Politics & Current Affairs — March 7, 2011

How the World Bank Punches Poor People in the Face

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The economist and former World Bank analyst explains how disastrous his former employer’s policies have been for the developing world, amounting to “a punch in the face” for the poor.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Starts With A Bang

Why “incompleteness” matters in theoretical physics

Physicists just can’t leave an incomplete theory alone; they try to repair it. When nature is kind, it can lead to a major breakthrough.

Five modern philosophy books about the idea of justice on a pink background.

Thinking

5 books that shaped 21st-century philosophy

Philosophy isn’t stuck in the past. Here are five texts to connect you with its ongoing dialogue.

Charles bridge in prague, czech republic.

Neuropsych

An untold story of LSD psychotherapy in communist Czechoslovakia

Uncovering the story of Milan Hausner, the Sadská clinic, and LSD psychotherapy behind the Iron Curtain.

A group of people holding signs that say we demand voting rights now.

The Present

Does democracy lead to better health?

There is a cross-country correlation between democracy and health. Is there good evidence to suggest it is causal?

A collaborative collage showcasing the power of trust and teamwork among individuals.

Business

Want to build trust in your workplace? Here’s a toolkit

Chloé Valdary — founder of Theory of Enchantment — explores two essential practices for generating the team “magic” that drove Apple under Steve Jobs.

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Seemingly every year there are new reports that something we consume or use on a daily basis is carcinogenic. But what exactly does that mean on a biological level?