Culture & Religion — December 9, 2009

British Comedian Stephen Fry on Wilde, God & Love

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Stephen Fry, the actor, writer, and avid tweeter, paid us a visit Tuesday. Gracious and cheerful while waiting for his closeup, Fry’s interview was a fascinating series of childhood ruminations, discussions of religion and philosophy, and personal thoughts on love.

To get your fix of British humor until we publish, check out Ricky Gervais’ thoughts on politics and his recommended reading.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

High Culture

Why do some people love cringe comedy while others can’t stand it?

It may depend on whether you’re an “easily empathetically embarrassed” person.

The Present

Big Think’s Top 25 +1 Videos

Mama, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Deny Evolution If adults want to deny evolution, sure. That’s fine. Whatever. But those adults better not make their kids follow in […]

A person stands in front of a chalkboard filled with complex mathematical formulas, covering their face with their hands.

Thinking

Science makes everyone feel stupid. That’s okay!

Confronting your “absolute stupidity” is a sign you’re on course to learning something new and wonderful.

Starts With A Bang

Most planets in the Universe are orphans without parent stars

Known as orphaned planets, rogue planets, or planets without parent stars, these “outliers” might be the most common type of planet overall.

Illustration of a person standing on a ladder inside a large head with a maze-like brain exposed, symbolizing introspection or exploration of the mind.

Neuropsych

Is teaching psychology a waste of time?

When appraising human behavior, people tend to forgo the lessons of psychology in favor of assumption and anecdote.

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