Optimism

There's no single root cause, but over-politeness, optimism, multitasking, and a range of other factors can contribute.

• By Rick Paulas

It might only make them feel more depressed.

• By Paul Bisceglio

Oliver Burkeman explores human nature, violence, feminism, and religion with one of the world’s most controversial cognitive scientists. Can he dent Steven Pinker’s optimism?

• By Oliver Burkeman

But they’re cynical about the priorities of others at the same time.

• By Lisa Wade

• By Tom Jacobs