quick fixes.
But these “fast lanes” often lead us in circles.
Let’s tackle another myth.
The obsession with shortcuts, life hacks and the “perfect” five-minute fix for everything.
We’re drawn to them because they promise results with less effort.
But are you really winning if you’re just skimming the surface?
Picture this.
You speed-read an article, hoping to catch the gist or you sign up for a course and zoom through it quickly.
Patting yourself on the back for being so efficient.
But the next time the topic comes up?
You’re back to square one.
Sound familiar?
You aren’t alone.
Science shows that slow, methodical effort (called deliberate practice) is how we truly absorb and retain knowledge.
Rushing might make learning feel easier but it doesn’t help memories stick in the long run.
Our brains build stronger (lasting) connections when we engage deeply.
When we revisit material and test ourselves over time.
Not when we skim the surface.
That’s precisely why my newsletter values depth as much as breadth.
You’re invited to dive into topics fully.
Revisit key ideas and test what you’ve learned.
No hacks, no shortcuts.
Sure, shortcuts make for flashy Instagram posts.
But they rarely build real expertise.
Next time a “life hack” tempts you.
Ask yourself:
Am I adding to my knowledge, or just chasing a quick thrill?
The Reading Retreat: A Global Snapshot
Here’s a big-picture truth.
Worldwide, people are reading for pleasure less than ever before.
In the US, the percentage of adults engaging in daily pleasure reading has dropped by over 40% in the last 20 years.
The UK has seen youth literacy and leisure reading hit record lows.
And while adult literacy rates globally have soared (87% in 2024, up from 68% in 1979 according to UNESCO).
The habit of deep, leisurely reading is slipping away.
Why?
Because digital content has exploded.
Fast videos, social media posts, train our attention to jump from one quick bite to the next.
Studies link rising social media use to shrinking attention spans and lower engagement with deep reading and reflection.
Teachers state that the attention levels of kids are shifting in the wrong direction as each year passes.
Many attribute this trend to the increasing use of digital devices and social media, which leads to shorter attention spans and a decreased ability to focus on tasks for extended periods.
Canada, however, offers a bit of hope.
While absolutely not immune, the decline in Canadian reading for pleasure is more modest.
BookNet Canada’s 2024 survey found 78% of Canadians engage in some form of reading or listening during leisure time.
Daily readers have even crept up slightly.
However, Canadians admit they skim more and speed-read (a habit I follow more often than I should).
The challenge has become clear everywhere.
Balancing the lure of speedy content with the power of slow, meaningful learning.
As Adam Grant put it perfectly in a recent post:
“Nuance lives in books, deep articles and meaningful conversations — not in short social media posts.”
Reading asks us to slow down.
To wrestle with complexity and draw connections.
It’s where authentic learning and wisdom grow.
Not in a stream of quick takes and viral soundbites.
Arm Yourself With Knowledge (Not Just Life Hacks)
So, how do we overcome our biology and build a true “armoury of knowledge”?
Here’s what helps:
Focus on depth over breadth: Instead of skimming the surface of everything, dive deep into what truly matters to you. That’s where magic happens. Connections are forged and your understanding grows.
Let learning be slow sometimes: Want your knowledge to stick? Embrace going slower. Re-read. Reflect. Wrestle with the hard stuff. That’s how your learning muscles become strong. If it were easy, everyone would do it.
Space it out: Psychologists call it the “spacing effect.” Returning to material over time, rather than cramming, helps you remember better. It’s like watering a plant a little every day, not dumping a bucket all at once.
Engage your curiosity: Make learning fun. Ask “why?” and “how?” Be a detective following your questions. The deeper your interest, the stronger your memory.
Drop the FOMO: You don’t need to know everything that happened everywhere today. Let some updates pass you by. Protect your focus like gold. Honestly, this should be step one.
My Takeaway
Why are we so obsessed with chasing new information and fast results?
Maybe it’s because our digital culture rewards speed, likes and novelty.
But real insights and wisdom?
They take patience and time.
What if we slowed down and let ourselves be more present, one thing at a time?
What if instead of bragging about speed-reading five books, we truly soaked in the ideas from one book and let it change us?
Look, the world is loud and noisy.
And the temptation to “keep up” is strong.
But if you take away one thing from this, let it be this.
The real price of knowledge isn’t trying to keep up with everything.
It’s showing up for what really matters.
Focusing your energy and diving deep.
Not dabbling.
Don’t let the thirst for hacks and speed steal your chance for lasting and meaningful growth.
Build an arsenal of lasting knowledge slowly and proudly.
That’s where real transformation happens.
Next time the urge to skim, shortcut or scroll endlessly hits, ask yourself:
Am I feeding my mind or just filling it?
Choose depth.
Your future self will thank you repeatedly.
Knowledge isn’t free.
It’ll cost you time, attention and care.
So, choose wisely how you invest these precious resources.
Shallow streams might fill your cup fast.
