The Optimistic Pessimists

Henry explores Singapore’s approach to ethnic integration. How did Singapore navigate their way after the 1960s race riots? Was it a success or a failure?

We are now available on Apple Podcasts too.

And for note, Edward will be joining Henry in a couple of months when we embark on our main weekly episodes, focusing on why things are the way they are. The areas that interest us include the following, and will be weaved into every episode we do: history, psychology, philosophy, economics, politics and health. Simply put, it’s two optimistic pessimists working out the world.

Henry explores the problems Singapore faced with its water. The 1960s proved to be a vulnerable decade, and like most things for Singapore, they managed to successfully think outside the box.

Next week’s episode will be on how they went about integrating their diverse population.

And for note, Edward will be joining Henry in a couple of months when we embark on our main weekly episodes, focusing on why things are the way they are. The areas that interest us include the following, and will be weaved into every episode we do: history, psychology, philosophy, economics, politics and health. Simply put, it’s two optimistic pessimists working out the world.

Henry explores the fascinating CPF system in Singapore. They force you to save, and they shrewdly designed a system to make that happen.

Each week Henry will be deep diving into a niche aspect of a country. He will be attempting to put it into a UK context, making it easier to understand through comparison how well we do things (or, more pertinently, how badly). There will be a particular focus on Singapore over the coming weeks.

And for note, Edward will be joining Henry in a couple of months when we embark on our main weekly episodes, focusing on why things are the way they are. The areas that interest us include the following, and will be weaved into every episode we do: history, psychology, philosophy, economics, politics, nutrition and health. Simply put, it’s two optimistic pessimists working out the world.

Henry explores the history of Finland’s educational system. You may have heard that they have the best educational set up in the world. It’s more nuanced than that.

Each week Henry will be deep diving into a niche aspect of a country. He will be attempting to put it into a UK context, making it easier to understand through comparison how well we do things (or, more pertinently, how badly). There will be a particular focus on Singapore over the coming weeks.

And for note, Edward will be joining Henry in a couple of months when we embark on our main weekly episodes, focusing on why things are the way they are. The areas that interest us include the following, and will be weaved into every episode we do: history, psychology, philosophy, economics, politics and health. Simply put, it’s two optimistic pessimists working out the world.