

#37 - Tim Urban - Beating Procrastination, Parenthood, and Politics
98 snips Mar 13, 2025
In this conversation, Tim Urban, creator of the insightful blog Wait But Why, dives into a myriad of fascinating topics. He shares his battle with procrastination and discusses the impact of parenthood on his creativity. They explore the philosophical debate between free will and determinism, while also tackling the current state of free speech and political issues in the UK. The chat takes a humorous turn with anecdotes about his pet tortoise and insightful reflections on navigating the complexities of relationships amid evolving cultural landscapes.
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Winston the Tortoise
- Tim Urban bought a tortoise on a whim in 2005, initially intending to buy a fighter fish.
- He named the tortoise Winston, and has a complicated relationship with him after giving him up for adoption.
Book Writing Process
- Write a long first draft to 'audition' different topics and writing styles.
- Refine and cut content during editing, rather than over-planning beforehand.
The Significance of ASI
- Superintelligence (ASI) surpasses all other technological advancements, rendering them less significant.
- It's crucial to discuss other advancements before ASI, as its implications overshadow everything else.