Guest Thinkers — December 21, 2010

Yemeni Reading List

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

After threatening several times, I have finally added a “Yemeni reading list” in the post below and I will create a permanent link on the side. The list is based on nothing other than my own likes and dislikes but that shouldn’t stop you from complaining, pointing out where I have obviously missed the most important book or article on Yemen or making any other suggestions. The list will be added to as time and my interest permits.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

An AI-generated illustration of a man sitting at a desk, accompanied by thought-provoking poetry.

Thinking

Can AI write authentic poetry?

Cognitive psychologist and poet Keith Holyoak explores whether artificial intelligence could ever achieve poetic authenticity.

Aphantasia limits the ability to visualize a statue of a man in the mind's eye.

Neuropsych

My brain doesn’t picture things. What’s wrong with me?

I also can’t conjure sounds, smells, or any other kind of sensory stimulation inside my head. This is called “aphantasia.”

The cover of the book envisions a sustainable future.

The Present

Sustainability is humanity’s North Star — and it is within our reach

Environmental progress is happening quickly but we must keep pushing for change.

A person conducting an experiment with a test tube next to a piece of bread.

The Future

Why this startup is creating edible oil from sawdust

ÄIO’s fermentation process creates healthy, sustainable oils and fats by upcycling low-value industry organics.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Is it possible that gravity isn’t quantum?

For generations, physicists have been searching for a quantum theory of gravity. But what if gravity isn’t actually quantum at all?

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