Unlike any other country in the history of the world, the United States was founded on the ideal of unfettered social and economic mobility. For most of its history, social norms and government policies have been put in place to maximize opportunity in preference to minimizing risks. In fact, today's "social safety net" was a foreign idea, imported from Europe about 80 years ago. Nevertheless, there is a growing perception that America's long-venerated "opportunity society" is being undermined in an effort to build a cradle-to-grave "nanny state." Is this perception accurate? Even if it's not; what are the implications of this growing perception of the facts and what is the likely impact on your business, your investments, and your life? We'll answer these important questions.

Despite the decline of long-term marriages as a proportion of all households, a mountain of research shows that the "married, never divorced" lifestyle still delivers enormous advantages, not just to the couples but also to their families and to society. What are the implications? We'll fill you in.

Performance-enhancing personal trainers, cosmetic surgery, and a combination of legal and illegal chemicals have become commonplace as athletes and entertainers strive to go beyond their natural abilities. Looking ahead, will business be any different? Will professionals start relying even more on executive coaches, medical procedures, and chemicals to mold who they are? What are the potential risks and rewards, and what are the ethical implications? We'll provide a glimpse of what lies ahead.