Category: Interviews

In this episode of the Armen Show podcast, host Armen Shirvanian welcomes filmmaker and actress Kat Fairaway back for her third time on the program. They discuss the evolution of acting and filmmaking, personal stories of creative fulfillment, and the importance of collaboration in the industry.

The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of filmmaking and the stories that resonate with audiences today. In this engaging conversation, Armen Shirvanian and Kat Fairaway delve into the multifaceted world of acting, exploring themes of identity, creativity, and the importance of structure in film.

They discuss the joy of acting as a form of imaginative play, the role of intuition in decision-making, and the societal emphasis on mental health and wellness. The dialogue is punctuated with personal reflections, rapid-fire questions, and insights into the nature of happiness and the future of society.

Some key takeaways from the episode:

• The landscape of the film industry is changing rapidly.
• Embracing female stories is crucial in today’s filmmaking.
• Personal narratives can be gritty and powerful.
• Authentic connections enhance the filmmaking experience.
• Art prevails over financial motivations in creative expression.
• Supportive colleagues make a significant difference on set.
• Costume design plays a vital role in character development.
• Respect and collaboration foster creativity in film.
• Art provides meaning beyond everyday life.
• Exploring various roles enriches an actor’s journey. Creativity thrives within a structured environment.
• Hierarchy is essential in filmmaking for effective collaboration.
• Details in art can lead to deeper understanding and appreciation.
• Acting allows exploration of diverse life experiences.
• Gut feelings can guide decision-making, but may be overridden.
• Cultural connections can influence personal and societal dynamics.
• Being an only child can foster creativity and imagination.
• Societal stress can overshadow joy, highlighting the need for balance.
• Finding meaning in art is a continuous journey.
• Spontaneity in creativity can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

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In this episode of the Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian Dr. Michael Orkin, author of “The Story of Chance”, an expert in statistics and probability, discussing the nuances of luck versus skill in games, the importance of long-term probability, and the implications of statistics in various fields such as insurance and economics. They delve into the complexities of causation versus correlation and explore Bayes’ rule as a method for updating probabilities based on new information.

In this conversation, Mike Orkin discusses the intricacies of probability and statistics, drawing on examples from Daniel Kahneman’s work and the application of Monte Carlo simulations in various fields. He emphasizes the importance of understanding conditional probabilities, the shift towards data science, and the common misconceptions surrounding rare events. Orkin also reflects on influential figures in his career and shares insights on managing risks in gambling and decision-making processes.

Key Takeaways:

• Probability and statistics are essential in understanding games of chance and skill.
• Games of skill often have a more significant long-term appeal than games of chance.
• Quantifying skill in games involves statistical analysis of player performance.
• Understanding probability can lead to better decision-making in life.
• Insurance companies rely heavily on statistical analysis to assess risk.
• Causation cannot be assumed from correlation without further evidence.
• Bayes’ rule is a powerful tool for updating probabilities based on new data.
• The misuse of statistics can lead to misinformation in society.
• Long-term data is crucial for accurate probability assessments.
• Understanding the nuances of luck and skill can impact various industries. Kahneman’s experiments illustrate the pitfalls of resemblance stereotyping.
• Conditional probabilities can significantly impact decision-making in games.
• Monte Carlo simulations have diverse applications, including weather forecasting.
• The rise of data science reflects a growing interest in statistical analysis.
• Understanding rare events is crucial for making informed decisions.
• Influential mentors can shape one’s career path in unexpected ways.
• Managing money is essential, even in winning scenarios.
• Intuition often fails when it comes to understanding probabilities.
• Statistical work is often hidden from public view, yet impactful.
• It’s important to learn from mistakes without making catastrophic errors.

Dr. Orkin’s expertise and ability to connect complex statistical concepts with real-world applications have made him a sought-after speaker in the media. He has previously appeared on platforms such as NPR, CBS Radio, Google Tech Talks, and various academic forums, where his clear and engaging communication style has resonated with diverse audiences.

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In this episode of The Armen Show, Professor Sophie Scott-Brown discusses her journey into anarchism, exploring its relevance in contemporary society. She emphasizes the importance of questioning authority, the role of individual agency, and the need for curiosity in human interactions.

The conversation delves into the qualities of non-conformists, the influence of hierarchy, and the significance of influential thinkers in anarchism. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the potential for anarchy to foster freedom and creativity in everyday life.

Sophie Scott-Brown is the former Director of Gresham College and fellow at the University of St Andrews. An inspiring intellectual historian with research interests in modern European political thought, Anarchism, and the history of education, Sophie is also a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and of the Royal History Society.

