I am enjoying the latest book by John Brockman – editor of The Edge�(which was referred to by The Observer as “the world’s smartest website”. �The book, “This will make you smarter” is a collation of essays by 165 of the finest thinkers and scientists, in response to a single question:
“What scientific concept would improve everybody’s cognitive toolkit?”
The answers are personal perspectives and each one that I have read so far has been stimulating, engaging and… wise. �Here is an example of deep smart leading to wisdom.
In Smart to Wise I quote Voltaire:
“Judge a man by his questions, rather than by his answers”
The wisdom of this book is in such a great question. �Brockman credits Steven Pinker with it and Daniel Kahneman for helping frame it. �In fact this is the latest in a series of “Edge Questions”. �Each year, Brockman poses a question to a wide array of top scientists and thinkers and collates the essays they write in answer. �The books are well worth looking at. �For much wisdom from some of the great thinkers of our time, check out:
This Explains Everything
Edge Question 2012: “What is your favourite deep, elegant or beautiful explanation?”
This will make you Smarter
Edge Question 2011: “What scientific concept would improve everybody’s cognitive toolkit?”
How is the Internet changing the way you Think?
Edge Question 2012: “How is�the Internet changing the way you Think?”
This will change Everything
Edge Question 2009: “What will change everything?”
What have you changed your Mind about?
Edge Question 2008: “What have you changed your mind about?”�
What are you Optimistic about?
Edge Question 2007: “What are you optimistic about?”�
What is your Dangerous idea?
Edge Question 2006: “What is your dangerous idea?”�
What we Believe but cannot Prove
Edge Question 2005: “What do you believe is true even though you cannot prove it?”�
