A few days ago, Robert wrote an excellent piece on the self-obsession of many people today, especially men. http://hanrott.com/blog/pared-back-living-and-the-modern-male. He mentioned a creeping sexism in which men are encouraged to have big experiences, whereas women are meant to find happiness at home. I responded by highlighting that part of the problem with gender relations nowadays is …

Continue reading ‘The gender gap in British and American higher education’ »

After last Monday’s lengthy post on British politics, I promised I would talk about other matters more. Today I endeavour to do just that, though whether I can keep it up is another matter entirely. Warning: I’ve tried to write more briefly, but yet again I’ve totally failed. As with last week’s post, I wanted …

Continue reading ‘Best of the Week #8 London special’ »

I uneasily venture into a realm that seems utterly foreign to me……. An essay in Toronto Life by a 31-year-old named “Tony” who earns $130,000 a year, lives at home with his parents and proudly forgoes material possessions in order to spend his money on “wild, rare, unforgettable experiences”. His boasts about drinking fine wines …

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Lying, says the New Scientist, is a vital, smoothing part of the social fabric. We develop the skill young: most 3-year-olds will lie quite naturally when it suits them. The average UK adult admits to lying 10 times a week – even if these tend to be little white lies, like inventing reasons for not …

Continue reading ‘Lying and cheating’ »