Divided We Stand: Unraveling Zero-Sum Politics

Dive into the fascinating findings from Harvard's latest gem: Why are we so divided? Zero-sum thinking is part of it. Ever wondered why politics feels like a never-ending tug-of-war? This eye-opening piece, co-authored by the brilliant Stefanie Stantcheva, explores how the belief that one person's gain is another's loss weaves through our political and social fabric, influencing everything from immigration policies to healthcare. With insights from over 20,000 Americans, prepare to have your mind blown and possibly, just possibly, find a new perspective on the political chaos.

Pie or Pizza? Understanding How We Share

Imagine you're at a party with the last slice of pizza on the table. You want it, but so does your friend. How you decide who gets it can tell a lot about how you view the world—especially when it comes to sharing resources like money, opportunities, and even pizza. This idea of "zero-sum thinking" is like believing that life is a giant pie; if someone gets a bigger slice, that means less for you. But what if life could be more like making more pizzas so everyone can have a slice? Understanding zero-sum thinking helps us see why people (and whole countries) might disagree on big issues like taxes, healthcare, and who we welcome into our communities. It's fascinating because it shows us that how we think about sharing can shape our politics, our friendships, and even what we believe is fair or possible in the world. Plus, it's not just about the present; our family's past, our ancestors' experiences, and even the economic ups and downs our country has faced can influence how we think about sharing today.