Words of Wisdom — February 28, 2014

On Imagination

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

“Those who fear the imagination condemn it: something childish, they say, something monsterish, misbegotten. Not all of us dream awake. But those of us who do have no choice.”

– Patricia McKillip

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Animated characters observe a family walking in a snowy scene through a viewing screen, inside a control room.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: Is there such a thing as a “negative emotion”?

There’s little more infuriating in the world than being told to “calm down” when you’re in the midst of a simmering grump.

A robotic hand and a human hand reach towards each other, with a glowing DNA helix in the background, symbolizing humanity's last exam in the intersection of technology and biology.

Starts With A Bang

Why “humanity’s last exam” will ultimately fail humanity

A crowdsourced “final exam” for AI promises to test LLMs like never before. Here’s how the idea, and its implementation, dooms us to fail.

Abstract collage showcasing two mirrored, sepia-toned portraits of an older man with wild hair and a mustache, surrounded by scientific equations on a patterned background. This piece invites viewers to ponder the right question amidst the chaos of creative thought.

The Long Game

Question: Are you asking the “right” questions?

Take it from Bezos, Musk, and Einstein — rethinking lines of inquiry can transform business, investing, and innovation strategy.

Close-up of a colorful microchip wafer with geometric patterns and reflective surfaces.

The Future

Why futurist Amy Webb sees a “technology supercycle” headed our way

Hang on to something — or ride the wave — because three big tech trends are about to converge.

Open book with an abstract pattern on the left page and a black-and-white photo of a smiling woman on the right, reflecting themes of digital wellbeing through its serene and balanced design.

Business

Why “digital wellbeing” is crucial to our work-life transformation

Rather than allowing technology to exacerbate stress and disconnection, we can use it to actively support our wellbeing.

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Gods and Worms

“Man is certainly stark mad. He cannot make a worm, and yet he is willing to make gods by dozens.” — Michel de Montaigne