Bringing Intellectualism to the Internet

When I first learned about Big Think I was struck by how much it resembles an idea I pitched back in 2003 to a small media Bureau Chief in DC. So, in other words, I like it... even though it makes me feel bad about myself.

Of course, an idea isn't worth anything if it isn't implemented, and I give full credit to the two Harvard students who pushed this idea around and got millions of dollars from some of the biggest names in technology and academia.

The idea is this: Get famous people to answer intellectual questions and create a giant video database of their answers. The goal is to create a place where people can learn, hear opposing viewpoints, and develop academic sources.

The model for their setup is unique. There is no "interviewer" per se. The interviewees are placed in closet size room with no distractions, and questions are posed via teleprompter. The goal is to reduce any outside inputs-- this isn't about stimulus, it is purely about the ideas inside peoples heads.

Here are some I found interesting:

-Sen. John McCain on Government Secrecy, http://www.bigthink.com/policy-politics/1391
-Sir Richard Branson, Chairman Virgin Group http://www.bigthink.com/philanthropy/607
-Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Fellow American Institute, Former Member of Parliament in the Netherlands, Outspoken Activist for Women's rights in the Muslim World on International Issues.
http://www.bigthink.com/the-world/the-middle-east/3500
-Daniel Gilbert (Harvard Psychology Professor and Author) on happiness. http://www.bigthink.com/love-happiness/505