But only deep waters will feed your mind and soul.
“The greatest act of rebellion in a distracted world is paying attention.”
Why so many people feel like they don’t matter.
Meet the UK thrill-seeker who rode 55 rollercoasters in one week.
'Mental flexibility' is science's best predictor of lasting willpower.
German states debate who invented Bratwurst sausages.
Girls of the Year 2025.
Jane Goodall - born 3rd April 1934 - London, UK
Jane Goodall is a global icon of curiosity and conservation.
Her name is linked with groundbreaking discoveries, enduring dedication, and a lifelong mission to protect wildlife.
And our planet.
It struck me recently how, despite her widespread recognition, many do not fully appreciate the extent of her lasting impact.
That’s a missed opportunity, because Jane’s story is one the world needs to know.
In 1960, a young woman stepped into Tanzania’s Gombe Forest with nothing but curiosity, her notebook and a strong sense of compassion.
She set out to observe chimpanzees in the wild.
Patiently and without formal scientific training.
From this quiet beginning revolutionary discoveries surfaced.
Discoveries that challenged everything we thought we knew about animals and ourselves.
Jane observed chimps making and using tools.
A behaviour once believed to be uniquely human.
She witnessed their complex social bonds, emotions and even acts of violence and compassion.
Jane Goodall was an ordinary, unassuming and deeply passionate individual.
Her love for animals and nature led her to push beyond any skepticism, especially when she named the chimpanzees and attributed feelings to them.
Practices that many scientists initially rejected.
But she trusted her instincts and let the chimps teach her their stories.
Her discoveries reshaped science, revealing chimps as intelligent, emotional beings displaying strikingly human behaviours.
Moreover, she saw a fragile ecosystem under threat.
From habitat loss to poaching.
This inspired her to dedicate her life to both conservation and research.
Through founding the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots youth program, Jane has spread awareness and empowered millions worldwide to take action.
She believes no action is too small.
Every one of us can fuel change through care and commitment.
"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”
The Legacy of Jane Goodall
Stemming from her work in the Tanzanian forest, Jane’s mission has expanded into a powerful global movement.
She travels tirelessly to inspire a connection with nature and a sense of responsibility for our planet.
Though the challenges remain daunting due to climate change, habitat loss, and species decline.
Jane champions hope grounded in knowledge and action.
Her Roots & Shoots program involves young people in over 100 countries.
Tackling environmental, animal welfare and humanitarian challenges with both passion and compassion.
A powerful combination.
Her example teaches that a single voice fueled by conviction can echo across continents.
Jane’s life, from curious child to world-renowned primatologist, shows that passion and perseverance can transcend barriers and transform the world.
Lessons from Jane Goodall
Her life offers powerful lessons that can guide us all.
Lessons about curiosity and courage that have the power to drive change:
Curiosity transforms: When we open our eyes and hearts, patiently observing with wonder, new insights appear. Often, it’s where we least expect.
Perseverance makes the impossible real: Having no formal training didn’t stop Jane. Trusting her intuition and pressing forward despite any doubt led to discoveries that changed science.
Ordinary people can spark extraordinary change: Impact doesn’t require fame or credentials. Just consistent care and the courage to start.
Connection builds commitment: When we feel genuinely part of nature or a particular cause, awareness deepens into responsibility (and action).
Hope is an active choice: Facing harsh realities but still showing up daily to make a difference. That’s what turns hope into progress and inspires others.
My Takeaway
What moves me most about Jane Goodall is how her decades of groundbreaking research have sparked a global movement.
Reaching millions and showing us all how deeply we CAN care for this planet.
Her journey reminds us that real change begins by noticing, caring deeply and then taking action.
Even when the path isn’t clear.
Through curiosity and courage, she opened eyes and hearts to the incredible beauty and fragility of life on Earth.
Her story is about more than just chimpanzees.
It’s about all of us finding the strength and will to protect what matters most.
You don’t need a jungle expedition or some grand gesture to follow Jane’s lead.
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is open your eyes to your own world.
And decide right there to defend it.
So today, ask yourself:
What small action can I take that might change everything?
Where can I inspire others to care?
Because every act of kindness toward our planet and all its creatures (including us) is a seed of hope that can grow into a better tomorrow.
Change starts right here, with each of us.
Let’s rise to the challenge.
Let’s make those seeds count.
Together, we can protect the world we love.
"I believe that what you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
Want to hear more from Jane Goodall?
Check out this great conversation with children:
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From episode one, Black Mirror throws you into scenarios so gripping and eerily possible, you can’t help but keep watching.
They’ll also keep you thinking long after you’ve switched it off.
Full disclosure - the very first episode, “The National Anthem,” is my least favourite in the entire series.
It’s a tough, unsettling first entry that can feel divisive.
If it makes you feel the same way, I encourage you to push through.
Because the episodes that follow only become more inventive, relevant and thought-provoking.
