Devil's Advocate: Search Solves a Problem That Isn't a Problem - Big Think

Skip to content

Who's in the Video

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell is the author of five New York Times bestsellers: The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, What the Dog Saw, and David and Goliath. His newest book, Talking to Strangers[…]

Devil’s Advocate: Search Solves a Problem That Isn’t a Problem

▸

1 min

—

with

Malcolm Gladwell

Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Can we make a better engine? Yes. Is the state of search technology the reason we haven’t found a cure for cancer? No.

Up Next

How Can We Promote Innovation?

▸

1 min

—

with

Related

Two individuals examine a large panel of wires and components. Overlaid on the right is a chart with arrows and symbols, possibly depicting a scientific process or experiment.

Will protons last forever? Why scientists are searching for signs of decay

Why hasn’t matter fallen apart over billions of years? The mystery might start with protons.

In a black and white illustration, four cartoon characters stand among poppies, set against a fantasy world backdrop. Overlaid text delves into the 19th-century currency debate, highlighting the clash between "Silverites" and "Goldbugs," merging historical intrigue with imaginative charm.

5 beloved fantasy novels based on real history

Many beloved fantasy adventures take place in worlds that bear a striking resemblance to our own.

A group of five people stands in front of a brown van, channeling their inner Richard Feynman. The background features a wall adorned with lush plants, setting the perfect scene for these everyday heroes.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Why isn’t Richard Feynman your personal hero?

One of the 20th century’s most famous, influential, and successful physicists is lauded the world over. But Feynman is no hero to me.

Starts With A Bang

Meet the first star system to “solve” the 3-body problem

Due to chaos, it was long thought that planets couldn’t stably orbit systems containing three stars. GW Orionis is the first counterexample.

A vivid cosmic scene reveals colorful nebulae and stardust in vibrant shades of blue, purple, and orange, set against a backdrop of space. NASA observatories capture this celestial beauty, unveiling hidden holes in the vast tapestry of the universe.

Starts With A Bang

The biggest holes in NASA’s suite of observatories

NASA’s space telescopes and observatories bring humanity unrivaled science images and scientific discoveries. Here’s what should be next.