Wisdom in fragments

I can't think of the last time I read a book that was more fascinating, and useful and enjoyable all at the same time

Bestselling author of humorous travel memoirs and science books

We propose that focusing on skilled migration—such as engineers and doctors—might be more viable. People are generally more accepting of highly-skilled immigrants. We recommend increasing skilled migration by just 10% of the existing level. Given the significant wage differential between a doctor in Somalia and a doctor in the US, the benefits of such a policy could be substantial.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

When global markets open up, if you're selling t-shirts in the US or Denmark, you're disadvantaged because countries like Bangladesh produce them more efficiently and cheaply. This has fuelled arguments advocating caution when it comes to free trade. We've conducted what is, to my knowledge, the first study attempting to quantify both the benefits and costs of trade, rather than focusing solely on the benefits.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

A revealing statistic is that 80% of ten-year-olds in these countries struggle with basic comprehension, even though they can technically read individual words. This lack of understanding severely hinders their future productivity.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

If an average developing nation had the UK's primary and secondary education level, it would be approximately 40% wealthier. Imagine the transformational impact of such an instant leap. It's indisputable that education makes individuals highly productive, making countries richer in the long run.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

The issue you're worried about, the one you're likely spending most of your time discussing, isn't the only problem in the world. We tend to lose sight of this because we often perceive our immediate tasks as the most crucial. Given the multitude of issues we need to address, the goal shouldn't be to resolve a single problem in an exhaustive and expensive way. Instead, we should aim to find an effective, low-cost strategy that addresses most of the problem, ensuring we preserve resources for other tasks.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

World leaders have promised everything to everyone. But they are failing…. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals are supposed to be delivered by 2030. The goals literally promise everything, like eradicating poverty, hunger and disease; stopping war and climate change, ending corruption, fixing education along with countless other promises. This year, the world is at halftime for its promises, but nowhere near halfway.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

The general body of research suggests a moderate positive correlation between religiosity and happiness. Religion provides a sense of community and cohesion within an in-group. It draws clear lines between in-group members, with whom I can engage in cooperative behaviour and reciprocal exchanges, and out-group members. Religion also offers purpose and meaning through a supernatural narrative.

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

David was wrongfully convicted for a murder, spending 29 years in prison before his exoneration. His response underscored the power of adopting a positive and healthy mindset. He compared his ordeal to his sister's lifelong struggle with cerebral palsy, saying that in light of her condition, what he went through didn't seem so bad. Despite having 30 years of his life unjustly taken away, he spoke of his own fortunes.

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

Seneca elucidates how a tree needs exposure to wind stressors to grow strong and establish deep roots. Without such stressors, it becomes brittle and can break off easily. I argue that a crucial aspect of excelling at the game of life is to expose oneself to stressors that, hopefully, won't be fatal. As the saying goes, 'what does not kill you makes you stronger.'

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

My argument is that happiness shouldn't be pursued deliberately. Happiness is more of a by-product, a downstream effect of making sound decisions, and adopting the right mindset. I cite a quote from Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, in his book, 'Man's Search for Meaning'. He posits that success shouldn't be sought deliberately but rather, it's something that materialises when one is engaged in meaningful endeavours. This logic applies perfectly to happiness as well.

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

When I talk about happiness, envision yourself at the ripe age of 85, comfortably seated on that metaphorical porch, reflecting upon your life. You're thinking, 'Good heavens, I've genuinely led a fulfilling life. I've established a loving family, spent my life with an extraordinary partner, and devoted myself to a profession that's injected an immense sense of purpose into my existence. I have minimal regrets and have maintained a light-hearted, playful approach to life.' This, to me, is what I would categorise as a profound sense of existential happiness.

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

The quest for happiness is a universal, scientific, fact. We can measure happiness, we can assess it, and we can devise strategies to make ourselves happy and fulfilled human beings.

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

There's this wonderful intersection where I've personally felt successful for quite some time. I truly believe I'm living out my purpose. It reminds me of the saying, 'remember the time you wished for the things you have now.' I'm living that dream.

When jealousy or envy creeps in, acknowledge it; everyone feels it at times. Ask yourself: What is this feeling revealing about my desires or insecurities? Which part of me still needs healing? Then, pivot to an inspired perspective.

Success, in my view, should be a state we inhabit, not just a distant goal we chase. If success is narrowly defined by tangible metrics like money, power, or fame, the benchmarks constantly shift, and satisfaction remains elusive.