Words of Wisdom — June 20, 2014

John le Carre on Seeing the World

“A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.” – John le Carre

bigthinkeditor

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

“A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.” – John le Carre

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

An open book reveals binary code on the left page, symbolizing AI's complexity, while a silhouette of a person balancing on a tightrope graces the right, bridging precision and creativity in harmony.

Business

Why AI could transform all jobs into BS

Oxford professor of ethics, John Tasioulas, thinks we should consider the loss of opportunity for “striving and succeeding” that AI is likely to bring.

In a black and white illustration, four cartoon characters stand among poppies, set against a fantasy world backdrop. Overlaid text delves into the 19th-century currency debate, highlighting the clash between "Silverites" and "Goldbugs," merging historical intrigue with imaginative charm.

High Culture

5 beloved fantasy novels based on real history

Many beloved fantasy adventures take place in worlds that bear a striking resemblance to our own.

A person wearing safety goggles is using a tool to grind or cut metal, creating sparks in a dimly lit workshop.

Perception Box

The man that found purpose after losing his sight

Through woodworking, John Furniss, known as The Blind Woodsman, discovered a new purpose and a way to share his vision with the world.

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6 min

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with

John Furniss

A visual representation of the hole in the ozone over Antarctica, depicted in varying colors to indicate different ozone concentration levels, against a black background.

Hard Science

How we solved the hole in the ozone

A scientist’s first-hand account shows the world can tackle a global environmental crisis.

A high-rise office building at night with one illuminated corner office visible amidst the darkened windows, a lone workaholic burning the midnight oil.

Neuropsych

Are you a workaholic? How to spot the signs

In a major shift, psychologists now view an out-of-control compulsion to work as an addiction with its own set of risk factors and consequences.

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Technology & Innovation

Pope Francis and Holding “Amoral” Subjects to a Moral Standard

Critics debate whether Pope Francis has any standing to comment on matters of world economics. Andrew Napolitano at Fox News questions whether Francis possesses the competency to discuss youth unemployment. Elizabeth Stoker of The Week argues that the pope has the duty to hold world economics to a moral standard.