Pressured from all sides, from the Government to the pupils, teachers are increasingly suffering burnout. The problems may seem insurmountable, but the most important point in protecting yourself from burnout turns out to be a very simple one: treat yourself as if you were actually very important.

In the United States, the “No Child Left Behind” program demands that schools best their previous achievement levels year after year. If we cared less about national rankings on standardized test scores and more about human achievement and fulfillment in the real world, we might discover a huge “missing curriculum” that would remain relevant long after graduation.

One of the most insidious ways to lie is to report a series facts that are technically accurate but nonetheless don’t tell the “whole story” — a practice which modern politics has elevated to an art form. But the real tragedy lies in how numb and indifferent we have become with regard to this kind of behavior.

What makes the “Holy Land” holy? Only righteous behavior by its occupants can ever sanctify this or any other land. Will the leaders of two peoples display a level of righteousness that can put an end to years of conflict?

How do you deliver ‘placebo therapy’ to a client? By being deliberately hostile? Quantative scientific methods may not be the best ways to measure psychotherapy outcomes. But those who have the power and the money are increasingly using research results to legitimise a few techniques which are easy to measure, to the detriment of clients and therapists.

What ever happened to the search for truth and understanding the universe? These days, much of what’s done in the name of science has more to do with politics, the securing of grants for educational institutions, and the advancement of a company’s products.

A perfect test score, perfect credit, a face without blemishes, maybe even a problem-free life: these are ideals for many. Setting aside the question of whether these goals are achievable, on deeper reflection are they even desirable? Your parents, your teachers, and your bosses all want you to avoid mistakes. Here’s why they have it all wrong.