Niall Ferguson: The 6 killer apps of prosperity

Ferguson lays out his research of how the "West" was able to break away from the old ways and surge ahead in economic development.

They are:

1. Competition
2. Scientific revolution
3. Property rights
4. Modern medicine
5. Consumer society
6. Work ethic

Niall Ferguson: The 6 killer apps of prosperity

Michael Shermer: The pattern behind self-deception

Shermer describes many of the ways that our brains work against us as we attempt to rationalize against hollow beliefs.

Michael Shermer: The pattern behind self-deception

P.S. At least watch from 16 minutes on.

Martin Hanczyc: The line between life and not-life

We are making life! Well, we are mixing chemicals that exhibit life-like behaviors. Hanczyc shows his work at crafting life-like structures.

Martin Hanczyc: The line between life and not-life

Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter...

Kay's introduction is simply beautiful. Especially at the end of a hard day, week, month or year. The rest of her talk is about her "spoken word journey."

Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter...