Society

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.

There are situations that we could potentially change. However, due to habituation, we might not notice them as much. This also applies to societal issues like racism or sexism—because they've been present for so long, we might not notice them as much and therefore feel less motivated to address them.

Neuroscientist known for research on optimism bias and decision-making

Taking breaks can help us re-engage with the things we've grown accustomed to. Many people experience this when they go away for a business trip and return home, suddenly appreciating their family, home, and even the view from their window more than before.

Neuroscientist known for research on optimism bias and decision-making

We also habituate to the positive things in our lives. Most of us have good things—whether it's an interesting job, a loving relationship, or a comfortable home. However, because these things have been present for a long time, they may not bring us as much daily joy as they once did.

Neuroscientist known for research on optimism bias and decision-making

Being an entrepreneur, or even running a large organization, is like being a society builder. The system is bigger than any individual. When you build a business, you're architecting and constructing something substantial.

Founder and former CEO of Panera Bread Company

I think it's that dynamic of information coming from your trusted peer. This has always been the source of the most trusted information. Your reinforcement is coming from people that you like, people that you trust. And you're shaping and having that discussion amongst yourselves.

Disinformation researcher and Stanford Internet Observatory fellow studying online manipulation

Social media really orients us around our identity and our interests because of the way those connections are formed. It's going to suggest people for you to follow, groups for you to join, and so it slots you according to what you're most likely to be interested in based on your individual and group identity.

Disinformation researcher and Stanford Internet Observatory fellow studying online manipulation