Big Think

Anna Butrico, Chief of Staff at Odgers Berndtson and co-author of Risk: A User's Guide, dives into the contentious history of Google's Project Maven. She challenges the morality of tech companies collaborating with the military in an AI arms race. Butrico traces Google's 'Don't Be Evil' slogan and highlights employee protests when they discovered the partnership's implications. She explores the cultural clash between innovation and ethics, questioning how we define 'evil' in today's complex technological landscape.

In this discussion, Matthew Ball, CEO of Epyllion and a prominent voice on the metaverse, explores grand possibilities for the future of the internet. He emphasizes that while the metaverse is still a vision, it holds potential for transformative applications, particularly in healthcare through holographic interactions. However, he warns of existing issues like misinformation that may intensify. Ball argues that this emerging space offers a rare chance for all stakeholders to reshape internet governance and address long-standing challenges.

Peter Schwartz, a renowned futurist and Chief Future Officer at Salesforce, delves into the art of predicting futures. He discusses why envisioning positive outcomes is often harder than imagining disasters. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of scenario planning, where multiple possible futures are explored to inform decisions. He shares insights from his work on films like Minority Report and highlights the role of collaboration in foresight. Genetic engineering's potential to enhance human capabilities is also a key topic, sparking thoughts on a radically different future.

Daniel Goleman, a renowned science journalist and psychologist, dives into the transformative world of emotional intelligence, a concept he popularized in his best-selling book. He discusses the four critical domains of emotional intelligence and how they underpin exceptional leadership. Goleman emphasizes that self-awareness and empathy are vital for effective relationships and navigating conflict. Best of all, he reveals that emotional intelligence can be cultivated, offering a roadmap for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and personal growth.

Richard V. Reeves, a senior fellow focused on inequality and author, discusses the alarming trends affecting boys and men today. He highlights the 'quiet male crisis' marked by falling educational outcomes and disconnection from the labor market. Reeves challenges societal narratives and suggests targeted policy responses, like increasing male representation in education and mental health fields. He also addresses the rising rates of male unemployment and suicide, advocating for systemic changes to support young men in navigating contemporary challenges.

Neuroscientist Patrick McNamara, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology, dives into the transformative power of REM sleep. He illustrates how dreaming fuels creativity by merging distant concepts, leading to innovative ideas and solutions. McNamara stresses that while modern society often overlooks dreams, traditional cultures recognized their potential. He suggests three practical strategies to harness REM sleep, emphasizing that by respecting our dream state, we could tackle global challenges and propel cultural evolution.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Sarah Schnitker, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Baylor University, delves into the development of virtues like patience and gratitude. She shares compelling insights from her research on how challenges, rather than comfort, foster moral habits. Highlighting the benefits of community in cultivating virtue, Sarah notes that practices like Ramadan fasting can lead to increased self-control. Ultimately, she urges a shift from self-optimization to a focus on contributing positively to our communities.

Nate Silver, a renowned statistician, poker player, and author of 'On The Edge', dives into the art of risk-taking. He reveals how successful risk-takers are strategic rather than reckless, emphasizing the importance of making evidence-based decisions. Silver discusses the unique traits that set these risk-takers apart, highlighting their comfort with uncertainty and the ability to act decisively when information is limited. He offers insights on how to quantify choices and balance risk in our daily lives.

Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA officer and founder of EverydaySpy.com, delves into the captivating concept of the 'economy of secrets.' He discusses how every conversation can be a negotiation of hidden information, emphasizing the strategic advantages of understanding and leveraging secrets in social interactions. Bustamante elaborates on the classification of secrets and the art of using open questions to glean valuable insights. Listeners gain a fresh perspective on the dynamics of fairness and information superiority, transforming their approach to communication.

In this conversation, Kelly Richmond Pope, a forensic accounting expert and professor at DePaul University, dives into the complexities of white-collar crime. She introduces the Fraud Triangle—opportunity, rationalization, and pressure—to explain how ordinary people become perpetrators. Kelly discusses varying types of fraudsters, from intentional to accidental, and explores society's fascination with fraud stories. She emphasizes the dangers of corporate culture and how it can lead to unethical behavior, shedding light on the often-overlooked motivations behind these crimes.