Starts With A Bang — April 3, 2016

New Starts With A Bang Podcast Is Live!

Thanks to the generous contributions of our Patreon supporters (which includes many of you), Starts With A Bang has now been creating free-to-listen-and-download podcasts for the past six months, including our latest one on the most distant galaxy in the Universe.

In addition to bringing you all these wonderful stories ad-free on Medium, Patreon supporters get an additional monthly newsletter, exclusive early access to all podcasts, priority selection for Ask Ethan columns, and the ability to interact with me directly on the Patreon forums. Best of all, we’re almost ready to unlock the next reward in our campaign: the commissioning of the most accurate, beautiful history-of-the-Universe poster ever created!

Support our Patreon campaign today, and help me continue to bring the story of the Universe — in new and exciting ways — to the entire world!

A digital graphic featuring a vibrant blue circle showcasing a clear sky with clouds, surrounded by radiating white lines and particles on a dark background.

The Future

Philosopher Nick Bostrom’s predictions on life in an AI utopia

Big Think recently spoke with Nick Bostrom about how humans might find fulfillment in a post-scarcity world.

View of a cityscape through a large glass window framed by steel beams, showcasing high-rise buildings burdened with debt under an overcast sky.

The Present

How we all got into debt

Consumer debt shapes American lives so thoroughly that it seems eternal and immortal, but it’s actually relatively new to the financial world.

Three men looking at a smartphone and laughing, embodying everyday philosophy, with two faded figures and a sketch of a thinker with a question mark.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Should I disinvite my bigoted friend from group trips?”

You've got to know when to fight and when to laugh.

A black and white image of Isaiah Berlin.

Business

Do you try to avoid your boss? For Isaiah Berlin that’s a big problem

Leadership evasion might seem like a plan for workplace freedom but it isn't a good thing — it's a denial of opportunity.

Starts With A Bang

How the cosmic microwave background proves the Big Bang

In the 20th century, many options abounded as to our cosmic origins. Today, only the Big Bang survives, thanks to this critical evidence.

Up Next

Culture & Religion

The Name “America” Evokes European Colonialism. How Should We Rename It?

The name of our country reflects a legacy of blood-soaked European colonialism and other historical ills. To get a fresh start, we should rebrand America by renaming it.