She is an author excited by historical biography as a means of understanding ideas. Her work includes The Histories of Raphael Samuel: A Portrait of a People’s Historian and Colin Ward and The Art of Everyday Anarchy.

Keywords: anarchy, anarchism, philosophy, authority, freedom, individualism, social organization, responsibility, curiosity, community

Takeaways:

• Anarchy is a way of thinking and acting, not just a political ideology.
• Real freedom involves not worrying about social interactions and being open to experiences.
• Curiosity about others can lead to meaningful connections and insights.
• Hierarchies often fail to address complex problems effectively.
• Anarchy encourages individual agency and responsibility in decision-making.
• The qualities of non-conformists can inspire others to embrace their individuality.
• Education systems often promote conformity over critical thinking and creativity.
• Anarchy is a constant presence in everyday life, often unnoticed.
• Influential thinkers like Colin Ward and David Graeber have shaped modern anarchist thought.
• Anarchy can be therapeutic, helping individuals unlearn fearfulness and anxiety.

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How important is the link between the mind, gut, and our immunity? How does food impact the connection that these parts have? In this episode, endocrine and general surgeon Dr. Amanda Doubleday joins myself, host Armen Shirvanian, to discuss topics in relation to The Mind-Gut-Immune Connection: Understanding How Food Impacts Our Mind, Our Microbiome, and Our Immunity with gastroenterologist and author Dr. Emeran Mayer. We cover the importance of incorporating the immune system into the understanding of the microbiome. Dr. Doubleday joins me in exploring Dr. Mayer’s work and the potential for using probiotics to improve autoimmune thyroid disease. We also discuss the impact of diet on the immune system and the importance of a healthy gut microbiome.

Dr. Mayer highlights the need for a holistic approach to healthcare and the potential for microbiome testing to predict and prevent diseases in the future. The conversation explores the connection between the gut microbiome and mental health, specifically focusing on the relationship between gut health and psychological resilience, as well as the potential link between the gut and depression.

The discussion also delves into the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its connection to environmental stress. The importance of mind-targeted therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction, in treating IBS is highlighted. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges of changing dietary habits and the influence of marketing on food choices.

Dr. Emeran Mayer has studied mind-brain-body interactions for the last 40 years, with a particular emphasis on bidirectional communication between the brain, the gut and its microbiome. He is the executive director of the Oppenheimer Center for Stress and Resilience and the Co-director of the Digestive Diseases Research Center at UCLA. He is the author of more than 300 scientific publications and several books, including the bestselling original The Mind-Gut Connection from 2016. He is considered a pioneer and world leader in the areas of brain gut microbiome interactions, chronic visceral pain and functional gastrointestinal disorders. The Mind-Gut-Immune Connection is available online.

Dr. Amanda Doubleday is a general and endocrine surgeon of the ProHealth system of hospitals near Waukesha, Wisconsin. She received her D.O. from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Her General Surgery residency was at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in New York, and her Endocrine Surgery residency was at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

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In this episode, Armen interviews Philosophy Professor Gwendolyn Dolske of Cal Poly Pomona, co-host of The Good Is In The Details podcast with Rudy Salo. They discuss the importance of delving into the details and nuances of life, the joy of philosophical conversations, and the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth. They also explore the concept of absurdity in the world and the addictive nature of social media.

Gwendolyn emphasizes the need to prioritize self-care and self-reflection in order to find true happiness and fulfillment. In this conversation, Gwendolyn discusses the themes of philosophy, gender roles, and relationships. She highlights how philosophers and thinkers throughout history have approached similar topics from different angles.

Gwendolyn also explores the controversial takes on women and men’s roles in society and the changing dynamics of relationships. She emphasizes the importance of aligning values in relationships and the impact of past relationships on personal growth. Lastly, Gwendolyn delves into the significance of love and its connection to our well-being and existence.

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Returning guest Bronwyn Williams joins host Armen Shirvanian to discuss her book ‘Rescuing Our Republic’ and the specific challenges faced by South Africa. She explains the collaborative effort behind the book and how it addresses relevant issues in politics, economics, and society.

One of the main themes discussed is the division and inequality in South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, where high walls and gated communities separate the rich from the poor. Bronwyn also explores the tendency to blame the wrong people for inequality and the need to focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past.

The conversation explores the concept of property ownership and its impact on society, focusing on South Africa as an example. It discusses the issues of affordability and accessibility of property, the complexities of land redistribution, and the importance of ownership in creating a sense of belonging and investment in the community.

The conversation also delves into the idea of common goods and the need for more equitable distribution of resources, such as water and spectrum rights. It concludes with a discussion on optimism, agency, and the potential for change, particularly among the youth.

