The most important innovators often don't need any technologies - just imagination and acute sensitivity to people's needs.

The longer you commute the less happy you're likely to be.

By international standards, many of the U.K.'s policies for civil society are exemplary. However, there are concerns about constraints on civil liberties - particularly restrictions on free assembly and about the rising tide of everyday regulation has seriously impeded community activity - from organising street parties to helping children.

Before the Second World War, L'Oreal in France was an active supporter of the French fascists. The cosmetic group's founder Eugene Schueller was an active member of the 'Cagoule' group, committed to the violent overthrow of the Third Republic, and hosted meetings at Oreal headquarters.

All real capitalisms are impure hybrids, mongrels mixed with other strains.

Cities simply don't have the powers they need to radically innovate in cutting obesity or the number of disaffected teenagers.

Societies advance through innovation every bit as much as economies do.