If you work for Google or Apple, stock options give you a chance to share in the increasing value of the company. In the N.F.L., nothing like this happens; the players, though rich, are just working stiffs like the rest of us. James Surowiecki applechancecompany share on social
Unlike most government programs, Social Security and, in part, Medicare are funded by payroll taxes dedicated specifically to them. Some of the tax revenue pays for current benefits; anything that's left over goes into trust funds for the future. The programs were designed this way for political reasons. James Surowiecki benefitcurrentdedicate share on social
All things being equal, letting people make decisions for themselves will produce smarter outcomes, collectively, than relying on government planners. James Surowiecki collectivelydecisionequal Change image and share on social
If companies tell us more, insider trading will be worth less. James Surowiecki companyinsidertrade Change image and share on social
Pop music thrives on repetition. You know a song's a hit when you've heard it so often that you'll be happy never to hear it again. James Surowiecki happyhavehear Change image and share on social
Sometimes even a smart crowd will make a mistake. James Surowiecki crowdmakemistake Change image and share on social
If we want our regulators to do better, we have to embrace a simple idea: regulation isn't an obstacle to thriving free markets; it's a vital part of them. James Surowiecki embracefreeidea Change image and share on social
Tough times have always lent themselves to nativist sentiments and closed-door policies. But in the case of highly skilled immigrants, these policies are a recipe for stagnation. James Surowiecki caseclosedoor Change image and share on social
In practice, downsizing is too often about cutting your work force while keeping your business the same, and doing so not by investments in productivity-enhancing technology, but by making people pull 80-hour weeks and bringing in temps to fill the gap. James Surowiecki bringbusinesscut share on social
If being the biggest company was a guarantee of success, we'd all be using IBM computers and driving GM cars. James Surowiecki bigcarcompany Change image and share on social