Critics and writers as well established in their own right as Anna Akhmatova and Vladimir Nabokov have contented themselves with tackling distinct literary peaks, rather than grappling with the paradoxical nature of the whole man.

ECONOMIST: Russian writers

Not only do most of us lack the financial smarts to determine whether an adviser or investment is right for us at any age, studies have shown whatever ability in the area we have peaks in our fifties.

FORBES: When Larry Hagman Met the Financial Services Industry

The Malthusians are right that the world's population is still increasing and can do a lot more environmental damage before it peaks at just over 9 billion in 2050.

ECONOMIST: Demography, growth and the environment