Can you solve the hard problem of consciousness? | Swami Sarvapriyananda

From Big Think. Swami Sarvapriyananda is a distinguished monk of the Ramakrishna Order, widely revered for his profound insights into Vedanta and spirituality. With an erudite understanding and eloquent delivery, he has captivated audiences worldwide, elucidating complex philosophical concepts with clarity and relevance to contemporary life. Ordained into monastic life in 1994, he holds a…

Why belief systems are absolutely imperative to human existence | Agustín Fuentes

From Big Think. Agustín Fuentes is an esteemed anthropologist renowned for his integrative approach to understanding human evolution. Currently a professor at Princeton University, Fuentes’ research spans the biological, social, and environmental influences on human development and behavior. His work challenges conventional narratives about human nature, emphasizing cooperation, creativity, and the capacity for change as…

“It seems our existence actually transcends the passage of time” | Sabine Hossenfelder

From Big Think. Sabine Hossenfelder is a German theoretical physicist and research fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies. Known for her work in phenomenology, her research interests include physics beyond the standard model, modifications of general relativity, and the foundations of quantum mechanics. Hossenfelder is also a prominent science communicator, sharing her insights…

Give up on happiness. Go hard at wonder | Monica Parker for Big Think+

From Big Think. Pathologically busy people clamoring for happiness. Founder of HATCH Monica Parker explains how we can do so much better than that. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, The anxiety advantage ► https://youtu.be/CO-6iqCum1w?si=M_JbWY8rrTGUQQpm The pursuit of happiness is unrealistic. Seek this other emotion, instead. Monica Parker, founder of HATCH…

Give your pain meaning, with Nike athlete Tunde Oyeneyin

From Big Think. Nike athlete and famed Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin shares how she turned her pain into purpose. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full Perception Box series ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uULy4b0kV4iomWS7CzqCdOCwj0lFnLr&si=yCY6Ee7m6bpj7E-y Without her struggles, her self-doubts, and her losses, Tunde Oyeneyin would not be the educator, trainer, and worldwide inspiration that…

How to see clearly through deceptive emotions | Kristen Lindquist

From Big Think. Neuroscientist Kristen Lindquist on how even on a biological level, emotions are entirely subjective. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full Perception Box series ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uULy4b0kV4iomWS7CzqCdOCwj0lFnLr&si=yCY6Ee7m6bpj7E-y According to this neuroscientist, your emotions look different from those of someone who grew up on the other side of the world.…

How American marriage has changed over time 💍 | Richard Reeves

From Big Think. Richard Reeves is a distinguished British-American author, economist, and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, where he focuses on social mobility, inequality, and family policy. Born in the United Kingdom, Reeves’ career spans both journalism and policy research, making him a versatile voice in public debates on both sides of the Atlantic.…

Why “colorblind” shouldn’t be a dirty word | Coleman Hughes

From Big Think. Coleman Hughes is a distinguished American writer, podcaster, and public intellectual known for his nuanced perspectives on contentious social issues, including race relations, social justice, and public policy. A fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor at City Journal, Hughes has carved out a unique space in contemporary discourse with…

The hidden cost of cheap meat exposed by Peter Singer

From Big Think. Princeton Bioethics professor Peter Singer challenges our factory food systems, the underlying psychology that fuels them, and shares a path towards more ethical eating. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, Change your diet, extend your life ► https://youtu.be/eZRz7k83W-Y?si=r8W874BX905M91th Peter Singer, professor of Bioethics and author of "Animal Liberation…

Gary Vee: Why I bought THIS shoe (it’s a billion-dollar marketing question)

From Big Think. Marketing maverick @garyvee reveals how empathy, listening, and patience aren’t just virtues – they’re your ultimate advertising tools. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, Master your anxiety. Unleash your genius ► https://youtu.be/CO-6iqCum1w?si=1pm0N1VLfEAZqofp According to marketing expert Gary Vaynerchuk, the best ideas come from one thing: listening. Gary Vaynerchuk,…

Black holes are places, not things | Janna Levin

From Big Think. Janna Levin is a distinguished theoretical cosmologist and a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, Columbia University. With a Ph.D. from MIT, Levin has dedicated her career to exploring the intricacies of the universe, specializing in the theory of black holes, the cosmology of extra dimensions, and the sound of…

This is what anxiety looks like in your brain | Dr. Wendy Suzuki

From Big Think. Dr. Wendy Suzuki is a renowned neuroscientist and professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University. Her groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of the brain’s plasticity and its capacity to change and adapt in response to various stimuli, including physical activity and emotional states. A central focus of…

