Maxim Institute Podcast Maxim Institute Podcast

Memento mori! (Thou art mortal!) Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour reminds policymakers that fundamental truths about reality cannot be reshaped through wishful thinking. Prices convey information, and money represents trust—these are axiomatic principles that leaders must keep in mind when making decisions.



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What makes a Kiwi? Is it birthplace, years spent here, or something else? Communications Manager Jason Heale asks these questions in light of Tennis New Zealand’s move to persuade Lulu Sun to play under our flag. When it comes to national identity, he says we should focus more on character and a person's genuine affinity for our country, rather than seeking vicarious validation through their international achievements or status.



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The term "populist" is often ambiguously deployed and misunderstood. Communications Coordinator Josiah Brown clarifies what it means and highlights some pitfalls we should avoid. When it comes to preserving our political system, he argues that we should all be populists.

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What's your handwriting like? Executive Director Tim Wilson describes his as “loops, smears, and burnouts” that desecrate a page. Yet, he supports making handwriting compulsory in the curriculum, as suggested by a Ministerial Advisory Group. Tim argues it's time to reconnect our bodies to our thoughts. In a world of Chromebooks and chatbots, can the pen prove mightier than the keyboard?

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No parent in their right mind would give their child a harmful substance, yet many readily hand over smartphones. Madeleine Smith, a former intern, delves into the alarming rise in adolescent anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts linked to early device use. She argues that government intervention is needed to support parents in protecting the mental health of their children by restricting smartphone access.

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Two narratives about education are battling in the public square: one side claims public education is threatened by independent schools, while the other argues for reforming an outdated system. Researcher Maryanne Spurdle highlights the compelling benefits of a diverse educational ecosystem, pointing to substantial international evidence supporting school choice.

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