The link between age and wisdom has existed since ancient times. But what exactly do we mean by wisdom? One interpretation of wisdom is the ability to make decisions that are not unduly affected by emotions. A recent study using brain imaging has found that older people do indeed have an enhanced ability to control their emotions. And what does this have to do with risk? » read more »

The American Declaration of Independence in 1776 claimed 'the pursuit of Happiness' as one of the 'unalienable Rights' of 'all men'. The Founding Fathers were very wise. They did not attempt to define what they meant by happiness. Nor did they claim that anyone had a right to happiness, only to pursue it. But happiness doesn't want to be pinned down. The more we pursue it, the more elusive it becomes. » read more »

The human mind is a weird and wonderful creation. I've been learning recently how our brains automatically fill in gaps in our knowledge and embellish memories using imagination. Psychologists agree that this filling-in process takes place but they don't seem to have agreed on a name for it. I just realised that I have the word they need. It was invented 25 years ago by a 4-year-old boy. » read more »

In our communication about risk we often call upon the words safety and security. This seems to suggest that our ideal state is certainty rather than uncertainty. Studies have demonstrated that this is indeed what people want... or at least think they want. Paradoxically, we could be restricting our opportunites for happiness by searching for certainty. » read more »

During the past week, the blogosphere has been buzzing with spirituality. In her BBC series Am I Normal? the psychologist Tanya Byron provoked comment from across the spectrum of views on spirituality. The questions posed by the series about the nature of normality are fundamental to our perception of risk. » read more »