The incredible anatomy of your dog’s nose | Ed Yong

From Big Think. Ed Yong is a highly acclaimed science journalist and author, known for his compelling articles that explore the intricacies of the natural world and human biology. With a background in biochemistry from University College London and a master’s degree in science communication, Yong has built a career that bridges the gap between…

Master your anxiety. Unleash your genius | Jesse Eisenberg

From Big Think. Actor, author, and director Jesse Eisenberg demystifies the role of anxiety and self-doubt in leadership. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, Adam Grant’s #1 phrase to unlock potential ► https://youtu.be/rJWFxu6k1g4?si=7SAv4Wew_noIykJ2 In a candid exploration of the forces that drive creativity and success, Jesse Eisenberg delves into the paradoxes…

Try psychedelics. Access transcendence. | James Fadiman

From Big Think. Expert James Fadiman explains how psychedelics have the power to expand consciousness, enhance creativity, and deepen our connections to the world. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full Perception Box series ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uULy4b0kV4iomWS7CzqCdOCwj0lFnLr&si=yCY6Ee7m6bpj7E-y James Fadiman, a distinguished figure with over six decades in psychedelic research, examines the profound…

Arguments for a colorblind America with Coleman Hughes

From Big Think. Is race politics poisoning young minds? Coleman Hughes offers his argument. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, The friendship recession ► https://youtu.be/VpOan0hqdNA?si=Y2iQDn7oIJQ1Q6e1 Coleman Hughes is an American writer and podcast host known for his work on issues related to race, racism, and racial inequality. In this interview, we…

The case for using psychedelics to heal from trauma

From Big Think. Rachel Yehuda is a preeminent researcher in the field of psychiatry and neuroscience, particularly recognized for her groundbreaking work on the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the use of psychedelics to treat trauma-related disorders. With a career spanning several decades, Yehuda has significantly contributed to our understanding of how traumatic experiences affect…

The things most listless couples are missing from their sex lives | Esther Perel

From Big Think. Esther Perel is a celebrated Belgian psychotherapist and bestselling author, renowned for her insightful exploration into human relationships, intimacy, and sexuality. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Perel’s multicultural upbringing and her parents’ resilience greatly influenced her approach to therapy and her understanding of human dynamics. Perel’s pioneering work, particularly in the realm of…

How reality TV stole my childhood | Jack Osbourne

From Big Think. The Osbournes was MTV’s biggest show – and it almost cost Jack Osbourne his life. Here’s how his family’s reality TV fame stole his childhood, and how he’s been able to heal since. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full Perception Box series ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uULy4b0kV4iomWS7CzqCdOCwj0lFnLr&si=yCY6Ee7m6bpj7E-y Jack Osbourne grew…

“About 70% of people have experienced at least one of these traumatic experiences.”

From Big Think. Rachel Yehuda is a renowned professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and the Director of the Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Specializing in the fields of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the intergenerational transmission of trauma, her groundbreaking research has significantly advanced…

Debunking the #1 myth about enlightenment | Robert Waldinger

From Big Think. Enlightenment: After the ecstasy, the laundry. Why enlightenment is never an end in itself. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, How to enter ‘flow state’ on command ► https://youtu.be/znwUCNrjpD4?si=CVjwtQV6sfe7D5vi Ask people what it means to be enlightened and you’ll get a wide variety of answers. But according to…

This dark fable may predict humanity’s future with AI

From Big Think. Peter Singer is an Australian moral philosopher and the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Singer is best known for his work in applied ethics, where he takes a utilitarian approach to animal rights, global poverty, and the ethics of life and death decisions. His…

The making of daredevil stuntman Steve-O

From Big Think. You know Steve-O. Now meet Steve Glover, as the professional stuntman talks to us about pain, insecurity, and never finding contentment. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full Perception Box series ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uULy4b0kV4iomWS7CzqCdOCwj0lFnLr&si=yCY6Ee7m6bpj7E-y In this deeply personal and revealing interview, Steve Glover, better known as Steve-O, the daredevil…

Why Steve-O risked his life over, and over, and over again

From Big Think. You know Steve-O. Now meet Steve Glover, as the professional stuntman talks to us about pain, insecurity, and never finding contentment. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full Perception Box series ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uULy4b0kV4iomWS7CzqCdOCwj0lFnLr&si=yCY6Ee7m6bpj7E-y In this deeply personal and revealing interview, Steve Glover, better known as Steve-O, the daredevil…

Free speech, explained by Greg Lukianoff

From Big Think. Author of the Canceling of the American Mind Greg Lukianoff explains the current state of free speech in the United States. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, 10 biggest world threats of 2024, ranked ► https://youtu.be/tpPFdFdfxxM?si=P-65ryfnLZGOs0bX Greg Lukianoff, president of the @TheFIREorg discusses how free speech has evolved…

