Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Kristin Pitzen, a teacher at Newport Mesa School District in California, sparked outrage in 2021 after posting a TikTok video where she joked about removing the American flag from her classroom because it made her feel “uncomfortable.” Instead, she encouraged students to pledge allegiance to the pride flag, which she displayed on the wall. In…

Weddings often bring tears of joy, and four-year-old Gage learned that firsthand when his father, US Marine Sgt. Joshua Newville, married Senior Airman Emily Leehan in Ripley, New York. Gage was holding it together—until Leehan began reading vows she had written just for him. As she said, “I want you to be safe, and to…

Teachers play a vital role in shaping young lives, often going above and beyond their duties. One such teacher is Jonathan Oliver, a phys-ed coach at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia, who was praised for a kind act during a basketball game. When kindergartener Kristen Paulk asked him to fix her hair, Coach Oliver…

Beandri Booysen’s life was a powerful example of strength, love, and positivity. Born in South Africa, she was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome at just seven months old—a rare condition that causes rapid aging. Doctors didn’t expect her to live past her early teens, but Beandri defied the odds and lived until 19. Despite weighing…

In 2019, heartbreaking images of Tikiiri, a 70-year-old emaciated elephant forced to walk in a 10-day parade in Sri Lanka, sparked global outrage. Photos showed her frail body hidden under a costume during a Buddhist festival, where she walked miles every night despite poor health. Tikiiri was one of 60 elephants participating in the event,…

Weddings often bring tears of joy, and four-year-old Gage learned that firsthand when his father, US Marine Sgt. Joshua Newville, married Senior Airman Emily Leehan in Ripley, New York. Gage was holding it together—until Leehan began reading vows she had written just for him. As she said, “I want you to be safe, and to…

Teachers play a vital role in shaping young lives, often going above and beyond their duties. One such teacher is Jonathan Oliver, a phys-ed coach at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia, who was praised for a kind act during a basketball game. When kindergartener Kristen Paulk asked him to fix her hair, Coach Oliver…

Beandri Booysen’s life was a powerful example of strength, love, and positivity. Born in South Africa, she was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome at just seven months old—a rare condition that causes rapid aging. Doctors didn’t expect her to live past her early teens, but Beandri defied the odds and lived until 19. Despite weighing…

he White House physician confirms President Trump is in “excellent health,” with strong physical and neurological results from his April 2025 exam. At 78, Trump remains physically fit, abstains from alcohol and tobacco, and has lost weight since his last term. However, Republican advisor Rick Wilson warns of possible mental decline, citing Trump’s recent incoherence…

Daytime Meteor Shower in June 2025: The Arietids The Arietids are one of the most active meteor showers, but they mostly occur during the day, making them hard to see with the naked eye. In 2025, they will peak on the morning of June 7, visible just before dawn. When to watch: The shower lasts…