To the Point
The Negative Impact of Positive Thinking
The key to achieving the American dream is often said to be positive thinking, but Barbara Ehrenreich's new book argues that “Positive Thinking has Undermined America.” For example, was the current financial collapse the result of self-delusion from the top to the bottom? Also, the 2010 census, and the high cost of visiting penguins in Antarctica.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenThe key to achieving the American dream is often said to be positive thinking, but Barbara Ehrenreich's new book argues that “Positive Thinking has Undermined America.” For example, was the current financial collapse the result of self-delusion from the top to the bottom? Also, the 2010 census, and tourism in Antarctica is expensive, but the real costs are to maritime safety and the environment.
In this episode
3 storiesUS Set for 2010 Census
The Constitution requires a census at the beginning of every decade, and the Census Bureau has already projected that the total population of the United States is now 308,400,408. That projection allows a look ahead at the political future, because the number of seats a state has in Congress depends on population.
Read the story8 minThe Negative Impact of Positive Thinking
Since the 19th Century, it's been an article of American faith that positive thinking leads to health and prosperity. In recent years, positive thinking's become a "minor industry," promising favorable outcomes in the real world. But has it made American business blind to reality?
Read the story35 minThe High Cost of Visiting Penguins in Antarctica
Last year, a cruise ship hit an iceberg and sank, leaving 154 people in lifeboats for hours in the waters of Antarctica's Weddell Sea. Remarkably, nobody died. Other ships touch land in the world's largest natural reserve, allowing passengers to go ashore to disturb wildlife, trample rare plants and leave rubbish behind. Now 47 Antarctic…
Read the story8 min
