Words of Wisdom — January 2, 2014

What a Merry World It Would Be

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”-J. R. R. Tolkien (born on this date in 1892)

bigthinkeditor

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
-J. R. R. Tolkien (born on this date in 1892)

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Image with a split view: the left half shows a black-and-white image of Earth, the right half depicts a grayscale crowd scene. Text overlay: "More Humans Are Better," with the number "3" in the top right corner.

The Present

The overlooked virtues of a crowded world

In a world of rising cynicism, a celebration of our capacity to create, adapt, and thrive.

A detailed, colorful brain visualization with intricate patterns of green, blue, and yellow on a dark background.

Neuropsych

The most detailed brain map ever

Scientists have created a magnificent portrait of every connection among neurons in a fruit fly’s brain.

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.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Is antigravity even possible?

Humans, when we consider space travel, recognize the need for gravity. Without our planet, is artificial or antigravity even possible?

World map highlighting the Brandt Line, dividing the Global North and Global South across continents.

Strange Maps

The Brandt Line gave us the Global North and South. It needs an update.

In 1980, Willy Brandt drew a line across the map that still influences how we think about the world.

Up Next

Starts With A Bang

Welcome to the all-new Starts With A Bang!

How a new year, a new platform, and the same core cosmic principles are coming together to bring you the greatest stories the Universe tells us about itself. “Beauty is everywhere […]