What's Our Problem?
What's Our Problem?
Tim Urban
Tobi Lütke
This book is truly remarkable. [The author] has spent 6 years on this. You must read it. - Tobi Lütke
Joe Gebbia
Best book of 2023. Funny, informative, and authentic. - Joe Gebbia
Elon Musk
Worth reading. - Elon Musk
Liv Boeree
It’s an extremely important read, so pls get it. - Liv Boeree
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4
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What's Our Problem?

What's Our Problem?: A Self-Help Book for Societies

Tim Urban
Tim Urban
By
Tim Urban
4.3
527
ratings on Goodreads

In "What's Our Problem?" Tim Urban, the mastermind behind the highly acclaimed blog Wait But Why, embarks on a profound exploration into the complexities of modern society, seeking to unravel the tangled web of human behavior and societal dysfunction that characterizes our era. With his trademark blend of penetrating insight, whimsical humor, and the ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and engaging prose, Urban dives deep into the realms of history, psychology, and politics. His sharp analysis cuts through the surface chaos, offering readers a groundbreaking perspective on how we arrived at this peculiar point in history and, more importantly, why we behave the way we do in the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Urban's journey through the labyrinth of contemporary human affairs is enriched by a rich tapestry of original concepts, memorable metaphors, and over 300 illustrative drawings, making "What's Our Problem?" not just a book but an experience. By introducing a novel vertical axis to complement the traditional horizontal political spectrum, Urban shifts the conversation from what we think to how we think, both as individuals and collectively. This book promises not only to change the way you view the world but also to arm you with a new language and framework for understanding and discussing the complex issues that define our times. Engaging, enlightening, and utterly transformative, "What's Our Problem?" is a must-read for anyone seeking clarity in an increasingly convoluted world.

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Released
2023
21 Feb
Length
746
Pages

4

recommendations

recommendation

Best book of 2023. Funny, informative, and authentic. - Joe Gebbia
It’s an extremely important read, so pls get it. - Liv Boeree
This book is truly remarkable. [The author] has spent 6 years on this. You must read it. - Tobi Lütke
Worth reading. - Elon Musk
The human cognitive weaknesses a genie tries to mitigate are the golem’s strengths. Confirmation bias tricks like cherry-picking, motivated skepticism, and motivated reasoning benefit hugely from economies of scale, as the snappiest and most convincing articulations of the sacred ideas spread quickly through the system. Individual biases, all pointing in the same direction in an Echo Chamber, scale up to make the golem’s ultra-biased macro-mind. And while individual minds inside a golem may have doubts about the sacred ideas, the social pressure of Echo Chamber culture keeps the giant as a whole steadfast in its beliefs. If the genie is the ultimate Scientist, the golem is the ultimate Zealot—a giant that’s totally certain of itself, totally unable to learn or change its mind, and worse at thinking than the average human.
— Tim Urban, What's Our Problem?

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