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This issue seems a bit depressing as it seems to be a collection of articles pointing out things wrong with the world. For some weird reason, I pair this list of “problems” with a huge amount of optimism. The media will always skew towards what is wrong or terrible, yet in my day to day life, I am meeting more and more people who see hope and opportunity and a chance to create new stories amid the perceived chaos. Would love to hear your thoughts as well?
#1 Happiness Hacking: Japan has installed blue lights that seem to have lowered the rate of suicide on its subway platforms as well as introduced pleasing music for each of the subway stops. However, they also play an obnoxious sound for people under 25 to curb “youth deliquency.” This last one seems a bit much, but I imagine it is only time until workplaces decide they should at least put some blue lights up to compensate workers for the dullness of sitting in their cubes.
#2 The "9.9 percent": I asked a client discussing a diversity initiative if they would ever hire someone without a degree last week. Blank face. This piece about the 9.9% covers a lot that has already been shared in this humble weekly list, but brings it together in a compelling and 45-minute read way (though I am skeptical of the stickiness of “9.9 percent”) and frames how education, our economy, the “meritocracy” and our beliefs about work help sustain a silent and harmless aristocracy.
#3 Rural Australia Suicides: The rate of suicide in rural Australia is twice that of cities. The article identifies the trend but fails to identify a persuasive cause. I have to wonder what the role of devaluing this type of labor / life versus what types of life and work people are pursuing in cities.
#4 Sexlessness: There has been a lot written about the angry young men demographic, but a lot of the reasons offered don’t seem to be backed up by any truth. The IFS looks at what is driving “sexlessness” and finds that more education and the delay of marriage are two of the biggest drivers. (Chars! Data!)
#5 Becoming Rich: I have such weird and mixed emotions when reading this short essay about a woman who declares “I want to be rich.” While I find some understanding in the fact that all the rich people are men and why not her, it seems to me that chasing outcomes seems to be the same mistake we make when we say “lets get more women as CEO and Board members.” This works for people more motivated by extrinsic rewards, but I fear does not question whether or not we should redefine what it means to be successful. Any thoughts? Will share next week...
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