How the U.S. government measures race has changed substantially since censuses began in 1790. Today, Americans differ on whether the government should ask about race.

Think you see the world as it is? Think again. The brain’s shortcuts make us efficient—but also deeply biased.

We spend our lives waiting for “real life” to begin. This piece explores why we keep deferring joy, how our brains fuel the illusion of “later,” and how to start living now.