Molly Crabapple:

So much of the difference between the experiences of rich and poor comes down to kindness. Kindness is scarce. Kindness must be bought.

Christopher Matthews:

44% of Americans are living with less than $5,887 in savings for a family of four. 56% percent of us have subprime credit.

Mehrsa Baradaran:

Approximately 88 million people in the United States, or 28 percent of the population, have no bank account at all, or do have a bank account, but primarily rely on check-cashing storefronts, payday lenders, title lenders, or even pawnshops to meet their financial needs.

Natalie Angier:

41 percent of babies are now born out of wedlock.

David Cole:

Americans face a one in 3.5 million chance of being killed in a terrorist attack, but a one in 22,000 chance of being murdered.

Alain de Botton:

Our desire to have luxury cheaply is the real problem. If the route to your table were dignified and ethical at every stage, a lemon would cost more, of course. But maybe then we'd stop taking lemons for granted and find their zest all the keener.