Bob Mankoff, cartoon editor of The New Yorker, recommends E.O. Wilson's "The Meaning of Human Existence."
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Ed Young says that even basic literacy in Chinese requires memorizing 4,000 characters.
Brian Smith tells Jim about his family’s “Recycled Christmas.” None of the gifts could be new, and the only gift wrap allowed was old newspaper. He says that Christmas was one of his best ever.
Chuck Close, a painter famous for his huge canvases and his uncanny ability to portray his subjects with almost photographic realism. He has a neurological condition that prevents him from recognizing people's faces.
Arthur Zajonc tells Jim Fleming that Einstein's idea of god is common to many top scientists.
Psychologist Carol Gilligan tells Steve Paulson that her work with teenage girls has shown her that Americans cling to “tragic histories” and have forgotten how to experience joy.
Apocalyptic stories are more than just entertaining. Millions of Americans believe the world will soon end. Cultural critic Barry Vacker unpacks this end-of-world meme.
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