The Really Big Challenges Of the 21st Century

There was a time when Americans made dreams come true. Such as flying to the moon and conquering polio. Hear Tom Ashbrook search for the answers.

Where are the dreams of the 21st century? What can be done with energy, water, cancer and climate change?

Jason Pontin

Jason Pontin is editor in chief of the MIT Technology Review. You can find their issue on big ideas here. Why We Can't Solve Big Problems

David Keith

David Keith is professor of applied physics at Harvard University School of Engineering and professor of public policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Jeffrey Grossman

Jeffrey Grossman is professor of materials science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Source: On Point: Big Challenges


The Honest Truth about Dishonesty with Dan Ariely and Indre Viskontas

Our world is populated with cheats and liars. Most of us think of major cheaters like Bernie Madoff, Tiger Woods, and Barry Bonds as inflicting the most damage onto society. But just how honest are we, with others and with ourselves? The surprising finding from several studies conducted by Dan Ariely and his collaborators is that we all cheat. He claims that the consequences of these little everyday deceptions can sometimes far outweigh the ill effects of even the biggest lies.

Indre Viskontas is a writer, neuroscientist, and opera singer, holds a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience and a master of music in vocal performance. Her scientific research explores the neural basis of memory and creativity. She has published more than thirty original peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

Dan Ariely is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University, with appointments at the Fuqua School of Business, the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, the Department of Economics, and the School of Medicine. Dan earned one PhD in cognitive psychology and another PhD in business administration. He is the founder and director of the Center for Advanced Hindsight. His work has been featured in many outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and others. His two previous New York Times best-selling books are Predictably Irrational and The Upside of Irrationality.
Source: Point Of Inquiry: Dan Ariely - The Honest Truth about Dishonesty

Download or Play Big Challenges Part 1
Download or Play Big Challenges Part 2
Download or Play Big Challenges Part 3 & Dishonesty Part 1
Download or Play Dishonesty Part 2


Music includes Symphony of Science - Our Biggest Challenge, Matisyahu - One Day (New Album Version), Roymond - Just Blue, Zinn on Cspan - Patriot, Ed McCurdy - Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream, John Prine - Sam Stone, Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson - Me and Paul, Pete Seeger - Where Have All The Flowers Gone, Requiem For A Dream, Richard Nixon 8-8-1974, Vera Lynn - We'll Meet Again, Herb Alpert - Zorba the Greek

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