John Templeton Foundation

2 weeks ago | templeton.org | Robert Zaretsky

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the birth of existentialism in France. Indeed, it would never have been born had France not known war and defeat by Nazi Germany. Those who had resisted under the occupation were not content to return to the way things had been. Heaved into a world shadowed by the human ashes over Auschwitz and mushroom clouds over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they instead called for a revolution—one that was not just political, but also philosophical.

2 months ago | templeton.org | Alene Dawson

In an era where kids are addicted to screens, bombarded by social media, and overloaded with academic pressures, the opportunity to disconnect is increasingly rare. Summer camp, particularly overnight camp, not only offers the opportunity to revel in an immersive, awe-inspiring, mood-boosting experience of nature, but also fosters greater independence, resilience, persistence, confidence, community, and deep social connections. Given today’s challenges, camp may be more crucial than ever.

2 months ago | templeton.org | Alene Dawson

This story is Part II of a two-part essay on the “Pursuing the Good.” Read Part I. “When we think about poverty, we can think of the immediate problem and the long-term problem,” says Jason Brennan, Professor of Strategy, Economics, Ethics, and Public Policy at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Think of the immediate relief of a Christmas toy, a hurricane shelter, warm socks for the homeless, or a hot meal.

Jan 23, 2025 | templeton.org | Alene Dawson

This story is Part I of a two-part essay on the “Pursuing the Good.” Read Part II. Most people sense that there is a big difference between the world as it is and the world as it ought to be. While we might be able to imagine what a better version of our society would look like, the path to get there is anything but clear. When addressing deeply entrenched problems, what are the best opportunities and respective roles for the non-profit, for-profit, and government sectors?

Oct 15, 2024 | templeton.org | Dyna Rochmyaningsih

A story about the origins of life in the cosmos starts at Earth’s equator, where Dian Fiantis, a professor of soil science at Andalas University in Indonesia, investigated how seemingly dead environments come back to life. In 2018, she traveled to Mt. Anak Krakatoa (which emerged after the famous Krakatoa’s eruption) to collect the volcanic ash it ejected two months before.