Bronwyn Williams is a polymath who challenges assumptions about the present and the future. She is a Futurist, Economist and Business Trends Analyst. She has over a decade’s worth of experience in strategic management, trend research and strategic foresight. She has consulted for clients in public and private sectors across the world. Part economist, part strategist, Bronwyn’s particular areas of expertise include fintech trends, alternative economic models, and sustainable futures design.

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In this episode with host Armen Shirvanian, the show is joined by Professor Camilla Nord, who leads the Mental Health Neuroscience Lab at the University of Cambridge, and is the author of “The Balanced Brain”, published by Princeton University Press. They discuss various topics related to mental health, neuroscience, and the brain. Camilla shares her experience giving public talks and the discomfort that comes with speaking to non-experts.

They also explore the factors that contribute to depression and the need for a more nuanced understanding of mental health conditions. They discuss the importance of matching treatments to individuals and the challenges in differentiating between psychological and biological treatments. They also touch on the impact of screen time on the brain’s reward pathways and the role of predictive models in mental well-being.

In this conversation, neuroscientist Camilla Nord discusses various topics related to mental health and neuroscience. She talks about the importance of social experiments in understanding human behavior and growth. Nord also explores the concept of neuroplasticity and how the brain can change and adapt throughout adulthood. She shares personal experiences of how certain individuals and events have shaped her life.

The conversation touches on the topic of autism and the importance of embracing neurodiversity. Nord also discusses the use of antidepressants and the potential for combining biological and psychological treatments. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the elements of a mentally healthy lifestyle and the future of mental health research.

Camilla Nord leads the Mental Health Neuroscience Lab at the University of Cambridge. Her research has been featured in the New Statesman, the Daily Mail and the British Journal of Psychiatry, and on the BBC.

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Amorina Kingdon, author of “Sing Like Fish”, joins us to discuss the impact of sound on underwater life, the differences in sound transmission in air and water, and the effects of man-made noise on marine organisms. She also explores the unique communication methods of dolphins and the challenges of studying the impact of noise on sea life.

The conversation delves into the impact of noise on marine life, the significance of sound in animal societies, and the efforts to mitigate noise pollution in the ocean. It also explores the interconnectedness of different species and the importance of understanding their relationships and ecosystems. The conversation highlights the need for detailed research on the effects of noise on non-mammal marine animals and the challenges of regulating shipping noise in ecologically sensitive areas.

Until 2021, Amorina was the staff writer for Hakai Magazine. Her work at Hakai has been anthologized in Best Canadian Essays 2020 (Biblioasis) and received honours including a Digital Publishing Award, a Jack Webster Award, and Best New Magazine Writer from the National Magazine Awards.

Previously, she was a science writer for the University of Victoria and the Science Media Center of Canada. You can read her fiction in PRISM Magazine, Flash Fiction Magazine, and forthcoming in Speculative North. She has a diploma in journalism from Concordia University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Carleton University.

You can get “Sing Like Fish” here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704875/sing-like-fish-by-amorina-kingdon/

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In this conversation, Kyla Scanlon, author of the book “In This Economy?”, is joined by host Armen Shirvanian, and discusses the direction of society, the importance of understanding the economy, the impact of different generations on change, the role of AI, wealth inequality, financial wherewithal, the vibe economy, and the vulnerability of supply chains. She emphasizes the need to understand the economy as it affects every aspect of our lives and the importance of financial education.

Kyla also encourages individuals to pursue their passions while recognizing the value of talent and taking risks on themselves. She highlights the impact of consumer sentiment on the economy and the vulnerability of supply chains. The conversation explores various themes related to the economy, housing, private equity, labor market, and personal growth.

It discusses the wage price spiral, the impact of housing affordability on other areas of life, the role of private equity in buying up homes and businesses, the importance of community and taking action, and the process of writing a book. The main takeaway is the need for individuals to have a basic understanding of the economy and how it affects their daily lives.

Kyla Scanlon is an economic commentator and Bloomberg contributor who specializes in human-centric analysis that demystifies the complex. She started her career as a car salesperson before becoming an associate at Capital Group, conducting macroeconomic analysis and modeling investment strategies.

Get “In This Economy?” on Amazon here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737854/in-this-economy-by-kyla-scanlon/

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Returning guest Scott H. Young is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. In this episode, Scott discusses his new book, “Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery”, which focuses on the process of learning and getting better at various skills. He shares the story of Tetris as an example of how the environment can enable or inhibit learning and progress. Young also explores the connection between creativity and learning, emphasizing the importance of understanding and copying successful examples.