As a series it quickly evolves into a masterclass of storytelling that holds up a mirror to our possible futures with uncanny insight.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Black Mirror stands apart because it combines sharp, speculative science fiction with a deep understanding of human nature (and modern society).
Each episode is standalone, exploring dark and often dystopian near-futures shaped by technology’s impact on our lives.
The show doesn’t just entertain though.
It challenges you to reconsider how digital culture, social media, artificial intelligence, virtual realities and surveillance might shape not just our world but who we are as people.
It packs powerful social commentary into thrilling tales, making a show that’s equal parts a rollercoaster and wake-up call.
What Makes It Stand Out
The brilliance of Black Mirror lies in its willingness to face uncomfortable truths without preaching.
The stories are sharply different but tied by common themes.
The profound friction between humanity and technological advancement.
The writing cuts deep without losing it’s subtlety and the ever-changing cast brings fresh perspectives on what “progress” can mean.
Sometimes hopeful, often chilling.
The series has also praised for its inventive storytelling formats, like the interactive episode Bandersnatch, which adds a new dimension to how stories can be told.
It’s episodes address everything from:
The obsession with social validation in “Nosedive.”
The dark side of video games in “Playtest.”
The ethical questions within AI relationships like “Be Right Back.”
Even the blurry lines between reality and simulation experienced in “USS Callister.”
Each of the above are brilliantly crafted.
The stories feel immediate, relatable and often quite unsettling.
Because they amplify tendencies we recognise in ourselves (and the world around us).
“Episodes indulge our fantasies of a utopian world but then somehow make us grateful that we don’t live in it.”
Practical Lessons from Black Mirror
Where do I start? There are cautionary tales spread through every episode.
Technology is powerful but unpredictable: Black Mirror shows us that every new gadget or system we create can have unintended consequences. What starts as convenience or entertainment can quickly spiral into something controlling or harmful if we don’t keep ethics and foresight in mind.
Privacy is fragile and essential: The series often highlights how easy it is for surveillance, data collection and social judgment to undermine our privacy and, by extension, our freedom. It makes you question how much control you really have over your digital footprint.
Human emotions remain central: No matter how advanced technology gets, our fears, desires and needs don’t disappear. The stories remind us that behind every screen or algorithm are real people with complex feelings that technology can’t properly address or replace.
Critical thinking is a must: Every episode challenges you not just to watch passively but to actively question how technology shapes behaviour and society. It encourages us to be mindful consumers and creators of tech in the real world.
Empathy is key in a digital age: Even when technology isolates or distorts human connection, the series highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. Qualities that preserve our humanity during rapid change.
My Takeaway
Black Mirror has kept me hooked season after season.
Because it’s so much more than TV.
It’s a cultural lens, an intellectual stimulant and sometimes feels like a moral reckoning.
Despite a rough start (for me), the series blossomed into provocative storytelling that challenges how we view technology and ourselves.
Watching it is like holding a mirror to our digital lives and our futures.
Forcing questions that can’t be ignored.
If you want TV that sticks with you and sparks important conversation, this show is a must-watch.
This series leaves us with one vital truth.
Technology is a mirror and what we see depends entirely on how we look.
And more importantly, how we act.
Have you seen it? Which episodes have stuck with you the most?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and dive into the tangled reflections this series so brilliantly exposes.
“Black Mirror is one of the most original and best mini-series ever created. Each episode tells a different story about the modern world we live in and the technology we all love. Most episodes are fascinating, filled with suspense and drama that keep you at the edge of your seat. It's a rare show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.”
Got a recommendation?
Please share; I'm always keen for great suggestions.
The Lesson
We all face moments when the next right step feels scary.
Whether it’s applying for a new job or asking someone out on a date that fear of the unknown can feel paralysing.
It’s normal to feel nervous.
Fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready.
The important thing is this: you don’t have to wait until you feel confident.
You can feel scared and take the leap anyway.
In fact, sometimes courage is simply choosing to act in spite of fear.
Practical Steps:
Identify one thing you’ve been wanting to do but hesitated because of fear.
Break it down into small, manageable steps to reduce any overwhelm.
Remind yourself that feeling scared is part of the process, not a sign that you should stop.
Reach out to someone supportive for encouragement or accountability.
Take one small action today - submit the application, send the message, buy the ticket.
My Takeaway
I’ve learned that waiting to feel completely fearless just keeps us stuck.
There is no perfect moment.
Just this moment.
The real magic happens when we let fear be our companion, not our captor.
Each time we take a leap despite uncertainty, we build confidence and open ourselves up to new possibilities.
So, if there’s something you want.
Apply for that job.
Date that person.
Buy that plane ticket.
Move to that city.
Do it scared.
Do it anyway.
You’re stronger than you think.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
The right ear at the right time is worth more than a thousand words of advice.
There's such elegance and wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to stay silent.
— Chris | The Brighter Side of Everything (@thebsofe)
2:52 PM • Jul 3, 2025
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