Big Think
@bigthink.com
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Big Think
@bigthink.com
· Dec 9
Hello Bluesky,
We’re Big Think.
We explore the world's biggest ideas with the world's biggest thinkers, academics, and leaders.
More about us and our ethos: ↓
We’re Big Think.
We explore the world's biggest ideas with the world's biggest thinkers, academics, and leaders.
More about us and our ethos: ↓
Do we get more progress from unlimited budgets… or tight constraints?
Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, argues that government-led “glory projects” ultimately hurt the aerospace industry they were meant to advance.
Full article: bigthink.com/the-future/c...
Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, argues that government-led “glory projects” ultimately hurt the aerospace industry they were meant to advance.
Full article: bigthink.com/the-future/c...
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Do we get more progress from unlimited budgets… or tight constraints?
Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, argues that government-led “glory projects” ultimately hurt the aerospace industry they were meant to advance.
Full article: bigthink.com/the-future/c...
Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, argues that government-led “glory projects” ultimately hurt the aerospace industry they were meant to advance.
Full article: bigthink.com/the-future/c...
Does progress happen by negotiating for incremental change or demanding absolute results?
Jonny Thomson explores the complementary roles of pragmatists and purists in the history of activism.
Jonny Thomson explores the complementary roles of pragmatists and purists in the history of activism.
November 24, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Does progress happen by negotiating for incremental change or demanding absolute results?
Jonny Thomson explores the complementary roles of pragmatists and purists in the history of activism.
Jonny Thomson explores the complementary roles of pragmatists and purists in the history of activism.
Why do we still read the classics?
Daniel Greco, professor of philosophy at Yale, uses coordination games to explain the power of the canon.
Daniel Greco, professor of philosophy at Yale, uses coordination games to explain the power of the canon.
November 20, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Why do we still read the classics?
Daniel Greco, professor of philosophy at Yale, uses coordination games to explain the power of the canon.
Daniel Greco, professor of philosophy at Yale, uses coordination games to explain the power of the canon.
BIG NEWS: "The Engine of Progress" is live!
In this special issue, we examine the nature of progress: what nurtures it, what stifles it, and what we can do to shape it more deliberately in the years ahead.
Here's some of what's inside: 🧵 (1/7)
In this special issue, we examine the nature of progress: what nurtures it, what stifles it, and what we can do to shape it more deliberately in the years ahead.
Here's some of what's inside: 🧵 (1/7)
November 19, 2025 at 7:38 PM
BIG NEWS: "The Engine of Progress" is live!
In this special issue, we examine the nature of progress: what nurtures it, what stifles it, and what we can do to shape it more deliberately in the years ahead.
Here's some of what's inside: 🧵 (1/7)
In this special issue, we examine the nature of progress: what nurtures it, what stifles it, and what we can do to shape it more deliberately in the years ahead.
Here's some of what's inside: 🧵 (1/7)
What’s one book that you believe changed the world for the better?
We asked five experts who attended Progress Conference 2025 to share their picks. 🧵
We asked five experts who attended Progress Conference 2025 to share their picks. 🧵
November 19, 2025 at 6:01 PM
What’s one book that you believe changed the world for the better?
We asked five experts who attended Progress Conference 2025 to share their picks. 🧵
We asked five experts who attended Progress Conference 2025 to share their picks. 🧵
What’s one change that would make social media feel more trusting to you?
Wikipedia visionary Jimmy Wales shares his thoughts about the future of media, the promise of AI, and our need to
Wikipedia visionary Jimmy Wales shares his thoughts about the future of media, the promise of AI, and our need to
November 18, 2025 at 5:02 PM
What’s one change that would make social media feel more trusting to you?
Wikipedia visionary Jimmy Wales shares his thoughts about the future of media, the promise of AI, and our need to
Wikipedia visionary Jimmy Wales shares his thoughts about the future of media, the promise of AI, and our need to
Are you an effective trailblazer?
James Patterson and Patrick Leddin outline what makes an effective trailblazer and how anyone can step up to lead change.
James Patterson and Patrick Leddin outline what makes an effective trailblazer and how anyone can step up to lead change.
November 14, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Are you an effective trailblazer?
James Patterson and Patrick Leddin outline what makes an effective trailblazer and how anyone can step up to lead change.
James Patterson and Patrick Leddin outline what makes an effective trailblazer and how anyone can step up to lead change.
What can magic teach us about science?
Richard Cytowic, Professor of Neurology at George Washington University, shares his story of growing up with a father who was a magician and how it taught him skepticism, curiosity, and the habit of looking beneath appearances.
Richard Cytowic, Professor of Neurology at George Washington University, shares his story of growing up with a father who was a magician and how it taught him skepticism, curiosity, and the habit of looking beneath appearances.
November 13, 2025 at 5:03 PM
What can magic teach us about science?
Richard Cytowic, Professor of Neurology at George Washington University, shares his story of growing up with a father who was a magician and how it taught him skepticism, curiosity, and the habit of looking beneath appearances.