He challenges the notion that failure is the best teacher and highlights the significance of building a foundation of success. Young advises starting with what you’re most interested in learning and gradually expanding your interests as you gain confidence and skills. He discusses the balance between consumption and creation in learning and the importance of both. Young also touches on the difficulty of predicting learning outcomes and the need for focused and constrained learning projects.

In this conversation, Scott H. Young discusses the importance of breaking down big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. He emphasizes that big projects are just a collection of smaller goals stacked together. Young also explores the concept of quantity leading to great things, highlighting that the more work you produce, the more likely you are to have successful outcomes.

He references the work of psychologist Dean Simonton, who found that once individuals reach a certain level of proficiency, their trajectory of success becomes relatively flat. Young also delves into the role of fear in learning and how exposure can help reduce fear responses over time. He concludes by discussing the connection between imagination and learning, emphasizing the importance of mental models in acquiring knowledge.

You can find Get Better at Anything on Amazon here.

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In this conversation, I speak with Indre Viskontas, a professor of psychology and a bridge between the worlds of art and neuroscience. We discuss the importance of creativity, the role of improvisation in opera, the impact of generative AI on creativity, and the connection between music and emotions. We also touch on the challenges of podcasting and the need for society to address climate change and prioritize mental health.

Indre is an opera singer-turned-director who came of age during the decade of the brain. She’s always been pulled both by art and by science and has found ways to integrate the two in my work. She finished a Masters of Music degree in Voice Performance and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and currently is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco, with a cross-appointment at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Indre is passionate about communicating ideas to the public, by directing operas that illustrate the richness of the human experience, creating compelling lectures and podcasts about the brain, and conducting research on the neuroscience of creativity.

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Shan Rizvi and Dr. Maryam Baqir discuss their new venture, Thumos Care, an AI-powered health optimization platform. They aim to bridge the gap between the healthcare industry and the wellness industry by providing individuals with a clear understanding of their current health status and future trajectory. The platform offers personalized health analysis and recommendations based on medical expertise and scientific evidence. The goal is to democratize good health and help individuals maximize their potential in all aspects of life.

The conversation explores the potential of using AI and personalized health data to improve longevity and overall well-being. Shan and Maryam discuss the concept of ‘aging well’ and the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life. They highlight the role of technology, such as smart contact lenses and Neuralink, in enhancing human capabilities and optimizing health. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in developing the Thumos Care platform and the need for creativity, determination, and self-confidence. The speakers outline their plans for marketing and improving the product in the coming months.

Keywords: Thumos Care, AI-powered health optimization platform, healthcare industry, wellness industry, health analysis, personalized recommendations, preventive medicine, aging, comorbidities, scaling the unscalable, maximizing potential, AI, personalized health data, longevity, aging well, purpose, meaning, technology, smart contact lenses, Neuralink, challenges, creativity, determination, self-confidence, marketing, improvement

• Thumos Care is an AI-powered health optimization platform that provides individuals with a clear understanding of their current health status and future trajectory.
• The platform offers personalized health analysis and recommendations based on medical expertise and scientific evidence.
• The goal of Thumos Care is to democratize good health and help individuals maximize their potential in all aspects of life.
• By addressing root causes and focusing on preventive measures, individuals can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of comorbidities. AI and personalized health data have the potential to improve longevity and overall well-being.
• Finding purpose and meaning in life is crucial for aging well.
• Technology, such as smart contact lenses and Neuralink, can enhance human capabilities and optimize health.
• Developing the most care platform requires creativity, determination, and self-confidence.
• Marketing and continuous improvement are key to the success of the product.

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On this episode of the show, I go over 8 takeaways from my completion of the 2024 LA Marathon. It was a wonderful race across the various cities of the Los Angeles area, and involved a lot of people in the race and a lot of people watching the race. All the festivity was great for everyone, and I did enjoy taking part for a first time. It ended in the city of Century City.

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In this episode, author Bianca Bosker discusses her book ‘Get the Picture’ and her journey into the art world. She shares her frustration with art and her rediscovery of its importance in her life. Bosker explores the evolution and universality of art, highlighting its essential role in human experience. She also discusses the unique perspective of artists and their ability to see and experience the world differently. Bosker emphasizes the practicality and essentiality of art, challenging the notion that it is a luxury. She also explores the key players in the art world and the individual expression found in artworks.

In this conversation, Bianca Bosker discusses the importance of engaging with work as if it were another living being. She encourages people to slow down and not feel the need to see and like everything. Bianca also emphasizes the value of noticing and appreciating the beauty in everyday life. She explores the concept of glitches and how they can lead to new forms of art and beauty. Bianca concludes by highlighting the transformative power of art and how it can help us live a more rich and meaningful life.

