Social Cause

November 7, 2025

Māori Language Embraces Neurodiversity With a Beautiful Word for Autism

Our understanding of neurodiversity continues to grow, but there is still plenty of progress to be made in fostering compassion and inclusion for those who experience the world differently. In New Zealand, the Māori people offer a beautiful example of acceptance through their unique word for autism: Takiwātanga, which translates to “in his or her own time and space.” This expression reflects a deep cultural understanding and respect for individual differences.

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October 15, 2025

Millionaire Heiress Donates 90% of Inheritance and Advocates for Others To Do the Same

Marlene Engelhorn is the Austrian-German heiress to a multimillion-euro fortune, inherited from her grandmother, who passed away in 2022. This fortune stems from Friedrich Engelhorn, who founded BASF, today’s largest chemical producer, and an ethically controversial company. Initially, the heiress wanted the Austrian government to apply a 90% tax on the inheritance. However, Austria got rid of its inheritance tax in 2008; so, instead, she donated it.

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September 25, 2025

Empowering Nonprofit Makes Waves by Teaching Women and Girls To Surf in Sri Lanka

For the Sri Lankan nonprofit SeaSisters, it goes without saying that surfing is for everyone. But, in Sri Lanka, local women and girls are “hardly seen in the ocean,” per the nonprofit. In fact, some have never learned how to swim, despite growing up on an island. That’s precisely why SeaSisters exists: to empower women and girls to take up both swimming and surfing.

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September 11, 2025

High Schooler Develops an Affordable Way To Filter Microplastics From Drinking Water

This past spring, high school student Mia Heller received a special award during the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Ohio. Distributed by the Patent and Trademark Office Society (PTOS), the $500 prize recognized Heller’s achievement in water filtration technology, which focused on removing microplastics from water without the high price tag. According to her project summary, Heller’s filtration system incorporated ferrofluid, a carrier liquid containing magnetic particles.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.