Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma

ENCORE: Hanksgiving

13 snips

Nov 27, 2024

Join Tom Hanks, the two-time Oscar winner and bestselling author, as he delves into the fast-paced world of information and AI. He shares captivating thoughts on the impact of cell phones on memory and the connections between acting and writing. Explore the appeal of time travel as an escape and ponder whether to revisit the past or leap into the future. Hanks also reflects on his historical inspirations and the intriguing complexities of human nature, providing plenty of food for thought.

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INSIGHT

Information Overload

The speed of information is a double-edged sword.
It connects us but also overwhelms us, potentially hindering deeper learning.

ANECDOTE

Waze Dependency

Tom Hanks questions the use of Waze for navigation.
He highlights how over-reliance on such apps can alter neighborhoods and make drivers dependent.

INSIGHT

Externalized Memory

We've offloaded memory onto devices, impacting our ability to retain information.
Tom Hanks and Paul Giamatti reminisce about remembering phone numbers as kids.

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As we approach Thanksgiving, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations with the legendary Tom Hanks. Paul, Stephen, and Tom discuss the speed of information, ChatGPT, cognitive dissonance in AI, and even question the use of Waze to beat traffic. How have our memories changed since the advent of cell phones? Are acting skills useful when it comes to writing a book?

Plus, Tom still recalls his Bosom Buddies co-star Peter Scolari’s lines from 1980 and shares a baseball/acting analogy that puts it all in perspective. Why are time travel fantasies the perfect escape, and where does Tom dream of going? What’s the logic of time travel, and what would be better: going back to the past or moving forward into the future?

Tom shares cautionary food for thought from Thornton Wilder and Charlton Heston, along with lessons gleaned from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes. Also, what are the rules of infidelity in time travel, and has there ever been a true golden age? Tom explains what it means to be a “presentist,” why he’s a bit of a skeptic, and joins the guys in exploring whether or not human nature has really changed over time.

Paul Giamatti is an award-winning actor and producer. Stephen Asma is a professor and author specializing in the philosophy of science, religion, and art.

Tom Hanks is a 2-time Academy Award winning actor, writer and author. His novel The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece is a New York Times Best Seller. His charitable coffee line, Hanx: For Our Troops, can be found at givehanx.com or on instagram @givehanx. All profits go to those who serve, and their families.

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