Justin Rosenstein

I do not doubt that services like social games and coupons bring delight to people's lives, and I mean no disrespect to the hard work that has made them possible. But in the face of threats to humanity's future on the one hand and the extraordinary potential of mankind on the other, at some point we must ask: are we capable of more?

In 1967, the world health community launched a global effort to eradicate smallpox. It took a coordinated, worldwide effort, required the commitment of every government, and cost $130 million dollars. By 1977, smallpox had disappeared.

Long-term unemployment is particularly costly to those directly affected, of course. But in addition, because of its negative effects on workers' skills and attachment to the labor force, long-term unemployment may ultimately reduce the productive capacity of our economy.