Author and environmental strategist Andrew Winston explains the unique ideas espoused in his book The Big Pivot, in which he promotes a green shift in business priorities away from short-term profits and toward long-term sustainability.  

"The paradox of education is precisely this - that as one begins to become conscious, one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated." -James Baldwin, 1963

Biologist Edward O. Wilson tackles the meaning of life and existence. He argues that explaining why we're here, what we are, and where we're going is a task best suited to science, not philosophy. He identifies five major scientific branches that are currently making the most progress.

"Perhaps the subject of my art is like the definition of humor — emotional pain remembered in tranquillity." -Abstract expressionist Grace Hartigan (1922-2008)

With everyone always trying to identify "the next Silicon Valley," Eric Hippeau explains that New York City needs not try to be the next anything. It's already a force in and of itself.

"When people are less focused on self and the problems of the self, there is a kind of alleviation of stress. There’s nothing like reaching out and contributing to the lives of others to give a person a sense of significance and purpose." -Professor Stephen Post, from his Big Think interview.

SAP CEO Bill McDermott recently visited Big Think to discuss his new book Winners Dream and talk about the importance of prioritizing family over business.