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Big Think
By bigthinkEducation
Big Think episodes
- Think more rationally with Bayes’ rule | Steven Pinker
The formula for rational thinking explained by Harvard professor Steven Pinker.
In his explanation of Bayes' theorem, cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker highlights how this type of reasoning can help us determine the degree of belief we assign to a claim based on available evidence.Bayes' theorem takes into account the prior probability of a claim, the likelihood of the evidence given the claim is true, and the commonness of the evidence regardless of the claim's truth.While Bayes' theorem can be useful for making statistical predictions, Pinker cautions that it may not always be appropriate in situations where fairness and other moral considerations are important. Therefore, it's crucial to consider when Bayes' theorem is applicable and when it's not.0:00 What is Bayesian thinking?1:01 The formula2:41 When Bayes’ theorem obscures the solution4:25 Bayes’ theorem in a nutshell----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Steven Pinker:Steven Pinker is an experimental psychologist who conducts research in visual cognition, psycholinguistics, and social relations. He grew up in Montreal and earned his BA from McGill and his PhD from Harvard. Currently Johnstone Professor of Psychology at Harvard, he has also taught at Stanford and MIT. He has won numerous prizes for his research, his teaching, and his nine books, including The Language Instinct, How the Mind Works, The Blank Slate, The Better Angels of Our Nature, The Sense of Style, and Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9 min - Unlock creative genius like da Vinci and Richard Feynman | Tiago Forte
Master creative thinking in 90 minutes, with expert Tiago Forte.
It’s never been easier for us to obtain information in today’s digital age. But at the same time, it’s never been more difficult for us to organize, synthesize, and make sense of all that information we have at our fingertips.That’s why author Tiago Forte believes we need to build a “second brain,” or a personal system for knowledge management. To build up this system, Forte recommends using the CODE system: C for Capture, O for Organize, D for Distill, and E for Express.Forte elaborates on his idea of the second brain — and much, much more — in this wide-ranging Big Think interview.0:00 Meet Tiago Forte00:16 How much information do we consume?4:37 Why did history’s great minds keep ‘commonplace books’?9:58 What is the CODE framework?12:16 How do we determine what is important to capture?24:04 What are the benefits and limitations of capturing?29:38 How do we organize what has been captured?35:14 What is the distillation process?38:05 What are the stages of expression?44:26 How can we make the most out of CODE?49:06 What are divergence and convergence?1:01:29 When do we pivot between divergence and convergence?1:06:32 Why are second brain practices important?1:09:36 What is the future of second brains?1:21:14 When should we start teaching second brain practices?1:26:21 Can productivity and mindfulness coexist?----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Tiago Forte:Tiago Forte is one of the world’s foremost experts on productivity. He has taught more than 20,000 people worldwide through his programs and writes and speaks on how technology can help knowledge workers revolutionize their personal effectiveness.Tiago’s online course, Building a Second Brain, has produced more than 5,000 graduates from over 70 countries. The course draws on his experience in academic disciplines such as information science, practical fields such as user experience design, and his work with top organizations and leaders in Silicon Valley. Tiago believes knowledge management is one of the most impactful skills in the world today, and his work is dedicated to making it accessible to individuals for the first time.In a previous life, he worked in microfinance in Latin America, served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine, and consulted for large companies on product development in San Francisco. He lives in Long Beach, California, with his wife Lauren, son Caio, and dog Ximena.------------------------------------------------------06:30-19Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 42 min - Former IBM CEO: 3 rules for leaders | Ginni Rometty
Former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty reveals the secret to “good power.”
In her book "Good Power," former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty challenges the negative connotations often associated with the concept of power. She argues that power can be a force for good, and that building belief is at the heart of good power. Building belief involves creating an environment in which people voluntarily want to do something, rather than being ordered to do so out of fear. Rometty suggests that co-creating the future with others, rather than dictating it, is a key element of building belief. It is important to make the process personal by showing empathy for those involved and being authentic and honest about the challenges ahead.Rometty draws on her own experiences to illustrate these principles. For example, when IBM acquired PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting, she acknowledged the risks involved and showed empathy for the changes employees would have to go through. Ultimately, Rometty believes that building belief and empowering others — rather than attempting to sway them with money — is key to being a successful leader. She urges leaders to focus on building their own power first and then using that power to influence and inspire others toward a common goal.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Ginni Rometty:Ginni Rometty was the ninth chairman, president, and CEO of IBM. Under her leadership, the 100-year-old company reinvented 50% of its portfolio, built a $25 billion hybrid cloud business, and established leadership in AI and quantum computing.Rometty also drove record results in diversity and inclusion and supported the explosive growth of an innovative high school program to prepare the workforce of the future in more than twenty-eight countries. Through her work with the Business Roundtable, Rometty helped redefine the purpose of the corporation. She has been named Fortune's #1 Most Powerful Woman three years in a row, is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and was honored with the designation of Officier in the French Légion d'Honneur.Today Rometty serves on multiple boards and cochairs OneTen, a coalition committed to upskilling, hiring, and promoting one million Black Americans by 2030 into family-sustaining jobs and careers.------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19---------------------
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9 min - Game theory can explain humanity’s biggest problem | Steven Pinker
Harvard professor Steven Pinker explains that everyone suffers from this rationality error.
Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker argues that while the Enlightenment ideals of using knowledge to enhance human well-being are not inherently natural to us, they are vital for societal progress.But one obstacle standing in front of greater progress centers on game theory, particularly situations involving the tragedy of the commons. The tragedy of the commons describes a predicament in which individuals independently pursue their own interests, leading to the overexploitation and eventual depletion of a shared resource, ultimately harming everyone's well-being.According to Pinker, one example of a tragedy of the commons lies within what we choose to believe in public. An individual might be incentivized to believe in something because it will make them look good to people in their circle. But if enough people behave in this way, the likely consequence is that fewer people will be incentivized to earnestly search for truth.Still, Pinker maintains a hopeful outlook. He cites advancements in science and morality as evidence of progress, and he argues that humanistic values hold an inherent advantage, as they appeal to universal human desires and shared experiences.0:00 Knowledge: It’s unnatural1:17 Game theory’s ‘tragedy of the commons’1:59 The rationality commons2:55 Is there hope for civilization?----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Steven Pinker:Steven Pinker is an experimental psychologist who conducts research in visual cognition, psycholinguistics, and social relations. He grew up in Montreal and earned his BA from McGill and his PhD from Harvard. Currently Johnstone Professor of Psychology at Harvard, he has also taught at Stanford and MIT. He has won numerous prizes for his research, his teaching, and his nine books, including The Language Instinct, How the Mind Works, The Blank Slate, The Better Angels of Our Nature, The Sense of Style, and Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19---------------------
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8 min - Has the sexual revolution backfired? | Louise Perry
Sexual attitudes are more man-like than ever. Author Louise Perry explains what that means for women.
Louise Perry, the author of "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century," questions the once unambiguously positive view of the sexual revolution.Perry argues that sex-positive feminism justifies abusive and power imbalanced sexual practices and pressures women to imitate masculine roles.She believes that inherent physical and psychological differences between men and women have profound social implications that the current sexual culture doesn't serve. Her book challenges the idea that the sexual revolution was an unqualified success.0:00 The downsides of sexual liberation1:40 Freeing women to act like men3:06 “Hook up” culture3:49 Men and women are different4:47 Sociosexuality----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Louise Perry:Louise Perry is a writer and campaigner based in London, UK. She is a columnist at the New Statesman and a features writer for the Daily Mail. Her debut book, The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century, is published by Polity.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19---------------------
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12 min - Everyone needs this one skill | Tiago Forte
Productivity expert Tiago Forte tells us what schools should learn from YouTubers.
Technology has both a concentrating and democratizing force on society. While it allows a billionaire and a college student to use the same computer or phone, access to education and training determines how effectively one can use technology.Author Tiago Forte notes that those who could benefit the most from this education, such as people on the wrong side of the digital divide, often can't access it due to a lack of awareness or resources. That’s why he argues for democratizing the idea that one doesn't have to do everything with their biological mind and that cognitive extension through software can make one's life much easier.0:00 Tech democracy (with an asterisk)1:31 The problem: The real digital divide2:43 The skill everyone needs----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Tiago Forte:Tiago Forte is one of the world’s foremost experts on productivity. He has taught more than 20,000 people worldwide through his programs and writes and speaks on how technology can help knowledge workers revolutionize their personal effectiveness.Tiago’s online course, Building a Second Brain, has produced more than 5,000 graduates from over 70 countries. The course draws on his experience in academic disciplines such as information science, practical fields such as user experience design, and his work with top organizations and leaders in Silicon Valley. Tiago believes knowledge management is one of the most impactful skills in the world today, and his work is dedicated to making it accessible to individuals for the first time.In a previous life, he worked in microfinance in Latin America, served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine, and consulted for large companies on product development in San Francisco. He lives in Long Beach, California, with his wife Lauren, son Caio, and dog Ximena.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19---------------------
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6 min - You don’t need a 10-year plan. You need to experiment. | Anne-Laure Le CunffFolllow this Podcast for daily Episodes
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26 min - I make videos about life lessons, these are the ones I’ve learned firsthand | Dhar Mann
"Change your name—your failures will follow you."
That was the worst advice Dhar Mann got—from someone he admired. Instead, he built his entire brand on that very name. Now? 60+ billion views.
Growing up, he never fit in—too Indian for Americans, too American for Indians. Even ate lunch in the bathroom to avoid judgment. But later, he realized: he didn’t need to fit into any box at all.
At 30, rock bottom hit: broke, depressed, facing public failure. That’s when he stopped blaming the world—and took full ownership of his life. "If I'm not the problem, I can't be the solution."
Then COVID hit his family hard—his daughter nearly died. That moment rewired his values. Success isn’t one more video—it’s showing up. For his kids. For himself. Every single day.
