It's a common phenomenon in the UK to see people treating their dogs as part of the family, but have you ever stopped to think about what this says about our relationship with power and control? In an article on dog training, William Davies explores how teaching a dog to behave requires a deep understanding of human nature, including the concept of morality. He realised that if a dog has no morals, how do you teach it to be 'good'?
The question of morality is also at the heart of the Brexit campaign, which saw a range of complex and often contradictory arguments being made by both sides. In a multi-perspective account of the 2016 referendum, Guardian journalists have spoken to a range of MPs, officials, and other key players to produce a nuanced and detailed picture of the campaign. From Boris Johnson's decision to side with Vote Leave to the tragic murder of Jo Cox, the story of Brexit reveals a lot about human nature and the way we make decisions.
Meanwhile, in France, the country is struggling with the impact of a severe heatwave, which has highlighted the issue of heat-trap homes and climate inequality. Many buildings and infrastructure were not designed to cope with high temperatures, and low-income housing estates are bearing the brunt. Residents are struggling to keep their homes cool, with some even having to choose between using a fan and risking a high electricity bill.
These stories may seem unrelated at first glance, but they all share a common thread - they reveal profound lessons about human nature, power, and control. Whether it's teaching a dog to behave, navigating the complexities of a high-stakes campaign, or dealing with the consequences of climate change, these stories show us that there's always more to learn about ourselves and the world around us.