Culture & Religion — March 26, 2012

Baratunde Thurston: Being The Black Friend

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Baratunde Thurston is a politically-active, technology-loving comedian from the future. He has over 30 years experience being black. His first book, How To Be Black, was published in February 2012 by Harper Collins. In this video, Baratunde pays tribute to the unsung hero, the black friend:

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A person holds a smartphone and a book with an ornate cover, clasped together in both hands.

The Present

Silicon Valley’s obsession with AI looks a lot like religion

The tech world’s fixation on artificial intelligence has spawned beliefs and rituals that resemble religion — complete with digital deities, moral codes, and threats of damnation.

A collage featuring hands holding a plant, additional hands in sepia tone, a grid background, orange accents, and the text "Reclaim Meaning" with the number 4.

Thinking

How to reclaim meaning in a changing world

What if the barrier to a fulfilled life isn’t technology but culture?

Yellow and black bird perched on a thin branch surrounded by green leaves.

The Present

How tech is turning science into a hobby

Off-the-shelf consumer technology is helping people pursue their interests — and advancing science at the same time.

A human hand reaches toward a robotic hand, which includes a speech bubble with mathematical code. A pixelated pink background completes the scene.

The Future

AI chatbots may ease the world’s loneliness (if they don’t make it worse)

Man seeking meaningful relationship at the intersection of on-demand empathy and Rule 34.

Abstract design with human profiles, a silhouette of a person walking, and text reading "The Happiness Paradox 4" on a grid background.

The Present

Why happiness is not the best indicator of well-being

Achieving values and pursuing growth is the real secret to a fulfilled life.

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