The key to the Pilgrims’ survival

Why the Pilgrims were actually able to survive [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 22 November 2018 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair [Support The Conversation and research-based journalism]( Editor's note When the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving, they viewed their bountiful harvest – and the success of their colony – as the result of divine intervention. Believers in predestination, they saw God’s hand in all events, good and bad. University of Southern California historian Peter Mancall has a secular take: Through his recent research, he [ties the colonists’ survival to two key events](. Had they not occurred, the entire enterprise in Plymouth would have likely failed. Few of us would dream of throwing away the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner, which can make for days of good eating. But grocery stores, cafeterias and restaurants don’t have as much flexibility to reuse uneaten food. Texas A&M research scientist Bryce Hannibal has found that when Americans learn how much food these institutions throw away – and [how much energy and water it takes to produce it]( – most of them support steps to reduce food waste. And, coming back to the Thanksgiving table, if you or your relatives disagree on political issues, sharing space and a meal can feel fraught with tension. Communications scholar Stacy Branham explains why it’s [important to discuss these disagreements](, and offers some suggestions about how to avoid conflict without surrendering to whichever relative is loudest. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Conversation. Nick Lehr Arts + Culture Editor Top stories ‘Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor’ by William Halsall (1882). Pilgrim Hall Museum [Why the Pilgrims were actually able to survive]( Peter C. Mancall, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences The Pilgrims repeatedly thanked God for their good fortune. But without two earlier developments, the entire undertaking at New Plymouth would have likely failed. What happens to the leftovers? Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com [Awareness of food waste can help us appreciate holiday meals]( Bryce Hannibal, Texas A&M University Research shows that when Americans are aware of the scale of food waste, and how much energy and water are used to produce food, they support measures to reduce the problem. Seek to truly connect with each other at Thanksgiving. Group feast via shutterstock.com [You should talk about politics this Thanksgiving – here’s why, and how]( Stacy Branham, University of California, Irvine After such a difficult political experience, empathy is the key not only to feeling connected, but feeling understood – and understanding others. Arts + Culture - [What the first Thanksgiving dinner actually looked like]( Julie Lesnik, Wayne State University Dishes we consider staples today have little to do with the first feast. Science + Technology - [When you’re grateful, your brain becomes more charitable]( Christina Karns, University of Oregon How does being thankful about things in your own life relate to any selfless concern you may have about the well-being of others? A neuroscientist explores the gratitude/altruism connection. [The Conversation is a non-profit and your donation is tax-deductible. Help support knowledge-based, ethical journalism today.]( Economy + Business - [Why we have globalization to thank for Thanksgiving]( Farok J. Contractor, Rutgers University A globalization expert shares two surprising tales of how the powerful winds of trans-Atlantic trade affected the quintessentially American holiday. Health + Medicine - [No, turkey doesn’t make you sleepy – but it may bring more trust to your Thanksgiving table]( Kevin Bennett, Pennsylvania State University Remember that story about the molecule found in turkey that makes you drowsy? Research shows it's a myth – tryptophan doesn't cause you to nod off, but it may be connected to cooperation. Ethics + Religion - [What is behind the turkey pardoning ritual?]( Tobin Miller Shearer, The University of Montana The presidential turkey pardoning draws on a language of forgiveness common to many religious traditions. Trending on site - [Why losing a dog can be harder than losing a relative or friend]( Frank T. McAndrew, Knox College Many are embarrassed to publicly show too much grief over the death of a dog. But research has shown just how devastating the loss can be. - [Could consciousness all come down to the way things vibrate?]( Tam Hunt, University of California, Santa Barbara A resonance theory of consciousness suggests that the way all matter vibrates, and the tendency for those vibrations to sync up, might be a way to answer the so-called 'hard problem' of consciousness. - [Yes, eating meat affects the environment, but cows are not killing the climate]( Frank M. Mitloehner, University of California, Davis Raising livestock has clear impacts on the environment, but contrary to what many critics say, it is not the biggest driver of climate change. Today’s quote ["It turns out that the neural connection between gratitude and giving is very deep, both literally and figuratively."]( [When you're grateful, your brain becomes more charitable]( Christina Karns University of Oregon [Christina Karns] [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111