The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

Are we individual beings, or is that a false sense of identity? Is everything relative? What’s wrong with reductive science? Many Westerners internalize the idea that each of us is an individual—separate from others and our surroundings. However, in The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, British philosopher Alan Watts argues that the concept of humans as separate beings is an illusion: the ego trick. Read more for an overview of this thought-provoking book.

Richard Feynman at Caltech & the Path to His Academic Home

Richard Feynman at Caltech & the Path to His Academic Home

What did Richard Feynman do before he taught at Caltech? Why was Caltech such a good fit for him? For Richard Feynman, Caltech was home—academically speaking. His career took a few turns before he settled in at Caltech. And, he grew in his understanding of what it meant—for him—to be a teacher. He tells the story in his memoir Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! Continue reading to learn a bit about Feynman’s time at Caltech and the path he took to get there.

How Liberal Intellectuals Conspire With the Power Elite

How Liberal Intellectuals Conspire With the Power Elite

How did the role of American intellectuals change after World War II? What impact has this had on political power? In The Power Elite, American sociologist C. Wright Mills argues that, traditionally, intellectuals in America helped Americans understand what was going on in their society, how it affected their lives, and what they could do about it. However, he claims that this changed after World War II. Keep reading to learn how liberal intellectuals contribute to the influence of the power elite in America.

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Study Guide

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Study Guide

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Do you want to change the world? To do anything meaningful, you’re going to have to work with people. And, if you’re working with people, you need to know how to lead them. Leadership guru John C. Maxwell shares 21 laws that you should follow if you want to be a leader of true influence and impact. Continue reading for The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership study guide we’ve put together to help you apply the laws to your leadership.

Does Western Science Create an Illusion?

Does Western Science Create an Illusion?

What’s scientific reductionism? Does it mess with our true sense of self? Philosopher Alan Watts defines the ego illusion as the false sense of being an individual who exists as an entity separate from other people and the environment. He points the finger at Western science as one of the ways we perpetuate the ego illusion. Read more to learn the argument that Watts makes in The Book.

Richard Feynman: Teaching Is Good for the Teacher & the Student

The Importance of Studying Mythology and Folklore

What teaching practice horrified Richard Feynman? What shocked him about textbooks? While Richard Feynman injected his lifelong learning with a casual sense of fun and exploration, one thing he took very seriously was his role as a teacher. In his memoir Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! he writes about his trials and triumphs in teaching. Keep reading to learn about Richard Feynman’s teaching experience and what it taught him.

How American Conservative Intellectuals Harm Instead of Help

How American Conservative Intellectuals Harm Instead of Help

What tactics do conservative intellectuals use to combat their ideological opponents? What’s their relationship with America’s power elite? C. Wright Mills suggests that the majority of American intellectuals fail to acknowledge, question, or challenge the rule of the power elite. This has taken power away from the American people by depriving them of their ability to understand what’s going on in government. Let’s take a look at what Mills has to say about conservative intellectuals in particular.

Freakonomics: Book Club Exercises for a Thoughtful Discussion

Freakonomics: Book Club Exercises for a Thoughtful Discussion

Would you like to understand your fellow humans better? When is conventional wisdom wrong? What if you thought like an economist? Authored by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything applies the tools of economics to explain real-world phenomena that aren’t conventionally thought of as “economic.” The book contains fascinating implications and applications. Continue reading for discussion questions and a quiz that you can use with your Freakonomics book club.

Richard Feynman: Science Requires Intellectual Honesty

Richard Feynman: Science Requires Intellectual Honesty

What’s Richard Feynman’s approach to science? What should scientists do with doubt? What’s every scientist’s responsibility? According to Richard Feynman, science is a serious business. Feynman is known for having fun and enjoying his work, but he also has a reputation for integrity in his field. In his memoir, he writes about the importance of intellectual honesty and accountability in science. Continue reading to learn Feynman’s views on the practice and profession of science.

How the American Intellectual Class Fails in Its Duty

How the American Intellectual Class Fails in Its Duty

What’s the role of intellectuals in society? How has that role changed in America over the years? Sociologist C. Wright Mills says that America’s intellectual class used to run interference for the people, helping them understand what was going on and know how to stand up for their interests. All of that changed after World War II. Learn how the American intellectual class is now part of the problem.