For centuries, the oddities of nature - like two-headed cats and conjoined twins - fascinated people. Science historian Lorraine Daston says a history of wonders is to some degree a history of pre-modern science.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Poet and writer Kenneth Goldsmith talks about his "Uncreative Writing" course in which students are penalized for showing any originality and creativity. Goldsmith is the author of "Uncreative Writing: Managing Language in the Digital Age."
The French have a curatorial attitude toward their language, but in fact they add new words all the time.
Mikael Niemi is the author of the best selling book in Swedish history. "Popular Music from Vittula" is a poignant coming of age story and its author talks with Steve Paulson.
Philip Harvey tells Jim Fleming about using the profits from his porn business to underwrite his philanthropy.
Marla Cilley tells Anne Strainchamps that an orderly house begins with a clean, shiny kitchen sink, and that women should wear lace up shoes so that they’re ready for anything.
Have you ever read the Declaration of Independence? You'll find it's a surprisingly radical manifesto even today, as we struggle with income inequality and racial justice. Political philosopher Danielle Allen says reading the Declaration has actually changed the lives of her students.
When you're fed up with our world, take a mental holiday. We do. There are other worlds you can visit, like the one Patrick Rothfuss created and turned into a best- selling phenomenon.
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