Richard Cytowic, Professor of Neurology at George Washington University, shares his story of growing up with a father who was a magician and how it taught him skepticism, curiosity, and the habit of looking beneath appearances.
Why do you think we cry during moments of joy—what are those tears signaling?
Steven Pinker, psychologist and author of "When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows", explores how social bonding may explain why only humans weep.
Steven Pinker, psychologist and author of "When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows", explores how social bonding may explain why only humans weep.
November 12, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Why do you think we cry during moments of joy—what are those tears signaling?
Steven Pinker, psychologist and author of "When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows", explores how social bonding may explain why only humans weep.
Steven Pinker, psychologist and author of "When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows", explores how social bonding may explain why only humans weep.
If AI steers us towards homogeneity, how do we keep our thinking original?
Dr. Susan Schneider talks to Eric Markowitz about what she calls the “megasystem problem”: networks of AI models colluding in ways we can’t predict.
Dr. Susan Schneider talks to Eric Markowitz about what she calls the “megasystem problem”: networks of AI models colluding in ways we can’t predict.
November 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
If AI steers us towards homogeneity, how do we keep our thinking original?
Dr. Susan Schneider talks to Eric Markowitz about what she calls the “megasystem problem”: networks of AI models colluding in ways we can’t predict.
Dr. Susan Schneider talks to Eric Markowitz about what she calls the “megasystem problem”: networks of AI models colluding in ways we can’t predict.
If death is part of how life renews, can we pursue longevity without freezing progress?
Read the full article by Josie Zayner: www.freethink.com/opinion/immo...
Read the full article by Josie Zayner: www.freethink.com/opinion/immo...
November 10, 2025 at 5:05 PM
If death is part of how life renews, can we pursue longevity without freezing progress?
Read the full article by Josie Zayner: www.freethink.com/opinion/immo...
Read the full article by Josie Zayner: www.freethink.com/opinion/immo...
Why you feel hungover without drinking | Goldie Chan
Extroverts refill by connecting; introverts by disconnecting. What’s your go-to ritual for recharging?
Extroverts refill by connecting; introverts by disconnecting. What’s your go-to ritual for recharging?
November 7, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Why you feel hungover without drinking | Goldie Chan
Extroverts refill by connecting; introverts by disconnecting. What’s your go-to ritual for recharging?
Extroverts refill by connecting; introverts by disconnecting. What’s your go-to ritual for recharging?
How play helps wire our social brains | Cas Holman
Rats still played even without most of their neocortex. If play is that primitive, what does that say about our culture’s obsession with being “serious”?
Images:
Stuart Boulton / Alamy
Rats still played even without most of their neocortex. If play is that primitive, what does that say about our culture’s obsession with being “serious”?
Images:
Stuart Boulton / Alamy
November 6, 2025 at 5:02 PM
How play helps wire our social brains | Cas Holman
Rats still played even without most of their neocortex. If play is that primitive, what does that say about our culture’s obsession with being “serious”?
Images:
Stuart Boulton / Alamy
Rats still played even without most of their neocortex. If play is that primitive, what does that say about our culture’s obsession with being “serious”?
Images:
Stuart Boulton / Alamy
What sea slugs teach us about consciousness | Nikolay Kukushkin
Chalmers says there’s a ‘hard problem’ of consciousness. Friston/Clark say the ‘hard problem’ is our belief in it. Which camp are you in—and why?
Chalmers says there’s a ‘hard problem’ of consciousness. Friston/Clark say the ‘hard problem’ is our belief in it. Which camp are you in—and why?
November 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM
What sea slugs teach us about consciousness | Nikolay Kukushkin
Chalmers says there’s a ‘hard problem’ of consciousness. Friston/Clark say the ‘hard problem’ is our belief in it. Which camp are you in—and why?
Chalmers says there’s a ‘hard problem’ of consciousness. Friston/Clark say the ‘hard problem’ is our belief in it. Which camp are you in—and why?
If humans went extinct, could we re-evolve? | Jonny Thomson & Toby Ord
Would you find comfort or despair in the idea that something human-like might evolve again — long after we’re gone?
Would you find comfort or despair in the idea that something human-like might evolve again — long after we’re gone?
November 4, 2025 at 5:02 PM
If humans went extinct, could we re-evolve? | Jonny Thomson & Toby Ord
Would you find comfort or despair in the idea that something human-like might evolve again — long after we’re gone?
Would you find comfort or despair in the idea that something human-like might evolve again — long after we’re gone?
Why your best ideas come after your worst | Rachel Barr
According to former Co-owner of The Onion, Scott Dikkers, the brain has both a Clown and an Editor — one generates ideas, the other judges them.
Which one do you think runs your life most of the time?
According to former Co-owner of The Onion, Scott Dikkers, the brain has both a Clown and an Editor — one generates ideas, the other judges them.
Which one do you think runs your life most of the time?
