Words of Wisdom — January 21, 2014

Paul Allen on Invention

"What should exist? To me, that's the most exciting question imaginable. What do we need that we don't have? How can we realize our potential?"- Paul Allen (born on this date in 1953)

bigthinkeditor

“What should exist? To me, that’s the most exciting question imaginable. What do we need that we don’t have? How can we realize our potential?”
– Paul Allen (born on this date in 1953)

a crowd of people holding rainbow flags and balloons.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: What is a woman?

If you think you know what sex, gender, and “the right thing to do” for trans youth and adults are, be sure it agrees with actual science.

a Tardigrade animal is shown in this image.

Health

How the nearly indestructible tardigrade can bring vaccines and medicine to Africa

Tardigrades can completely dehydrate and later rehydrate themselves, a survival trick that scientists are harnessing to preserve medicines in hot temperatures.

a painting of a group of people flying over a city.

Thinking

The key to feeling happier about the future: Mental time travel

We will have a better shot at improving our lives once we come to understand, know, and love the people we will one day become.

13.8

Science claims a “god’s-eye view” of reality. This is fiction

It’s a useful fiction — but it’s still fiction.

a bronze statue of a wolf and two children.

The Past

How Rome’s terrible 7th king led to the Republic

Before Rome was an empire, it was a republic. And before it was a republic, it was a kingdom ruled by seven mythical kings — some better than others.

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Starts With A Bang

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