Everyone agrees that massive deforestation is an environmental disaster. But most of the standard solutions — scolding the Brazilians, invoking universal morality — ignore the one solution that might actually work.
Also: how effective is the placebo effect?
Also: why do we habituate to life’s greatest pleasures?
From Flickr user Global Jet.
The Economist published its annual graph showing total taxes as a percent of G.D.P. for a large number of rich countries.
Not surprisingly, there's little year-to-year change -- and the U.S. is near the bottom. We are a low-tax country; our average tax rate, counting all taxes,...
Most Americans agree that racial discrimination has been, and remains, a big problem. But that is where the agreement ends.
Also: are the most memorable stories less likely to be true?
The racial wealth gap in the U.S. is massive. We explore the causes, consequences, and potential solutions. Also: another story of discrimination and economic disparity, this one perpetrated by an international sporting authority. The first of a two-part series.
Also: how do you avoid screwing up your kids?
Christina Romer was a top White House economist during the Great Recession. As a researcher, she specializes in the Great Depression. She tells us what those disasters can (and can’t) teach us about the Covid crash.
Also: how does a comedian cope with tragedy? With Eugene Mirman.
Before she decided to become a poker pro, Maria Konnikova didn’t know how many cards are in a deck. But she did have a Ph.D. in psychology, a brilliant coach, and a burning desire to know whether life is driven more by skill or chance. She found some answers in poker — and in her new book The Biggest Bluff, she’s willing to tell us everything she learned.
Also: is it better to send a congratulatory note to someone who deserves it or a condolence note to someone who needs it?