The past century and a quarter has seen frequent improvements in track and field records. We attempt to estimate what proportion of the speed of record breaking is due to globalization (competitors from more countries) and what proportion is due to technological progress (better equipment and...

The discount rate is a key determinant of investments in human capital and occupational choice. Individuals who are less future oriented - i.e. have a higher discount rate - are less likely to invest in human capital and hence more likely to select into careers with lower and flatter earnings...