SYNOPSIS: “Policy-makers are considering large-scale programs aimed at self-control to improve citizens’ health and wealth and reduce crime. Experimental and economic studies suggest such programs could reap benefits…we show that childhood self-control predicts physical health, substance dependence, personal finances, and criminal offending outcomes, following a gradient of self-control…Interventions addressing self-control might reduce a panoply of societal costs, save tax-payers money and promote prosperity. Moffitt et al., (2011), PNAS