Democracies provide the chance to step back and consider the direction being taken

People thrive in imperfect environments that can be moulded

Research shows young people suffer lasting harm if they graduate during a recession

The rules for delivering a successful megaproject are devastatingly simple

Since markets rise more often than they fall, spending lump sums proves a better bet

Economic growth does not have to destroy the planet

Abuse of big data is the latest example of companies’ success in duping customers

Statistics help answer almost all questions — if we take time to understand them

The Ig Nobels glory in weird ideas that often turn out to pay a dividend

Civil debate between ideological enemies is really helped by real-life friendship

Even if the no-deal fiasco never materialises, the prospect is causing damage today

Those who enjoy the longest and most productive careers tend to shift focus regularly

Most of us would not mind having more money, but we may not all want more lovers

We are responsible for managing our own attention — and there is plenty we can do

Policymakers should seek to replicate Arpa, the US institution that founded the internet

Top jobs are difficult but the Peter principle was right: the wrong people are in them

Practitioners have traditionally thought more about theory than measuring real life

It is specific tasks that are automated, not whole jobs

Joblessness makes us unhappy, but lack of money is only part of it

Elite sport offers a global labour market while weaker home nations enjoy the benefits

Despite what the president says, tariffs between rich countries are low

Putting a price on our assets would lead to fairer taxes and a more dynamic economy

Data mining has opened a new front in the battle to see the future

A trust fund aimed at clearing UK debt highlights the merits of playing the long game