Dhar Mann’s life looked perfect on the outside—but behind the scenes, he was completely falling apart. He shares how he changed his mindset and his habits to overcome the most difficult moments of his life.
For Mann, success used to mean financial achievement, but after years of chasing the next big milestone, his priorities shifted. Now, it’s about being present, especially for his family. Whether it’s taking his kids to school or setting personal goals, he’s learned that real success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the people who count on you to show up.
About Dhar Mann:
Dhar Mann is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and the founder of Dhar Mann Studios, known for creating viral videos that share powerful life lessons. With over 70 million followers and 60 billion views on YouTube, his stories inspire people to make better choices and treat others with kindness. After going through his own tough times, Dhar started making videos to help others who might be struggling too — turning his past into a purpose that connects with millions.
Folllow this Podcast for daily Episodes
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13 min - The science of shared consciousness | Lisa Miller
Ever wondered why you can sense when a loved one is in pain? This Columbia psychologist has an explanation.
Clinical psychologist Lisa Miller rejects a materialist view of the brain as a factory producing thoughts. She believes that the brain might function more like an antenna — capable of sending and receiving consciousness, which holds information, love, and intelligence. In other words, consciousness can exist independently of matter.Miller highlights scientific research that has explored this idea of shared consciousness, particularly in bonded relationships and among twins. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity, where our actions and treatment of others leave lasting imprints on a collective consciousness field.Miller wants to redefine how we understand human consciousness and interconnectedness. This view of our minds has implications for fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality: by recognizing our shared consciousness, we can live a less lonely and more mindful shared existence.--------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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9 min - The ultimate guide to rationality, with Harvard’s Steven Pinker
Harvard professor Steven Pinker explains how to develop a rational mind in 80 minutes.
Steven Pinker, a renowned Canadian cognitive psychologist and author, speaks to Big Think in this wide-ranging conversation on topics such as human progress, the tragedy of the commons, Bayesian reasoning, and strategies to curb our most destructive instincts, with the ultimate goal of improving the world for everyone.Central to Pinker's argument is the promotion of rationality. His 2023 book, Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters, delves into the enigmatic nature of human progress, examining how we have achieved so many impressive scientific breakthroughs while concurrently succumbing to widespread irrationality, like fake news and conspiracy theories. Pinker maintains that humans are not innately irrational; instead, our thought processes are better adapted to low-tech environments.So, how can we cultivate greater rationality in today's complex world? Pinker believes that one key lies in improving education. By teaching children critical thinking skills, we can better equip them to identify biases, emotional reasoning, and cognitive distortions. A more effective educational approach might emphasize probability theory, the elements of persuasive rhetoric, and developing empathy by understanding the perspectives of those with differing viewpoints. By fostering these skills, we can nurture a more rational and informed society capable of addressing the challenges of our modern era.0:00 Meet Steven Pinker0:25 Why does rationality matter?3:44 How can we measure human progress?10:17 Is your view of progress optimistic?12:12 Are we a rational or an irrational species?18:29 What are the current threats to rationality and progress?23:41 Why do new technologies tend to increase irrational thinking?26:05 How do institutions both enable and hinder progress?29:57 How does cancel culture stifle rationality?32:14 What are "tragedies of the commons" and how can they impede progress?35:58 Do "tragedies of the commons" contribute to political polarization?37:23 How can narrative thinking skew our perception of the world?39:51 What are cognitive illusions and do they explain irrationality?44:49 What is Bayesian reasoning?50:34 What’s a situation where people tend to neglect Bayesian reasoning?55:53 Why is Bayesian reasoning indispensable for scientists and AI researchers?56:42 How useful is Bayesian logic for everyday reasoning?59:25 Why is it so hard to get people to use Bayesian reasoning?1:00:29 When can a focus on Bayesian reasoning become problematic?1:04:20 Why do some journalists and scientists forego Bayesian reasoning?1:08:22 Is the media responsible for our inability to employ Bayesian reasoning?1:10:08 Can you simplify Bayes’ theorem for us?1:10:59 Can we become more rational?1:17:03 Do we have what it takes to be collectively more rational?-------------------------------------------------------------------About Steven Pinker:Steven Pinker is an experimental psychologist who conducts research in visual cognition, psycholinguistics, and social relations. He grew up in Montreal and earned his BA from McGill and his PhD from Harvard. Currently Johnstone Professor of Psychology at Harvard, he has also taught at Stanford and MIT. He has won numerous prizes for his research, his teaching, and his nine books, including The Language Instinct, How the Mind Works, The Blank Slate, The Better Angels of Our Nature, The Sense of Style, and Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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1 hr 27 min
About Big Think
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Big Think is the leading source of expert-driven, actionable, educational content -- with thousands of videos, featuring experts ranging from Bill Clinton to Bill Nye, we help you get smarter, faster.…
Get actionable lessons from the world’s greatest thinkers & doers. Our experts are either disrupting or leading their respective fields. We aim to help you explore the big ideas and core skills that define knowledge in the 21st century, so you can apply them to the questions and challenges in your own life.
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