Published Oct 12, 2020

Beyond Doomscrolling

Shankar Vedantam and Steven Pinker delve into the transformative power of scientific progress, highlighting the Green Revolution's impact and unsung scientific heroes, while exploring how an optimistic yet realistic perspective can challenge media-driven doomscrolling and inspire continued advancements.

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Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Shankar Vedantam

Beyond Doomscrolling

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Global Longevity Insights

Progress vs. Utopia

Optimism Amidst Crisis

Progress Amidst Adversity

Distorted News Perspectives

Enlightenment Legacy

Media and Perception

Perception of Progress

Optimism vs. Reality

Reporting Good News

The Green Revolution

Nature and Nutrition

Unsung Scientific Heroes

Progress and Perception

Optimism and Progress

Episode Highlights

Scientific Progress

Philosophy of Progress

Perception and Media

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Beyond Doomscrolling

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Scientific ProgressThe Green Revolution, led by Norman Borlaug, transformed agriculture, significantly reducing global hunger and earning him a Nobel Peace Prize. The episode also celebrates lesser-known scientists whose innovations have dramatically improved health and longevity worldwide.

Scientific Progress

Philosophy of Progress

Perception and MediaShankar Vedantam and Steven Pinker discuss the impact of doomscrolling on our perception of global events. They explore how media bias and availability bias shape our understanding of the world, often overshadowing positive developments.

Perception and Media

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