Society

Our writer is back at Aleksandra and Mieczysław Babalski’s organic farm in the north of Poland, where Farmer Mietek explains to her the best work ethic. Berenika Steinberg

In this edition of ‘Miracle Diet’, we look at how to grow tomatoes using open source seeds and guerilla gardening, and the benefits of cultivating your own kombucha culture. Monika Kucia

Our eternally pessimistic correspondent gives his historical highlights for the month of July. Adam Węgłowski

The mineral commonly known as mountain crystal (or quartz) has captured the imagination for thousands of years. Why is this gemstone rumoured to be imbued with divine power? Paweł Janiszewski

The Polish wedding reception (or ‘wesele’) is a thing of legend that has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. It’s also an evening of joy, full of the warmest Polish traditions. Richard Greenhill

Architect and food visionary Carolyn Steel talks about a culinary approach to a good life, the future of farming, and the importance of sharing food and meals. Paulina Wilk

Ben Pascoe, the Canadian founder of ‘Next Apache’, a cult café and second-hand book store in Bratislava, talks to Łukasz Grzesiczak about why he loves living in Slovakia. Łukasz Grzesiczak

In the late 19th century, Friedrich Nietzsche wrote the infamous words: “God is dead.” Yet rather than being a provocative attack on religion, the philosopher’s statement was an invitation to affirm one’s life. Tomasz Stawiszyński

Don’t confuse loneliness with time by yourself. Micaela Marini Higgs

In the face of ecological disaster, some people are taking a stand against destructive food practices. Local ingredients, zero waste and edible plates are just a handful of the ideas they are implementing. Monika Kucia

Instead of never-ending progress, today’s kids face a world on the edge of collapse. What next? Malcolm Harris

At 52, I was accepted to Yale as a freshman. The students I met there surprised me. James Hatch