At a time of justified outrage against the ultra-rich, a reminder that they often make important, positive contributions.

An in-depth look at how biological differences may be a big part of what drives us apart.

From Freedom House, a comprehensive annual report on global trends in democratic freedoms.

A pretty persuasive argument that nuclear power has an important, positive role to play in combating climate change.

For writers who thought that their creative work was somehow immune from automation, a story about robot reporters.

An argument for regulating social media (with hopeful historical precedents from the early days of radio and TV).

Genuinely interesting stories about the extraordinarily complex environment in which we live.

An explanation of how technology is "disrupting" society by splitting it into two classes with sharply diverging futures.

A great essay for those in the meritocratic elite who are trying to think through their role in our current difficulties.

Reflections on an all-important question for progressives (and those who might support them), who are they fighting for?

A profile of Cory Booker, a welcome story of a political leader still trying to make a moderate, conciliatory agenda work.

An interesting hypothesis: politics is becoming increasingly religious in character.

An interesting argument that much of what drives our current difficulties is the simple desire to just "shake things up."

Daniel Kahneman on the all important distinction between happiness and satisfaction.

An succinct inventory of the many ways in which US foreign policy is tilting away from our traditional allies and toward Russia.

A comprehensive and especially good look at what is known about the relationship between Russia and Trump's businesses.

An intriguing idea for fixing many of our information technology problems, ditch the free, advertising-based business model.

A window into the staggering complexity of the forest fire problem and evidence at simplistic solutions just won't work.

A hopeful story of serious efforts to figure out how to craft a society in which capitalism really works for all.

Genuinely interesting idea, "dialogue journalism" a strategy for scaling up small group processes to reach large audiences.

Something that ought to be part of all civic education programs, questions to ask before letting your leaders start a war.

It's time to face up to the fact that our system of government is not up to the challenge. How can we fix it?

The story of Michael Young, the man who, in 1958, coined the word "meritocracy" and predicted many of its current troubles.

It seems that big tech's bottom line is behind an effort to change the way in which we relate to one another.

A conservative alternative to a carbon tax. Might it be made to work? Might it be more politically palatable?