Highly unlikely, explains the epidemiologist. The lack of social cohesion creates a dynamic that makes us too untrusting, consumption-driven and anxious to conquer such a demanding task.

A rise in inequality has been proven to generate a “social dysfunction” so powerful it leads to higher levels of mental illness, worse physical health, more obesity, and increased violence.

An epidemiologist explains the evidence that life expectancy, happiness, and well-being do not increase with income and national wealth.

The most powerful source of stress for humans is the possibility of being judged negatively by others. As the epidemiologist explains, this social anxiety acts directly on our bodies and […]

A conversation with the University of York Epidemiologist

His book is called “The Genius in All of Us.” But do any men or women of brilliance hold special fascination for David Shenk?

The sheer plasticity of the brain often contradicts our ideas about what we “can” or “can’t” do.

There’s nothing wrong with intelligence tests, says David Shenk. It’s our misinterpretations of their results that foster a dangerous “myth of IQ.”

“Fail better,” Beckett advised. David Shenk affirms that it’s not just persistence that produces brilliance—it’s persistence at a skill level beyond one’s own.

Thanks to teaching methods such as the Suzuki school, “child prodigies” are more common than ever, yet most still peak early. How can parents help kids make the most of […]

The astonishing skills displayed by autistic savants are evidence not of the mystery and rarity of genius, but of the plasticity of the ordinary human mind.

A conversation with the author of “The Genius in All of Us.”

Genes and environment don’t determine different quantities of our success (or failure). Instead, they operate together in surprising and complex ways.

His hope is that by March 2010, a new entity will be charged with looking out for systemic risk in the economy.

Would Congressman Frank support a piecemeal approach to health care reform? He’s rethinking it all.

Our blunder came when we killed rental housing programs and tried to help low income people buy homes, says Barney Frank.

Barney Frank on why he originally opposed tightened regulations for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Barney Frank thinks no federal funds can go to keep institutions in business. His bill, already passed by Congress, seeks to make creditors very, very nervous.

A conversation with the House Financial Services Committee Chairman.

The recent Massachusetts victory is just the beginning, says Senator Richard Shelby.

Alabama Senator Richard Shelby argues that a flat tax would transform us into a nation of savers, not spenders.

Senator Richard Shelby isn’t so sure we’d be able to reinstitute the separation between commercial and investment banks. He is sure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be gone.

Senator Richard Shelby thinks that the Treasury’s handling of TARP sparked the financial panic.

A conversation with the Senator of Alabama.

From inauguration to resignation, Eliot Spitzer was one of the most talked-about governors in the country. Two years after his scandal, he sifts the legitimate criticism from the unfair shots […]

It’s creative thinkers like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs who change the world, says New York’s ex-governor, who is stepping back into public life.

How his fall from grace has changed the former State Attorney General’s view of criminal wrongdoing, and how he would advise other politicians to avoid his own mistakes.

What his sex scandal has taught the ex-Governor about love, marriage, and moving forward after a fall.

With embattled New York Governor David Paterson announcing that he will not run for reelection, Eliot Spitzer reflects on his appointment of the man who succeeded him after his own […]

In the wake of Martha Coakley’s stunning defeat in Massachusetts, the ex-Governor offers some words of wisdom to Obama and his party.