Politics & Current Affairs — February 7, 2012

Individual Liberty Defined

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A man with glasses is smiling for the camera, showcasing his ability to operate at all levels.

Why the ability to “operate at all levels” defines leadership

In a guest essay for Big Think Business, Pedro Franceschi — co-founder and co-CEO of Brex — explains why deftly navigating between vision and details is crucial for successful leaders.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: How many constants define our Universe?

Some constants, like the speed of light, exist with no underlying explanation. How many “fundamental constants” does our Universe require?

Starts With A Bang

The 13 scales that define our physical Universe

The visible Universe extends 46.1 billion light-years from us, while we’ve probed scales down to as small as ~10^-19 meters.

a diagram of different shapes and sizes.

Smart Skills

You face 60 “Choice Points” each day — and they define who you are

Better cognitive control over our decisions can stave off disappointment in our actions.

Neuropsych

Echolocation mastery activates the visual cortex in blind individuals

A recent study highlights the astounding adaptability of the human brain.

Up Next

Floating University

Paul Ryan, Individual Liberty, and the Fate of Medicare

Just as Mitt Romney appears to be wrapping up the Republican nomination for the presidency, congressional Republicans are taking steps to set up their own political framework for the 2012 […]