The Olympic motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” The winner of the 2012 Olympic marathon ran for two hours and eight minutes. If he had been racing against the winner of the 1904 Olympic marathon, he would have won by nearly an hour and a half. Now we all have this feeling that we’re somehow just getting better as a human race, inevitably progressing. But it’s not like we’ve evolved into a new species in a century. The bodies of sportspeople remain pretty much the same. So what’s going on here? What’s really behind this march of athletic progress?

Woman: What changes should we expect when growing up? 

Man: Well, life gets more complex when you’re a teen. On top of all of the emotional and physical changes you go through, there are more choices and decisions to make and more stress. When you were a little kid, your parents took care of things like scheduling your doctors’ appointments and getting your prescriptions. Now that you’re getting older, you may be expected to make more daily decisions yourself and take on more responsibility for your health. It’s all part of becoming an adult and taking charge. But that does not mean that you will be left without any help. When you feel you are losing control, find someone to talk to; someone who is knowledgeable but at the same time trustworthy. Friends or parents can be helpful. You can always talk to your doctor as well.

Man: Susan, you don’t seem to be eating your chocolate with suitable appreciation. 

Woman: Why should I, John? It’s just a piece of chocolate. 

Man: Because it’s a decadent treat that may soon be in short supply. 

Woman: You must be kidding. 

Man: No, I’m serious. The chocolate manufacturers have calculated we’re consuming cocoa at a faster pace than farmers can grow it. 

Woman: But surely if there is bigger demand for cocoa, more of it is produced, isn’t it? 

Man: I don’t think so. Apparently, there’s been a massive reduction in supply because of a prolonged drought in West African countries. That’s where the vast majority of the world’s cocoa is produced. 

Woman: Oh, so do you think cocoa prices will rise in the future? 

Man: It’s highly likely. Anyway, make sure to savour every piece of your chocolate, like it’s your last one! 

Woman: You bet I will and you don’t be so smart!