Words of Wisdom — December 19, 2013

The Dreams of Your Youth

“Worse than not realizing the dreams of your youth, would be to have been young and never dreamed at all.” – Jean Genet

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“Worse than not realizing the dreams of your youth, would be to have been young and never dreamed at all.” – Jean Genet (born on this date in 1910)

The most surprising and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every week, for free.

A healthcare worker wearing gloves administers an injection with a syringe into a person's upper arm, reminding us that when it comes to vaccines, do your own research and stay informed.

Starts With A Bang

What to know about vaccines in the do-your-own-research era

For centuries, vaccines have been the top life-saving, expert medical intervention known to humans. How can individuals make the right call?

Illustration of a comet from an old manuscript on the left, and a black and white image of a comet in space on the right.

The Past

Asteroid anxiety: Astronomy’s 300-year quest to predict cosmic collisions

Fears of celestial collisions — and calculations of their likelihood — go back to the very origins of modern science itself.

Two young children with curly hair in striped sweaters enjoy lollipops, showcasing the whimsical nature of genes and behavior. The black-and-white photo gives a nostalgic feel.

Neuropsych

Blaming our genes: The heritability of behavior

When it comes to behavior, genetics may play a larger role than you think.

A close-up of a rocket engine testing setup, showing a small blue flame at the nozzle and multiple cables and pipes connected to the engine.

The Future

Ian Brooke wants to revolutionize flight as we know it

Astro Mechanica’s “turboelectric” jet engines offer a way to transform both commercial flights and space launches.

Film strip collage of abstract images—including faces with X marks, colorful patterns, and nature elements—evokes the vibrant allure of "Crazy Rich Asians.

High Culture

“Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon Chu on the American Dream and silencing your inner critic

“No matter how long you’ve been doing a job or how good people say you are, you need to care as if you’ve never done it before.”

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