Words of Wisdom — May 14, 2014

Martin on Why the Mind Needs Books

“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.” – George R.R. Martin

bigthinkeditor

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”

– George R.R. Martin

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Silhouette of a person against a blue background, overlaid with white node and line networks.

Thinking

Mechanized minds: AI’s hidden impact on human thought

While we’re busy wondering whether machines will ever become conscious, we rarely stop to ask: What happens to us?

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.

Collage with a smiling woman, a couple, a person lying down, another couple, and a decorative key with a flower on a textured background.

Neuropsych

Holocaust survivor on freeing yourself from the prison of your mind

“I am free. It’s a lot of effort to be free from the prison that is in your mind, and the key is in your pocket.” – Edith Eva Eger

A person lies in bed reading a book, wearing a white blouse, in a painting with soft, muted colors.

High Culture

ChatGPT is great at summarizing books. But will AI ever write a true work of literature?

With the right prompts, large language models can produce quality writing — and make us question the limits of human creativity.

A monochrome portrait of a man against a blue gradient background, evoking the intense drama of House of the Dragon. Features partial text overlays on the left and right sides.

High Culture

From fan to showrunner: How “House of the Dragon” creator Ryan Condal landed TV’s biggest job

Ryan Condal, who worked in pharmaceutical advertising before Hollywood, talks with Big Think about imposter syndrome, “precrastination,” and Westeros lore.

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College Lectures: Not the Best for Learning, Says New Study

Active teaching, defined as engaging students in the process of learning through activities and/or discussion in class, is far more effective than passively listening to a lecture.