With people across the world spending far more time at home than usual, many are struggling to find ways both to stay occupied and to relieve stress. We asked some of our contributors where and how they are finding motivation, inspiration, or solace during this strange and uncertain time.

“Governments can accomplish remarkable things when they have not been hollowed out in the name of misguided “free-market” ideology. Now that humankind is confronting the existential challenge of climate change, our survival depends on reclaiming the public spirit of the Apollo program – and the hope it inspired.”

“Since 2008 the UK economy has again been failing, with today’s political crisis one of the consequences. This is precisely the time when bold ideas are needed from all political parties.”

“As I wrote in February, this suite of approaches—often called industrial policy, though Warren brands it as “economic development”—has roots in the ideas of Alexander Hamilton. It’s also clearly inspired by the same economic thinker, Mariana Mazzucato, who has consulted with Ocasio-Cortez and her allies about the Green New Deal.” Robinson Meyer

“From a novel by Jonathan Franzen to insights into the 2008 financial crash – five books to help us understand how political forces shape the markets”

“Tenemos la oportunidad de orientar la innovación hacia la solución de problemas concretos, en proyectos tan audaces como la misión de llegar a la Luna, pero dirigidos a resolver nuestros retos sociales y tecnológicos”

Mariana Mazzucato argues that the wealth-creating role of the state is often forgotten, and the lessons cross political divides.

Mazzucato, M. (2013), Political Quarterly, Vol 84 (4): 444–447