If the Nineties was a decade of greed, will the turn of the century bring compassion back into style? In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge we'll talk about the new movement of social entrepreneur – citizens tapping the power of the private sector to create a better public life. Also, when bad things happen to other people, the secret pleasure we take in others' misfortune.

Journalist Robert Wright insists that globalization is making us more compassionate - if only because our interconnectedness makes us vulnerable to other people's problems. He tells Steve Paulson that self-interest isn't the same as generosity, but it can have a positive moral outcome. Wright's book is "Non-Zero: The Logic of Human Destiny." Also, Barbara Sonneborn's documentary film, "Regret to Inform," was nominated for an Academy Award. Sonneborn tells Jim Fleming why she went to Vietnam, and that women who suffered losses in the war tell the same stories regardless of which side they were on.

Bill Shore is founder of "Share Our Strength" a non-profit foundation working to end hunger and poverty. Shore tells Judith Strasser that people can help without writing a check, and that non-profits need to become more savvy about identifying their assets. His book is "The Cathedral Within: Transforming Your Life by Giving Something Back." Also, John Portmann is the author of "When Bad Things Happen to Other People." He tells Jim Fleming about "schadenfreude." The Germans have a word for it but the emotion is universal. It's the pleasure we take in the misfortunes of others, whether it's a pie in the face, or a successful bust on "America's Most Wanted.

Journalist Joe Queenan makes a career of being nasty and cynical. He tells Steve Paulson he needed a vacation from himself and decided to be nice for a while. He wasn't very successful at it. His book is "My Goodness: A Cynic's Short-Lived Search for Sainthood."

Distribution dates:

• week of 02/27/2000 - hour 2