Asked about figures of inspiration, two thirds (65%) named Nelson Mandela, followed by Richard Branson (51%). More surprisingly perhaps, the research shows that Margaret Thatcher (28%) is considered more inspirational than the Pope (20%). At the same time, Prime Minister Tony Blair fares less with 14%. Amongst younger respondents, pop star Britney Spears was named by 6%.

In considering their main everyday concerns, people responded that they do indeed focus on their immediate sphere primarily. Top rank was held by family (54%), health (49%) and the environment (38%). After these life aspects, people claimed to focus on the problems of world hunger (30%) and war (29%). Perhaps most surprising of all was how low-down the stereotypically "big" worries of money (25%), sex (5%) and the meaning of life (10%) ranked.

On a more upbeat note, the research claims that the hold of fire and brimstone is well past. Only one in five people (21%) say they worry about whether they will go to heaven or to hell. Encouragingly over a quarter (27%) believe that they are destined for the Pearly Gates, with only a slim 1% buying into their descent to the fiery depths. But, as proof that organised religion is still alive in our nation’s heart, a fifth of people (20%) say they pray almost everyday, with a further 17% saying they only pray in a crisis. The survey was carried out by MORI on a sample of 999 adults aged 15+ across Great Britain. Telephone interviews were carried out between 15 and 17 December 2000.