Not Knowing What To Do

This open access book sets out to explain the reasons for the gap between "knowing" and "doing" in view of self-reliance, which is more and more often expected of citizens. In todays society, people are expected to take responsibility for their own lives and be self-reliant. This is no easy feat. They must be on constant high alert in areas of life such as health, work and personal finances and, if things threaten to go awry, take appropriate action without further ado. What does this mean for public policy? Policymakers tend to assume that the government only needs to provide people with clear information and that, once properly informed, they will automatically do the right thing. However, it is becoming increasingly obvious that things do not work like that. Even though people know perfectly well what they ought to do, they often behave differently. Why is this? This book sets out to explain the reasons for the gap between 'knowing and 'doing. It focuses on the role of non-cognitive capacities, such as setting goals, taking action, persevering and coping with setbacks, and shows how these capacities are undermined by adverse circumstances. By taking the latest psychological insights fully into account, this book presents a more realist perspective on self-reliance, and shows government officials how to design rules and institutions that allow for the natural limitations in peoples 'capacity to act.

In times of chaos, creativity and compassion are often the first causalities of our search for answers. We want to know what to do, yet we struggle to make sense of all the statistics, opinions, hype, and outrage competing for our attention. Coping with our increasingly complex and unpredictable lives takes a toll on our mental fitness. When we feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and rudderless, we make bad decisions. We settle for simplistic answers. We become susceptible to disinformation and the rantings of absolutists. We find ourselves avoiding people whose opinions we disagree with. The Surprising Power of Not Knowing What to Do is like a fitness regimen for your mind. The book explores the counterintuitive idea that being at a loss for what to do is an opportunity, not a problem. You will learn how to develop the mental stamina to deal with your most daunting challenges. You will discover strategies for accessing insights and options when you feel stuck. Most importantly, you will gain renewed faith in the possibility of a more creative and compassionate future.

Economists have long sought to predict how macroeconomic shocks will affect individual welfare. Macroeconomic data and forecasts are easily available when crises strike. But policy action requires not only understanding the magnitude of a macro shock, but also identifying which households or individuals are being hurt by (or benefit from) the crisis. A popular solution is to extrapolate the welfare impact of a shock from the historical response of income or consumption poverty to changes in output, by estimating an 'elasticity' of poverty to growth. Although this method provides an estimate for the aggregate poverty impact of a macro shock, it has limited value for analysts and policymakers alike. Aggregate numbers are useful to capture the attention of policymakers and the international community, but in the absence of any information on who is affected and to what extent, provide little guidance on what actions need to be taken. This volume outlines a more comprehensive approach to the problem, showcasing a microsimulation model, developed in response to demand from World Bank staff working in countries and country governments in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008-09. Starting with the idea of using simple macroeconomic projections as the 'macro linkages' to a micro behavioral model built from household data, the model was conceptualized, refined and tested in a diverse mix of countries: Bangladesh, Philippines, Mexico, Poland and Mongolia. The results fed into country policy dialogue and lending operations of Bank teams, as well as various reports, research papers and briefs.

An engrossing and revelatory first look at the search for alien life—on Earth and beyond For the past twenty years, Peter Ward has been at the forefront of popular science writing, with books such as the influential and controversial Rare Earth. In Life as We Do Not Know It, Ward, with his signature blend of eloquence, humor, and learned insight, vividly details the latest scientific findings, cutting-edge research, and intrepid new theories on the subject of alien life and the possible extraterrestrial origins of life on Earth. In lucid, entertaining, and bold prose, Peter Ward once again challenges our notions of life on earth (and beyond).

It's the most common question fundamentalists ask. And it's easy to answer -- if you have this book handy. Tabbed for quick reference.

Secure venture capital? Easy. Getting a business up and running or pushing a brilliant product to the marketplace requires capital. For many entrepreneurs, a lack of start-up capital can be the single biggest roadblock to their dreams of success and fortune. Venture Capital For Dummies takes entrepreneurs step by step through the process of finding and securing venture capital for their own projects. Find and secure venture capital for your business Get your business up and running Push a product to the marketplace If you're an entrepreneur looking for hands-on guidance on how to secure capital for your business, the information in Venture Capital For Dummies gives you the edge you need to succeed.

"Those wonderful creatures you do not know" takes readers on an immersive exploration of the incredible creatures that inhabit our planet. From the depths of the oceans to the vast deserts, from the lush forests to the smallest microorganisms, this book unveils the captivating stories of lesser-known species that often go unnoticed. In this book, readers will embark on a remarkable journey through different ecosystems, encountering extraordinary creatures along the way. Dive into the mysterious depths of the ocean and encounter the enchanting Vampire Squid, the whimsical Dumbo Octopus, and the mesmerizing Angler Fish. Discover the unique adaptations these deep-sea creatures have developed to survive in extreme conditions, such as bioluminescence, pressure tolerance, and camouflage. Venture into the intricate world of soil dwellers and learn about the resilient Springtails, the fascinating Velvet Worms, and the diverse insects and arachnids that call the soil their home. Understand the crucial role these creatures play in soil health and ecosystem function, including nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and the maintenance of soil structure. Delve into the avian realm and encounter the secretive Oilbird, the peculiar Hoatzin, and the captivating Lyrebird. Gain insight into the significance of avian biodiversity, their contributions to ecosystem services, such as pollination and seed dispersal, and their extraordinary abilities like mimicry and elaborate mating displays. Explore the microscopic world, where Tardigrades exhibit incredible resilience, Diatoms create stunning patterns, and Plankton form the foundation of marine food webs. Uncover the vital role these tiny organisms play in supporting life on Earth, including oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and the maintenance of aquatic ecosystems. Finally, venture into the frigid Arctic regions, where the resilient Arctic Tern, the mighty Wolverine, and the microscopic Tardigrade defy the extreme cold. Explore their incredible adaptations, such as migration strategies, insulation mechanisms, and the ability to enter cryptobiosis, showcasing their unparalleled ability to thrive in the most unforgiving environments.

McAllister offers a history of black theater pioneer William Brown's career and places his productions within the broader context of U.S. social, political, and cultural history.