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The Well

The Well

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 Ideas that inspire a life well-lived. Welcome to 'The Well', a publication by the John Templeton Foundation and Big Think Follow And Leave A 5 Star Review For Enquiries: theboldgenz@gmail.comThe Well Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • The problem with the theory of everything | Janna Levinn - The Well

    The problem with the theory of everything | Janna Levinn - The Well
    Jul 27 2024
    Gravity defies quantum mechanics. What does that mean for a theory of everything? There’s a pursuit of simplicity and unification in theoretical physics, aiming for a single mathematical law to unify quantum mechanics and gravity: a theory of everything. But while other forces have been successfully unified, gravity resists integration — casting doubt on the likelihood of ever unlocking the theory of all theories. As physicist Janna Levin explains, black holes, with their strong space-time curvature, provide insights into this challenge. Levin draws parallels to mathematicians' incompleteness theorems, noting the inherent limitations in such an overarching theory. Acknowledging the complexity of the endeavor, Levin emphasizes the need to embrace and explore gravity's enigmatic nature fully. In doing so, the pursuit of unification might still yield profound insights, even if a comprehensive theory of everything remains elusive. -------------------------- ❍ About The Well ❍ Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds. So what do they think? How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions? Let’s dive into The Well. Follow The Well Now!
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    6 mins
  • What geniuses get wrong about being “smart” | Barbara Oakleyy - The Well

    What geniuses get wrong about being “smart” | Barbara Oakleyy - The Well
    Jul 23 2024
    With great genius comes great rigidity. Professor Barabara Oakley on how to stay mentally agile — and get smarter as a result. Join Barbara Oakley as she delves into the concept of "Einstellung," a psychological phenomenon where our brains become stuck in one way of thinking. Oakley explains how this tendency to stick with what we know from an early age narrows our cognitive abilities, as unused brain connections are pruned away, limiting our potential to perceive and embrace new ideas. Using her own personal anecdotes, Oakley illustrates the dangers of these echo chambers and the importance of maintaining open dialogues with differing viewpoints. She warns of the societal risks of polarization and the dismissal of opposing opinions, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary issues with fake news and the importance of critical thinking. Whether you're looking to enhance your problem-solving skills or simply curious about the workings of the human mind, Oakley's insights offer a path towards a more flexible and enriched mental landscape. Join us to discover how to break free from mental ruts and embrace a life filled with learning and growth. ------------------------------ ❍ About The Well ❍ Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds. So what do they think? How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions? Let’s dive into The Well.
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    7 mins
  • Words do matter—and you might be using them all wrong | Alan Alda

    Words do matter—and you might be using them all wrong | Alan Alda
    Jul 23 2024
    Are you convincing everyone you’re smart, or accidentally alienating them? Here’s how to find out. While jargon has the advantage of communicating a lot of information in a short amount of time, it has deeply alienating effects on those even slightly outside the field of reference. Director, actor, and master communicator Alan Alda uses examples from film sets and hospital rooms to illustrate jargon’s impact on our interactions, and how it can exclude those we are trying to communicate with. Now more than ever, we need to find ways to foster connections and encourage close relationships with one another. The solution, Alda explains, is to use jargon only when you are confident that it is completely understood by the person you are speaking with. Otherwise, you risk losing the opportunity to truly communicate, causing misunderstanding and even disinterest. Approaching conversations with this level of empathy creates an environment where all listeners can feel included, encouraging them to learn, share their ideas, and continue keeping knowledge accessible. --------------------------------------- ❍ About The Well ❍ Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds. So what do they think? How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions? Let’s dive into The Well.
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    7 mins
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