Guest Thinkers — October 6, 2011

Steve Jobs, R.I.P.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

At Big Think, we believe a video is worth a thousand words, especially in this case, when we are so very stunned by a life that was cut off so short. So we defer to Apple’s former evangelist, Guy Kawasaki. Watch the video here:

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Sunlight streaming into a dark cave through an opening, reminiscent of Plato's Cave, illuminates the rocky interior.

Thinking

Plato’s cave and the stubborn persistence of ignorance

Plato’s cave metaphor illustrates the cognitive trap of ignorance, where we may be unaware of the limitations of our understanding.

Two scientists in lab coats and gloves examine a small transparent plate with colorful dots, held by tweezers, in a laboratory setting.

The Future

The big problems driving nanotech development

It’s been 65 years since Richard Feynman saw “plenty of room” in the nano-world. Are we finally getting down there?

A black-and-white photo of two prisoners in uniforms stands next to a colorful animated image of a hot dog bun character with a sausage character, creating an unexpected juxtaposition that highlights the beauty of contrasts.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: If beauty is subjective, is “Shawshank Redemption” no better than “Sausage Party”?

Will “Sausage Party” survive the test of time?

Starts With A Bang

This is what we’ll see when Betelgeuse goes supernova

The closest known star that will soon undergo a core-collapse supernova is Betelgeuse, just 640 light-years away. Here’s what we’ll observe.

Close-up of a weathered wooden utility pole, marked with the number "2," standing resolute against cloudy skies—a testament to the enduring habits of nature and time.

Business

How the “two-day rule” can make your daily work-life much easier

This supremely simple hack can help you establish good habits, break bad ones, and guard against failure.

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