From 600+ conversations with the world’s leading thinkers.
American history has bred a mythology of guns as being protection from an oppressive state. We're not alone however; Australia and Canada's gun ownership stems from a similar history, Switzerland has guns in almost every household- yet they haven't turned guns into this symbol of manhood in the way the US has.
When we're in this situation, under all these restrictions and lockdowns, our emotions have been dialled down. We can't spend our emotional energy on the things we normally would- like having friends over for dinner. We have to be good citizens, and music gives us a place to put that energy.
The story is told sincerely, but the cumulative effect is misleading – a subconsciously organised trick. The whole show is ultimately anchored around the wizard, a character who comes on stage one day to reveal how they got to the very top – they will tell a moving story often involving their mother, how they were taught about hard work, seizing opportunity and being resilient.
The main issue around homelessness is simple- there aren't enough homes for people. That's the fundamental, systemic fact, that a lot of well-meaning acts of charity don't address; and that includes homelessness charities.
Public health goes everywhere. Winslow defined it as 'the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society'. I think that's a good start, but we have to see the culture and ecosystem of public health in the context of the community. Not only is happiness important to public health, but so is GDP and the environment. It's an immensely broad subject.
What's beautiful is when you're filling your bank account and your soul account. There are two accounts! Look, I like money, I like fame… I happen to be rich and famous… I don't apologise for those things, nor do I boohoo them or approach my appreciation for them with false modesty.
I proposed that individuals should prioritize searching for the relationship they desire, not necessarily the person. The person should ideally align with the relationship dynamic you're seeking, akin to meeting the requirements of a job description.
In the advanced countries, it is a very challenging time for people in the middle-income and middle-education range. They are being subjected to greater competition from labour saving technology.
No one has to be a genius, but everyone has to participate.
Humans are now more numerous than any large land animal ever to walk the Earth, and the combined weight of our fleshy biomass outstrips that of most other larger animals put together, with the single exception of our own livestock.
Each person, regardless of their family, community, or public profile, has the capability to influence positively. It's not about consciously assuming a role but about living authentically and striving for personal best.
Economies are built on free flow of capital within the market, which drives trade. Business and individuals need debt (finance) to invest, develop, trade and grow. This is a fundamental truth of how markets operate.