The Latest from Big Think

Arianna Huffington argues that true success should encompass well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving, rather than just wealth and power, challenging the notion that sacrificing happiness and working excessively defines achievement.

The decades-old movement to diversify workplaces has yielded mixed results, as NYU Law professor Kenji Yoshino suggests that companies often impose restrictive definitions of diversity, and advocates for fostering connections with those who feel pressured to suppress their identities for acceptance.

Behavioral economists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky won the Nobel Prize for mapping the human mind's irrational decision-making biases, and now, with insights from Julia Galef of the Center for Applied Rationality, we can learn to avoid these pitfalls.

The average American works 1,700 hours annually, but Buddhist meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg suggests that instead of reserving relaxation for weekends, we should incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives for greater happiness and connection both at work and home.

Empathy and cooperation are essential for success, as the quality of personal and professional lives hinges on the complexity of relationships, which require effective listening, communication, and conflict management from both parties, according to Todd Davis of FranklinCovey.

Economist Larry Summers suggests that instead of judging decisions by their outcomes, we should evaluate them based on the rational process used to develop strategies, considering all relevant costs, benefits, and consequences.

Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin emphasizes that achieving lasting change requires not only commitment but also an understanding of habit formation, encouraging us to take initial steps toward a healthier future.

Astronauts like Chris Hadfield and Scott Parazynski exemplify risk mitigation, demonstrating that their contingency planning skills are applicable to various challenges on Earth, from budgeting to managing Fortune 500 companies.

Productivity consultant Carson Tate emphasizes that while you may feel overshadowed by others' natural abilities, there is no universal method for productivity; instead, it's crucial to tailor your approach to maximize your results.

Mindfulness aims to cultivate frequent moments of vivid awareness throughout the day, reconnecting us with our values and priorities, which can enhance productivity, well-being, and career success, as highlighted by Rasmus Hougaard of the Potential Project.

In a crisis, trust, resilience, and accountability are essential, as emphasized by CEO and former Navy SEAL Brent Gleeson, who believes that cultivating a strong culture is key to achieving these qualities.

In both business and life, constant change is inevitable, and Professor Rita McGrath emphasizes the importance of recognizing significant shifts before they occur.

Politeness and pushiness are simple, but recognizing diverse communication styles—termed "relational intelligence" by Angie McArthur, CEO of Professional Thinking Partners—is challenging yet essential for reducing misunderstandings in the workplace.

Cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand illustrates that a system's tightness or looseness correlates with the threats it faces, and understanding this framework can enhance collaboration, reduce tensions, and improve organizational health.

Simon Sinek emphasizes that both individuals and organizations thrive by identifying their "why," fostering a purpose-driven culture that supports personal growth and honesty in the pursuit of meaningful goals.

True leadership is demonstrated in challenging times when accountability is embraced, as emphasized by ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott, who asserts that the right to win must be earned, not simply given.

Leadership is evolving from traditional views of strength and ambition to a focus on authenticity, as emphasized by Bill George, former chairman and CEO of Medtronic.

Humans are instinctively drawn to hierarchy, but to earn respect, leaders must clearly communicate their motivations and demonstrate compassion and loyalty, fostering a reciprocal commitment from their teams, according to leadership consultant Simon Sinek.

While every baby is unique, working moms face common challenges that often go unsupported, highlighting the need to better recognize and utilize their valuable skills.

FutureThink CEO Lisa Bodell emphasizes that to thrive in a rapidly changing market, it is essential to challenge outdated thinking and embrace innovation by developing new ideas.