Words of Wisdom — December 10, 2013

Nadine Gordimer on Power

“Power is something of which I am convinced there is no innocence this side of the womb.”- Nadine Gordimer (born on this date in 1923)

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A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

“Power is something of which I am convinced there is no innocence this side of the womb.”
– Nadine Gordimer (born on this date in 1923)

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A deep space image showing numerous galaxies of different shapes and sizes scattered across a dark background, with many stars and cosmic objects, including the ancient Methuselah star, also visible throughout.

Starts With A Bang

Is the “Methuselah star” really older than the Universe?

The Universe is precisely dated at 13.8 billion years old, but astronomers claim the Methuselah star is 14.5 billion years old. What gives?

A man holding a transparent rectangular object up to his eyes, reminiscent of the analytical gaze of Robert and Frank Oppenheimer.

The Past

The atomic bomb, exile and a test of brotherly bonds: Robert and Frank Oppenheimer

A rift in thinking about who should control powerful new technologies sent the brothers on diverging paths. For one, the story ended with a mission to bring science to the public.

a man standing in front of a blackboard with writing on it.

Neuropsych

The man who tried to redeem the world with logic

Walter Pitts rose from the streets to MIT, but couldn’t escape himself.

The Present

Shame is one of our most positive social tools — until it goes too far

Shame is a powerful tool that must be used with care.

Portrait of Tal Golesworthy by Dave Imms

Health

The engineer who fixed his own heart

When Tal Golesworthy was told he was at risk of his aorta bursting, he wasn’t impressed with the surgery on offer – so he came up with his own idea.

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J. D. Salinger on Lemmings

“It’s funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they’ll do practically anything you want them to.” ― J.D. Salinger