Remember that physical beauty is evolution's way of assuring us that the other person doesn't have too many intestinal parasites.

Income inequality is troubling because, among other things, it means that many people in our society don't have the opportunities to advance themselves.

Many foreclosed homes are neglected or abandoned, as legal proceedings or other factors delay their resale. Deteriorating or vacant properties can, in turn, directly affect the quality of life in a neighborhood, for example, by leading to increases in vandalism or crime.

Economics has many substantive areas of knowledge where there is agreement, but also contains areas of controversy. That's inescapable.

Developments in financial markets can have broad economic effects felt by many outside the markets.

I think most of us would agree that people who have, say, little formal schooling but labor honestly and diligently to help feed, clothe, and educate their families are deserving of greater respect - and help, if necessary - than many people who are superficially more successful.