Trainees at the world’s most famous school for nannies are taking martial arts classes to make them better able to foil kidnap attempts on their charges. The Norland nannies in Britain are also learning to drive at speed in all weathers, and manoeuvre prams away from danger. The Norland College, in Bath, says it is responding to the needs of wealthy modern parents. (Reported by The Week).

Epicurus would undoubtedly say that if your desires and ambitions are modest and moderate you are the happier for it. Imagine living a life where you constantly fear that your children might be kidnapped! What is the point of all the money when you have that level of anxiety?