The opener

Whether it’s a cosy corner shop or a well-delivered joke, there’s plenty to write home about even when we’re confined to our ’hoods. Plus: our correspondents check in from afar.

Fifty essays x Fifty thinkers

1. Taming the beast

When faced with unexpected and unfamiliar situations, our instinct might force us to panic. But as the Stoic philosophers of Rome explained, there is another option: keep calm and carry on.

2. Bedding in

When faced with unexpected and unfamiliar situations, our instinct might force us to panic. But as the Stoic philosophers of Rome explained, there is another option: keep calm and carry on.

3. Think different

Nobel Memorial prize-winner Daniel Kahneman understands our behaviour better than most. So has our response to coronavirus been at all rational?

4. Seeing is believing

Infographics raise the bar. That’s the line at ‘La Repubblica’.

5. We will still be social

We might be physically far-flung but our community ties are stronger than ever – and this could be an opportune time to seek even more robust connections.

6. Are we nice?

We’re finally discovering our softer side.

Hope: It’s for the best

‘Hope’ – the theme of the 2019 Prix Pictet – comes in as many forms as there are people breathing air. These photos by the shortlisted nominees capture life in places that are remote and perhaps forsaken – but that contain…

7. Plus point

It’s not all doom and gloom. We should ensure that enforced behaviours can bring on positive changes to the ways we interact.

8. There goes the neighbourhood

Across garden fences and from open front doors, the new community connections being forged during lockdown must endure.

9. No more denial

In the US, the dogma of individual freedom is too often accompanied by disdain for expert opinion. Coronavirus should teach us that this mindset just isn’t worth the risk.