Society

Society has undoubtedly faced setbacks, but clinging to practices from 100 years ago isn't a solution. The world has evolved, and so must we, finding our purpose in the new landscape. It's crucial to introspect and work with the hand we're dealt.

British Businessman, Dragons' Den Investor & Retail Entrepreneur

What stands out in the tapestry of human behaviour is our identity as storytelling beings, inherently non-rational, often organising our societies around peculiar beliefs. We've evolved within what they term a 'social cage' – a set of rigid rules and beliefs adherence to which determines our belonging to a group.

British journalist and author known for investigative reporting and psychology books

I don't believe social media has transformed the essence of our social dynamics; rather, it has introduced a novel arena for the age-old status games we've always played. Human social interactions are fundamentally structured around three types of status games: dominance, virtue, and competence.

British journalist and author known for investigative reporting and psychology books

Our brains are adept at concealing our motives from ourselves, convincing us that we are not as interested in status as we might actually be. This self-deception, paradoxically, enhances our ability to argue our lack of interest in status, which, in turn, can ironically increase our standing within the social group.

British journalist and author known for investigative reporting and psychology books

Status, I believe, is intrinsic to our very being it's at the core of who we are. This quest for status isn't a novel aspect of human behaviour—it's a pursuit that predates our very existence as humans. This pursuit isn't just a facet of our lives; it essentially narrates the story of human existence.

British journalist and author known for investigative reporting and psychology books

Everyone experiences some form of trauma. Many people are unaware that being bullied, constantly criticised, or neglected can also be forms of trauma. There's a growing recognition of these repeated relational injuries—being ignored or growing up in a dysfunctional family where excessive drinking or overworking occurs, neglecting one's emotional needs.

For me, sports were a sanctuary, the only place where I felt at home, could connect with others, and navigate my life and pain. Many NGOs already focus on essential aid and medical needs, so our foundation aims to complement these efforts by introducing sports.

Syrian Swimmer & Refugee Advocate Who Competed in Olympics

Upon arriving in Germany, swimming became my sanctuary during a time when I had no other home. Being new to the country and unfamiliar with its swimming culture, the sport offered me solace and a sense of belonging. It provided a common language that allowed me to connect with others effortlessly, facilitating a smoother integration into German society.

Syrian Swimmer & Refugee Advocate Who Competed in Olympics

My life's mission is to dismantle the notion of mental illness altogether. I detest it. It only serves to shame and stigmatise those with brain health challenges, which is utterly wrong.

Psychiatrist & Brain Imaging Expert Known for ADD/ADHD Research & Treatment

It's not just the hostage who suffers, but their entire family. In some cases, families endure greater agony, living in uncertainty about their loved one's fate. For example, during my captivity, my wife was unaware of my survival for three and a half years.

Envoy Who Negotiated Release of Hostages in Lebanon During 1980s

Once released, former hostages encounter a myriad of practical issues—closed bank accounts, lapsed insurance, and the need for specialised medical and dental care that isn't readily available. They might also require physical therapy among other medical treatments.

Envoy Who Negotiated Release of Hostages in Lebanon During 1980s

Much of our learning, expansion, and deepening as humans occur within the realm of connectivity, particularly through the conversations we dare to have when we are most vulnerable and authentic. These discussions change us profoundly.

Author of "From Scratch" memoir and television producer

It took me 10 years to secure a seed round, even with existing customers. Meanwhile, my Columbia peers would raise millions with just a pitch deck. I've had well-meaning partners suggest that appointing a white CEO would make fundraising easier.

The 'compare and despair' generation is constantly bombarded with unrealistic portrayals of success, leading everyone to feel inadequate, regardless of their achievements. We all have flaws and recognize our weaknesses, and there will always be someone who seems better in some way.

Psychologist known for research on child development and magical thinking in children

While people may have more connections than ever, these connections often lack depth; they are rarely reciprocal and seldom provide emotional sustenance. The pain of loneliness is something else entirely—stemming from being deliberately excluded, ostracized, or bullied.

Psychologist known for research on child development and magical thinking in children

I told my dad from the beginning, we're fighting both disease and doubt, and we have to tackle them simultaneously.