Guest Thinkers — August 16, 2010

INCONVENIENT TRUTH’S PROFITS LEVEL OFF: Opens in 73 More Theaters, But Weekend Gross Falls Short of Previous Two Weekend’s Earnings

It appears that while audiences continue to go see Inconvenient Truth, some of the excitement has worn off. According to BoxOffice Mojo, the film opened in 73 more theaters this weekend, bringing its total to 587, still a tiny number compared to the 3000 screens that blockbusters run on. Across these theaters, the film earned 1.597 million over the weekend, down from the 2.016 million the week before, and the 1.911 million from two weeks back. So far, the film has earned a total of 12.359 million, ranking it fifth all-time among documentaries, just behind Madonna’s Truth or Dare

Meanwhile, Gore’s book version of the film has moved from #4 to #2 on The New York Times list of best-selling paperback non-fiction.

A digital graphic featuring a vibrant blue circle showcasing a clear sky with clouds, surrounded by radiating white lines and particles on a dark background.

The Future

Philosopher Nick Bostrom’s predictions on life in an AI utopia

Big Think recently spoke with Nick Bostrom about how humans might find fulfillment in a post-scarcity world.

View of a cityscape through a large glass window framed by steel beams, showcasing high-rise buildings burdened with debt under an overcast sky.

The Present

How we all got into debt

Consumer debt shapes American lives so thoroughly that it seems eternal and immortal, but it’s actually relatively new to the financial world.

Three men looking at a smartphone and laughing, embodying everyday philosophy, with two faded figures and a sketch of a thinker with a question mark.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Should I disinvite my bigoted friend from group trips?”

You've got to know when to fight and when to laugh.

A black and white image of Isaiah Berlin.

Business

Do you try to avoid your boss? For Isaiah Berlin that’s a big problem

Leadership evasion might seem like a plan for workplace freedom but it isn't a good thing — it's a denial of opportunity.

Starts With A Bang

How the cosmic microwave background proves the Big Bang

In the 20th century, many options abounded as to our cosmic origins. Today, only the Big Bang survives, thanks to this critical evidence.

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