November 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Why your best ideas come after your worst | Rachel Barr
According to former Co-owner of The Onion, Scott Dikkers, the brain has both a Clown and an Editor — one generates ideas, the other judges them.
Which one do you think runs your life most of the time?
According to former Co-owner of The Onion, Scott Dikkers, the brain has both a Clown and an Editor — one generates ideas, the other judges them.
Which one do you think runs your life most of the time?
5 ways immersion in art can make you happier | Marine Tanguy
If art can measurably lower stress, sharpen thinking, and deepen empathy — why do we still treat it as a luxury instead of a daily necessity?
If art can measurably lower stress, sharpen thinking, and deepen empathy — why do we still treat it as a luxury instead of a daily necessity?
October 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
5 ways immersion in art can make you happier | Marine Tanguy
If art can measurably lower stress, sharpen thinking, and deepen empathy — why do we still treat it as a luxury instead of a daily necessity?
If art can measurably lower stress, sharpen thinking, and deepen empathy — why do we still treat it as a luxury instead of a daily necessity?
Why the whole isn't greater than the sum of its parts | Ethan Siegel @startswithabang.bsky.social
If the list of things science can’t explain keeps shrinking…should we stop creating gods to fill the gaps?
If the list of things science can’t explain keeps shrinking…should we stop creating gods to fill the gaps?
October 30, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Why the whole isn't greater than the sum of its parts | Ethan Siegel @startswithabang.bsky.social
If the list of things science can’t explain keeps shrinking…should we stop creating gods to fill the gaps?
If the list of things science can’t explain keeps shrinking…should we stop creating gods to fill the gaps?
If you want to be miserable, then spend your money like this | Morgan Housel
If money can buy freedom, why do so many of us spend it on new forms of dependence?
If money can buy freedom, why do so many of us spend it on new forms of dependence?
October 29, 2025 at 4:06 PM
If you want to be miserable, then spend your money like this | Morgan Housel
If money can buy freedom, why do so many of us spend it on new forms of dependence?
If money can buy freedom, why do so many of us spend it on new forms of dependence?
Seaflooding: How we could engineer the next Mediterranean | Tomas Pueyo
We have the tech to create new seas, should we?
We have the tech to create new seas, should we?
October 28, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Seaflooding: How we could engineer the next Mediterranean | Tomas Pueyo
We have the tech to create new seas, should we?
We have the tech to create new seas, should we?
Are young workers canaries in the AI coal mine?
If AI eats away at entry-level jobs, where will the next generation get experience?
If AI eats away at entry-level jobs, where will the next generation get experience?
October 27, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Are young workers canaries in the AI coal mine?
If AI eats away at entry-level jobs, where will the next generation get experience?
If AI eats away at entry-level jobs, where will the next generation get experience?
What can we learn from two of the greatest investors of all time?
Eric Markowitz speaks with Alex Morris to distill lessons from Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger.
Eric Markowitz speaks with Alex Morris to distill lessons from Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger.
October 24, 2025 at 4:06 PM
What can we learn from two of the greatest investors of all time?
Eric Markowitz speaks with Alex Morris to distill lessons from Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger.
Eric Markowitz speaks with Alex Morris to distill lessons from Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger.
5 horrifying stories that double as philosophy lessons 🧵
October 22, 2025 at 4:04 PM
5 horrifying stories that double as philosophy lessons 🧵
Does drinking have evolutionary benefits?
Philosopher Edward Slingerland argues that behaviors often dismissed as evolutionary “mistakes” — like masturbation, overeating, and drinking — actually serve deeper adaptive purposes.
Read the full article: bigthink.com/mini-philoso...
Philosopher Edward Slingerland argues that behaviors often dismissed as evolutionary “mistakes” — like masturbation, overeating, and drinking — actually serve deeper adaptive purposes.
Read the full article: bigthink.com/mini-philoso...
October 21, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Does drinking have evolutionary benefits?
Philosopher Edward Slingerland argues that behaviors often dismissed as evolutionary “mistakes” — like masturbation, overeating, and drinking — actually serve deeper adaptive purposes.
Read the full article: bigthink.com/mini-philoso...
Philosopher Edward Slingerland argues that behaviors often dismissed as evolutionary “mistakes” — like masturbation, overeating, and drinking — actually serve deeper adaptive purposes.
Read the full article: bigthink.com/mini-philoso...
How do you tell real breakthroughs from scams in a growing field like longevity?
Andrew Steele, scientist and author of "Ageless", explains why longevity science is both the next revolution in medical science and a wellness fad.
#Longevity
Andrew Steele, scientist and author of "Ageless", explains why longevity science is both the next revolution in medical science and a wellness fad.
#Longevity
October 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM
How do you tell real breakthroughs from scams in a growing field like longevity?
Andrew Steele, scientist and author of "Ageless", explains why longevity science is both the next revolution in medical science and a wellness fad.
#Longevity
Andrew Steele, scientist and author of "Ageless", explains why longevity science is both the next revolution in medical science and a wellness fad.
#Longevity