Hello, readers. Hallam Bullock here, Insider's newsletter editor, reporting from London.

When we caught up last week, I asked to hear your thoughts about a CEO who appeared to laud an employee who sold their family dog in order to meet expectations at work. 

Some of you were shocked: "Selling a pet for work?!" Others were incensed: "Pets are members of the family!" But all of you had something insightful to share (there was even the odd pet picture, too!)

Now, this week I wanted to share some of our top stories from our Discourse team. Insider explores the day's most fascinating issues and ideas through our Discourse journalism, so expect thought-provoking perspectives informed by analysis, reporting, and expertise. 

Let's get started.