Four Thought

Architect Sir Terry Farrell explains why architects are uniquely placed to solve the problems of Britain's public spaces - and why doing the work for free is crucial to its success. Sir Terry explains how working pro bono can bring together businesses, councils and community groups who would otherwise find it hard to work together, and how these architectural schemes or "masterplans" can transform the public spaces we all share.

Journalist Kamin Mohammadi argues that life under an authoritarian regime, like in her native Iran, is lived more creatively, to navigate around restrictions on private lives.

Entrepreneur Paddy Docherty says business is best placed to bring prosperity to impoverished and post conflict nations, arguing that only the commercial sector can supply the scale and dynamism needed to make a lasting impact on development.

Comedian Kate Smurthwaite argues it's time to stop laughing at sexism and time to stop prejudice against women comedians, because comedy is a key part of UK culture, affecting our opinions and values.

Campaigner Martin Cassini argues that our system for managing traffic is overdue for radical reform and should be based on trust in human nature rather than an obsession with controlling it. He says a drastic cut in the number of traffic lights would begin the transformation, saving lives, time and money.

Writer and former England table tennis champion Matthew Syed says we should not over-emphasise the importance of talent over effort.

CEO of the International Business Leaders Forum Clare Melford argues that Buddah should be in the boardroom. She explains what CEOs need to learn about the tenets of Buddhism to make their businesses thrive while being sustainable.

Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, Prof June Andrews, argues for a revolution in our approach to dealing with dementia. She outlines immediate low cost changes that would make a dramatic difference to delaying the onset of the illness and caring for people with dementia.

Jules Evans explores what ancient Greek and Roman philosophy can tell modern society about well-being. He celebrates the link between modern psychotherapy and the wisdom of Socrates, the Stoics and other ancient philosophers but warns that the new politics of happiness is in danger of becoming illiberal.

Chief Executive of UNLOCK - the National Association of Reformed Offenders - Bobby Cummines served 13 years in high security prisons for robbery and manslaughter. He argues if society wants to reduce crime, reformed criminals must be helped to get jobs and discrimination against them needs to stop.

Robin Gorna fears we are losing the global battle against AIDS, owing to a lack of political will and ongoing social stigma, at a time when we have the solutions to deal with it.

Co-founder of the Transition Culture movement Rob Hopkins believes that "engaged optimism" is the best way to face the global challenges of the future, be it climate change, dwindling oil supplies or the economic downturn. He believes initiatives enabling people to produce their own goods and services locally - from solar powered bottled beer to micro currencies like the Brixton pound - are the best way to build community resilience.

We need a radical rethink of aid spending, argues economist Gordon Bridger. He draws on a lifetime's experience as an economist in developing countries to suggest that we should spend overseas aid differently to stop it doing more harm than good. He urges an end to direct transfers of money to governments as he fears inadequate audit can too easily allow misuse of funds.

Author Bali Rai thinks we should stop talking about race as the best way to deal with racism and sees pride in our own racial identity as part of the problem.

Creativity is just as vital in science and engineering as it is in art and drama, argues trainer and writer Gerard Darby. Yet the present education system is undermining young people's natural creativity, he says, and is in urgent need of reform.