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The Big Thinker

Nick Lane is asking—and answering—the vital questions about life.

September 7, 2022

Why Should We Delay Gratification?

One question for Yuko Munakata, a psychologist at the University of California, Davis and director of the Cognition in Context Lab.

September 7, 2022

To Save the Deep Ocean, We Should Mine the Moon

The moon contains a lot of mineral wealth—but how practical is mining it?

August 31, 2022

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

An anthropologist schooled in spiritual healing offers wisdom for troubled times.

August 31, 2022

Are All Brains Good at Math?

Math provokes dread in so many people—yet we are all born with a sense for numbers.

August 31, 2022

What Motivates Political Violence?

One question for Katarzyna Jaśko, a social psychologist at Jagiellonian University in Poland.

August 30, 2022

It’s High Time to Protect Our High Seas

The oceans belong to no one. But we can all take part to protect them.

August 26, 2022

Are We Ready for the Next Massive Volcano?

It’s time to get prepared, argues a professor of volcanology.

August 24, 2022

The Wisdom of Gay Albatrosses

Same-sex couples are everywhere in the animal kingdom. Only humans make a big deal about it.

August 24, 2022

Should NASA Have Its Own Spaceship to Compete with SpaceX and Blue Origin?

One Question for Lori Garver, former deputy administrator of NASA.

August 23, 2022

Two Distinguished Scientists on How to Rescue Humanity

The Anthropocene demands a massive realignment of priorities.

August 19, 2022

Another Path to Intelligence

Octopus brains are nothing like ours—yet we have much in common.

August 17, 2022