In a barber’s chair, you can get an earful from your neighbor. On a Saturday on a recent visit to the states, I got a rather bleak state of the union address as told by Bob, a Chicago native in his fifties, to his haircutter, Afif, a recent immigrant from Dubai. Afif, I noticed, visibly
Across the United States, the need for better financial responsibility is well-documented. On average, Americans spend too much, save too little and experience a great deal of stress over money. This stress negatively impacts family, performance at work, and nearly every other aspect of day-to-day life.
While there is a push for schools to better educate
The Global Corruption Barometer survey across 107 countries found that, in 2013, in 51 of these nations, people perceived political parties to be among the institutions most affected by corruption. Bribery, corruption, theft and tax evasion cost developing countries $1.26 trillion per year, sufficient to lift the 1.4 billion people living on less than $1.25
America has always been a land of opportunity. Part of the American dream has been the possibility of social mobility and the creation of wealth for every individual. Since education and skills-based training are key components in helping people achieve a higher standard of living, it is no surprise that these are important topics when
We live in busy world, and we seem to be proud of our busy-ness. How often, when we run into a friend, do we answer “How are you?” with “Really busy!” and a litany of all the things we have to do. And then our friend lists all the things he or she has to
Two recent articles have summarized research in fields that seem unrelated: the effect of money on happiness and the efficacy of pain in creating social bonds. As a thought experiment, I would like to consider these two fields in relation to one another, and in relation to a society increasingly divided into haves and have
With the release of economic data from China showing that the rate of growth of its gross domestic product decreased to 7.3 percent when compared to last year’s fourth quarter number, it is a good time to reflect on the basic direction of China’s reforms over the last 38 years.
The Chinese economic reform, literally called
Founded by Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim in 1999 as an experiment in coexistence, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is a unique enterprise. Since its inception, it has given about 176 public performances across a range of impressive venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations, among
To learn more about Rotary International and microcredit initiatives: Act Now
Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammed Yunus (Banker to the Poor) once said that for each problem of society there is a social business to combat it. He also said that a social
The world we live in is full of situations where evidence is created to support policies. Of course, it should be the other way around. Policy should grow out of evidence. Take, for example, attempts to address poverty. There are those who support aid to developing nations. Others state that such aid will more likely
With the decline of confidence in big business and big government, a new opportunity may be appearing which spotlights the hope and trust of the people in small entities: small business, local government and local financial institutions.
Americans, increasingly alienated by national politics and the influence of big corporations, are looking for solutions and finding unique
“Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else.”
These are the words with which Charles Dickens began his 1854 novel, “Hard Times.” But the words might sound familiar to anyone who has followed our 21st-century debates
Throughout history, countless wars have been sparked around the globe. The causes of wars range from relatively small disagreements, to more provocative moves, such as an invasion of another country. While many wars end only after one side achieves absolute victory, still other wars end in a compromise long before a clear victor becomes apparent.
In
Sweden met the age-old problem of prostitution with a new approach fifteen years ago using simple economics: target demand (buyers) rather than supply (sellers). This means that the fines and arrests are directed at those buying instead of selling sexual services. Restricting demand in this way subsequently lowers supply. Sweden went from having 2,500 prostitutes
The holiday season is the perfect time to be thankful for all the good in our lives. For those living in the United States or other wealthy countries, most of the necessities of life are accessible to us and even many of our wants are satisfied. Some opportunities are so available that we take them
Trust in others and in our institutions is an essential part of maintaining a just and democratic society. However, according to recent research, trust in others and confidence in societal institutions are at their lowest point in over three decades.
Jean M. Twenge of San Diego State University and colleagues W. Keith
Tax revenues this year will surpass pre-great recession levels for the first time. But has the economy truly healed?
Recently, The Economist published an article entitled “A History of Finance in Five Crises.” The authors argued that financial institutions and fiscal policy evolved in spurts following economic hardship. Our current financial system is a result of
With an exponential increase in the ability to gather, store, access and analyse data, our societies have entered a new phase of “self-expression”, feedbacks, and decision making capabilities. From dearth to an unending torrent of data, the march has been exceedingly swift. In fact we are submerged in digital networks, consuming and creating data at
Going back a century, there existed a great inequality between the sexes with women not allowed in many professions and voting rights only held by men. Today much of this inequality must still be addressed in the world, but in the U.S. great strides have been made.
During World War II, around 16 million Americans, mostly
It is no secret that America’s workforce is aging. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2013 figures, approximately one-half of those currently employed are over 40 years of age; approximately one-fifth are over 55. We have an urgent need to bring young people into the workforce to begin acquiring the experience and the specific
