Society
The secret sauce to Singapore’s clever population? A push for creativity and curiosity
The city-state has re-engineered its education system to produce the world’s smartest citizens in everything from science to the arts. Here’s how they won a gold star.
Latest in Monocle Radio
Latest
Want to really beat the heat? Here’s how to keep your cool
The answer isn’t always air conditioning. Why not opt for an ice-cold martini, concertina fan or frozen eyemask?
Riding the heatwave: Three Thai tastemakers share their summer essentials
The founder of Scratch First, director of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, and CEO of Cloud 11 share their favourite summer finds and where they’re headed to escape the heat.
History repeats itself, why not holidays? The case for taking a trip down memory lane
Children delight in repetition, whether it’s listening to the same song on loop or revisiting a beloved holiday spot. And this yearning for the familiar is something that we don’t always grow out of.
Seventy and soaring: Singapore is helping its older citizens age well by teaching them parkour
Countries with ageing populations are busily searching for ways to help their people age gracefully. Singapore has a plan in place that’s proceeding in leaps and bounds.
Why Europeans should sleep less and nap better
Tired of feeling tired? Perhaps it’s time to adopt some Eastern wisdom – and a new sleep routine.
Why joining a club is the best way to open doors and close deals
If cities and societies really run on whispers, subtleties and secrets – as opposed to regulations and timetables – then clubs are the epitome of a certain civic spirit. Once seen as fusty or…
Inside Monocle’s summer issue launch party in Abu Dhabi
Peak summer in the UAE has long been treated as a season of strategic skedaddling. People’s apartments are shuttered, automated out-of-office messages are switched on, restaurants are suddenly easy to book and anyone with…
How relaxing are Japan’s electric baths? The answer might shock you
Hidden among Japan’s steaming bathhouses is a tradition that has bathers quite literally buzzing. Despite what you think about combining water with electricity, the “denkiburo” proves that some rules are made to be broken.
The art of the amble: Exploring the social rituals of evening walks across Spain, Italy and Greece
A languid stroll is an enriching daily ritual in much of southern Europe. In Spain, Italy and Greece, it is an art form. We join the crowds to learn how it’s done.
Your verbs are more powerful than you think: Why thoughtful language matters even more today
More than simply expressing an action, verbs help to give life to speech and shape our perceptions. So use them wisely.
