James Gleick's "The Information" is a sweeping history of information, going back to the invention of writing and the African tradition of talking drums. He tells Steve Paulson that the invention of information technologies has changed the very nature of consciousness.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
If you really want to get a feel for Isaac Newton - perhaps history's greatest scientist - the best way is to see his original manuscripts at Cambridge University Library. But they're so valuable, it's hard to get permission to look at them. They did let Steve Paulson in, but only in the company of 4 archivists, plus Newton historian Sarah Dry.
Jack Gottschalk tells Steve Paulson that piracy is alive and well on the high seas, from crews who hi-jack tankers and container ships to well-armed bandits who prey on boat people.
James WIlliam Gibson talks about ways in which people are seeking to reconnect with the natural world and to protect it, rather than simply exploit it as a resource.
In this segment, NPR correspondent Howard Berkes, who is based in Salt Lake City, tells Jim Fleming what it’s like to ride a luge and a bobsled.
James Bradley is the son of John Bradley, one of the six G.I.’s who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. Bradley tells Jim Fleming about the battle, and why his father would never discuss his combat experiences.
Ilan Stavans explains how speaking four languages give him a sense of self.
J.J. Murphy talks about his book, "The Black Hole of the Camera: The Films of Andy Warhol."
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