Terry Crews on the power of being “unembarrassable”

From Big Think. In this inspiring interview, Terry Crews discusses the importance of being unembarrassable and how it has helped him in his personal growth and career. From making mistakes to embracing masculinity, Terry’s wisdom and experience will inspire you to always keep learning and growing, both in acting and in life. Terry Crews is…

Want to be a CEO? Become a master of paradox | Adam Bryant for Big Think+

From Big Think. Adam Bryant interviewed over 1,000 CEO’s. These are the 3 critical skills to running a company. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Get Big Think+ for Business ► https://bigthink.com/plus/great-leaders-think-big/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description Adam Bryant was a journalist at the New York Times for nearly 18 years. In that time, he interviewed over 1,000…

How rejection made Julie Plec an undeniable leader

From Big Think. This is how rejection made executive producer and director Julie Plec an undeniable leader. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full Perception Box series ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uULy4b0kV4iomWS7CzqCdOCwj0lFnLr&si=yCY6Ee7m6bpj7E-y Creator of the popular series “The Vampire Diaries,” Julie Plec is proof imposter syndrome never goes away, no matter how big you…

Jane Goodall’s very first experience as a scientist

From Big Think. Since 1960, Jane Goodall’s name has been synonymous with the study of wild chimpanzees and later with conservation and advocacy. And in more recent years, for a campaign to spread a message about the importance of hope. Throughout her 89 years, the experiences that Jane has had and the story she tells…

Are animals and computers conscious in the same way humans are?

From Big Think. Reid Hoffman is one of the world’s best-known tech entrepreneurs and investors. Perhaps best known for his role in helping to co-found LinkedIn, he’s also an accomplished writer and a student of philosophy. Reid was an early investor and advisor to OpenAI, the startup responsible for creating what is likely the best-known…

How work has shaped society | James Suzman

From Big Think. From hunter-gatherers to the American Dream: How humanity’s definition of “work” has developed over time. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, Work culture in the U.S. is broken. It’s on employers to fix it. ► https://youtu.be/mUiHUMu4Zgk?si=-eNlib4_PxsXEkjY Humans used to hunt and gather. Now, we have 9-to-5 jobs. Anthropologist…

The beauty of our improbable existence with a NASA expert, physicist & futurist

From Big Think. Humanity’s future is bright, according to the ones who study our past. This video is an episode from @The-Well, our publication about ideas that inspire a life well-lived, created with the @JohnTempletonFoundation. Subscribe to The Well on YouTube ► https://bit.ly/thewell-youtube Watch the full podcast now ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_B7bI1QVmJBz9-5hI4sihQbxgcShW77l&si=yX6F_3lbdjrHA5do The future is coming, whether…

Rule #1: do not knock down random fences.

From Big Think. That completely useless thing you want to get rid of? It’s probably more important than you think. "Chesterton’s Fence" is the idea that if you don’t know what something does, think very carefully before you decide to axe it. And it can help you avoid making terrible decisions. With roots in government…

Incarcerated for 19 years. Here’s how he found freedom | Shaka Senghor

From Big Think. Shaka Senghor spent 19 years in prison, 7 of them in solitary confinement. This is how he found true freedom. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full Perception Box series ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uULy4b0kV4iomWS7CzqCdOCwj0lFnLr&si=yCY6Ee7m6bpj7E-y The way Shaka Senghor tells his story, he found himself incarcerated long before he officially went…

Why creating is crucial to human existence | Godfrey Reggio, Steve Albini, and Fred Armisen

From Big Think. Filmmaker Godfrey Reggio, rock icon Steve Albini, and comedian Fred Armisen told us the meaning of life: This video is an episode from @The-Well, our publication about ideas that inspire a life well-lived, created with the @JohnTempletonFoundation. Subscribe to The Well on YouTube ► https://bit.ly/thewell-youtube Watch the full podcast now ► https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_B7bI1QVmJBz9-5hI4sihQbxgcShW77l&si=yX6F_3lbdjrHA5do…

How many black holes do we know of?

From Big Think. Physicist Brian Cox explains "In terms of radio telescopes, we have a direct observation of two of them from the event horizon collaboration. One of the black holes in the galaxy called M87, which is about 55 million light years away, is so supermassive it’s over 6 billion times the mass of…

10 biggest world threats of 2024, ranked | Ian Bremmer

From Big Think. The United States is the biggest risk in 2024. Here are the other 9, explained by Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Up next, Ian Bremmer on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ► https://youtu.be/K5tcwIicICg?si=MojzirqWphoXEUtb Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media,…