Why clever people say silly things More knowledge is touted as the vaccine against ‘alternative facts’, half-truths and misconceptions. But what if our brains are the problem, not the solution? Read Sanne Blauw’s article here
No justice, no profits: the fight for racial equality isn’t just in the streets. It’s in the boardroom too Some big brands have been quick to voice support for Black Lives Matter, but that’s no longer enough. In multiple industries, pioneers are seeking change from the inside out. Read Zoe Smith’s article here
We can’t afford to fix the planet – and 11 other misconceptions about climate change It’s not too late, too difficult, too expensive or naive to try to stop climate breakdown. But it helps to get the facts straight. Read Jelmer Mommers’s article here
How 50 years of racial progress fuelled a global movement against racism Protests against racial injustice are nothing new, but they’re different this time around. The Black Lives Matter movement is a response to worsening racism, but it’s also the result of black people’s increasing power, influence and progress. Read Nesrine Malik’s article here
Better than bloodletting? Despite centuries of change, the treatment of mental illness remains largely the same Bloodletting, purging, and cold baths may no longer be common practices in psychiatric care, but the most important evolution – towards patient-centred treatment – has yet to happen. Read Anne Thériault’s article here
Human milk is the first intelligent superfood. We need to know the science of this medicinal marvel From added insulation on cold days to extra antibodies during illness, breast milk is customised for every baby. If science will just tell us how, we could argue less about formula and breast pumps. Read Irene Caselli’s article here
A key assumption about migration turns out to be wrong – taking a few of my articles down with it A new study debunks the concept of the ‘migration hump’, an influential theory which stated that when a country develops, migration goes up. The implications for Europe’s migration policies are worrying. Read Maite Vermeulen’s article here
This Bolivian organiser shows us: we can solve the world’s problems without politicians Does the arc of progress bend towards democracy? Activists are learning how to teach governments about people power, says Oscar Olivera. Read Patrick Chalmers’s article here
What I learned about racism by listening to people who experience it A white person saying “I don’t see colour” is essentially the same as the CEO saying “I don’t see hierarchy”. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Read Rob Wijnberg’s article here
Here’s a radical idea that will change policing, transform prisons and reduce crime: treat criminals like human beings In Norway, convicted murderers can work freely with chainsaws and other potentially lethal tools. The result? When life on the inside resembles life on the outside, former inmates become good neighbours. Read Rutger Bregman’s article here