Why Nikola Tesla was obsessed with the Egyptian pyramids

The inventor Nikola Tesla's esoteric beliefs included unusual theories about the Egyptian pyramids.

Tesla and the Pyramid of Giza

Mstyslav Chernov/Wikimedia
  • Nikola Tesla had numerous unusual obsessions.
  • One of his beliefs was that the Great Pyramids of Egypt were giant transmitters of energy.
  • He built Tesla Towers according to laws inspired by studying the Pyramids.
Keep reading Show less
nikola tesla physics egypt pyramids invention technology energy

How Big Think can better support you and how you can support Big Think

Here's a letter from our co-founders on the ways to help the world get smarter, faster, through engaging actionable content.

Mind & Brain

Dear readers,

We're the co-founders of Big Think. First and foremost, we want to thank you for your viewership. Over the last 12 years, you have helped us take Big Think from a vision scrawled in notes on lined paper to a reality that has reached over 1 billion people with the mission of helping the world get "smarter faster".

Keep reading Show less

VPNs are a must for private browsing in 2020. Here are huge deals on 5 of them

With a virtual private network, you're accessing a separate server for your internet use, making it virtually impossible for hackers or malicious outsiders to track your online activities and hack your accounts.

  • In the U.S., only 5% of web users are protected with a VPN service.
  • These five deals provide protection and unrestricted web usage at top speeds.
  • All five VPN services are currently discounted as much as 97% off.
    • Keep reading Show less
    security computers data privacy technology

    Study: You can have empathy and still be a psychopath

    People who score high in "dark triad" personality traits are able to empathize. They'd just rather not.

    Pixabay
    • People who score high in the personality traits narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy can empathize, but generally lack the disposition to do so, according to a recent study.
    • These traits are part of the "dark triad" of personality, which has been used to study malevolent personality traits since 2002.
    • The results suggest it might be possible to encourage psychopaths to empathize more, but no evidence shows this is effective over the long term.
    Keep reading Show less
    evolutionary psychology personality psychology

    The utopian 1920s scheme for five global superstates

    Austro-Japanese aristocrat Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi later concentrated on plans for Pan-Europe.

    One person's utopia is another's dystopia: A world map of five superstates.

    Image: public domain
    Strange Maps
    • Unity is strength: This 1920s map divides the world among just five superstates.
    • The map was produced by count Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi, who devoted his life to European unity.
    • This utopian map may have inspired George Orwell's dystopian world in 1984.
    Keep reading Show less
    europe politics globalization Maps

    6 video games that can help older players focus and relax

    More people over 50 are becoming gamers, but finding the right game can be tough.

    Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
    Gear
    • Over 164 million Americans play video games on their phones, computers, or gaming consoles.
    • 21 percent of gamers in the United States are over the age of 50.
    • Studies have shown that games can improve memory and reduce signs of aging.
    Keep reading Show less
    video games brain games elder baby boomers

    Psychology behind the unfunny consequences of jokes that denigrate

    "It's just a joke," right?

    Dorann Weber / Getty Images
    Culture & Religion
    Q: Why did the woman cross the road?
    A: Who cares! What the hell is she doing out of the kitchen?
    Q: Why hasn't NASA sent a woman to the moon?
    A: It doesn't need cleaning yet!

    These two jokes represent disparagement humor – any attempt to amuse through the denigration of a social group or its representatives.

    Keep reading Show less
    race women humor funny feminism psychology