December 9, 2024
Pia Landgrebe
The fourth issue of the year of Premium Quarterly dedicates the entire magazine to exciting questions of our time – and provides stunning answers.
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"The public has an insatiable curiosity to know everything, except what is worth knowing," Oscar Wilde once remarked with his usual sharp wit. But in today's information age, where over 8.5 billion Google searches are made daily, it becomes apparent: Our questions are no less curious, yet often quirky. Why does genuine curiosity frequently fall by the wayside? And how do you satisfy the hunger for answers that are truly relevant?
The new issue of Premium Quarterly, the magazine for Health, Wellbeing, and Premium Lifestyle, is dedicated to these considerations under the motto "Any more questions?" The issue invites readers to discover curiosity on every page – and not only to gain information but also to acquire real knowledge.
Have we adults lost our curiosity – or just forgotten how to ask questions?
Curiosity is much more than a fleeting urge – it activates our reward system and releases dopamine, the so-called happiness hormone. This connection makes new insights particularly appealing and drives us to repeatedly seek answers. However, without clear and understandable impulses, the dopamine flow dries up – and with it, curiosity. Clear, structured, and surprising incentives are crucial to maintaining curiosity. They promote creative thinking, strengthen mental fitness, and can contribute to a more fulfilling and happier life in the long term.
"I think forgiveness has a lot to do with forgiving one's own anger," McCann said.
Irish writer Colum McCann spoke in an interview with Premium Quarterly about his collaboration with Diane Foley, the mother of journalist James Foley, who was killed by the so-called Islamic State in 2014. Together they wrote the book "American Mother," which addresses Foley's encounter with Alexanda Kotey, one of her son's murderers, and explores forgiveness, loss, and the complex search for peace.
"It was one of those incredible human moments where everything human happens in a room at the same time: There was compassion, forgiveness, guilt, anger. But in the end, the concept of forgiveness crystallized. And when she forgave him and he reached out his hand, that was the most extraordinary moment of all," McCann describes the emotional meeting between Diane Foley and Alexanda Kotey, adding, "I believe forgiveness is much about forgiving one's own anger."
Toxic positivity, on the other hand, often leads to frustration, isolation, and a distorted perception of reality, according to studies.
Positive thinking may be important, but too much of it can become downright toxic. "Think pink" and "Good vibes only" – such slogans suggest that negative feelings have no place. Yet, sadness, anger, and frustration fulfill essential functions. Negative emotions help to recognize problems, make decisions, and grow.
According to studies, toxic positivity often leads to frustration, isolation, and distorted perception of reality – especially when difficult situations are glossed over. Instead of rainbow wisdom, honest empathy helps. Genuine well-being arises when happiness and unhappiness are allowed to coexist – and we permit ourselves to embrace both.
What do patients most frequently want to know before treatments – and what too seldom? Six experts provide answers.
In Premium Quarterly, doctors of the Premium Medical Circle answer questions they frequently hear from patients – and those they wish were asked more often. One of the most common questions: "How can I use contraception without hormones?" Gynecologist Dr. Petra Eisenmann from Munich explains: "This question is mainly asked by younger women between 17 and 30 years old who, influenced by social media, view hormones critically and want to avoid them as much as possible."
A question that is rarely asked but would be particularly sensible is: "Would you also perform this treatment on your mother or sister?" Dr. Juliane Bodo, specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery from Berlin, replies: "I would find this question sensible because it allows the patient to assess whether I also see the procedure as the best option. (…) You can do a lot, but not every procedure or operation will bring a real change or the desired result."