Takeaways

• Art is an essential part of human experience, dating back to ancient times and serving as a universal form of communication.
• Artists have a unique perspective and ability to see and experience the world differently, allowing them to challenge our expectations and expand our understanding.
• Engaging with art can help us develop our visual literacy and see beyond our preconceived notions, leading to a more nuanced and enriched experience of the world.
• The art world is composed of various key players, including artists, gallerists, curators, and collectors, who shape our understanding and appreciation of art.
• Each artist brings their own individual expression and style to their work, creating a diverse and vibrant art landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Alliterative Names

01:13 The Frustration with Art and Rediscovery

07:12 Artists’ Ability to See and Experience

09:57 Artists’ Unique Perspective and Linking Ideas

13:07 Art as a Glitch in Perception

20:04 Key Players in the Art World

25:29 Individual Expression in Art

29:28 Developing Relationships with Artworks

30:26 Engaging with Work as Another Living Being

33:06 The Importance of Slowing Down and Noticing

37:00 The Joy of Discovering New Perspectives

37:49 Expanding Our Perception of the World

43:56 The Celebration of Glitches and Unexpected Beauty

45:45 The Value and Misunderstanding of Beauty

53:13 Living Life Differently Through Art

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Professor Cailin O’Connor is philosopher of biology and behavioral sciences, philosopher of science, and evolutionary game theorist.  She is a Professor in the Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science, and recently finished co-administering the NSF grant “Consensus, Democracy, and the Public Understanding of Science” with philosopher of physics James Owen Weatherall (previous NSF grant Social Dynamics and Diversity in Epistemic Communities).

Their co-authored trade book The Misinformation Age was published with Yale University Press.  Her monograph The Origins of Unfairness was published in July 2019 by Oxford University Press, and her books Games in the Philosophy of Biology and Modeling Scientific Communities were published in the CUP elements series.  She also writes public philosophy.

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Bo Winegard obtained a PhD in social psychology from Florida State University, under the tutelage of Roy Baumeister. He was a professor at a small college in the midwest. Now, he am an independent scholar.

He is interested in human evolution, human variation, the rise of political order, and political conservatism. He also loves literature, film, sports, and mediocre detective fiction. 

He hasve many peer-reviewed publications on motley topics and often writes for Quillette. He is currently working on the first of several books on human nature and political ideology.

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“In this raw coming-of-age memoir, in the vein of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, The Other Wes Moore, and Someone Has Led This Child to Believe, Rob Henderson vividly recounts growing up in foster care, enlisting in the US Air Force, attending elite universities, and pioneering the concept of “luxury beliefs”—ideas and opinions that confer status on the upper class while inflicting costs on the less fortunate.

Rob Henderson was born to a drug-addicted mother and a father he never met, ultimately shuttling between ten different foster homes in California. When he was adopted into a loving family, he hoped that life would finally be stable and safe. Divorce, tragedy, poverty, and violence marked his adolescent and teen years, propelling Henderson to join the military upon completing high school.

An unflinching portrait of shattered families, desperation, and determination, Troubled recounts Henderson’s expectation-defying young life and juxtaposes his story with those of his friends who wound up incarcerated or killed. He retreads the steps and missteps he took to escape the drama and disorder of his youth. As he navigates the peaks and valleys of social class, Henderson finds that he remains on the outside looking in. His greatest achievements—a military career, an undergraduate education from Yale, a PhD from Cambridge—feel like hollow measures of success. He argues that stability at home is more important than external accomplishments, and he illustrates the ways the most privileged among us benefit from a set of social standards that actively harm the most vulnerable.”

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Cecilie Traberg is a Psychology PhD Candidate at University of Cambridge in the Social Decision-Making Lab and a Storytelling Fellow at University Arts London studying how social influence, identity and interaction impacts our judgements, beliefs and behaviors. She currently focuses on how these social processes influence misinformation susceptibility and how we can increase resistance to persuasion.

Her research is supported by the Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarship and the Economic and Social Research Council. She uses a combination of methods (experimental, RCTs, behavioral games and interventions) and is particularly interested in methods that allow for measuring real social interaction between people in real time.

She is currently a Visiting Scholar at Princeton University in the Collectives in Cognition Lab and will subsequently be a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Business School with Prof. Amit Goldenberg. She is also a mum of two boys, Theodore and Atlas, who were born during her PhD and a violinist in a symphony orchestra.

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Welcome attorney Karin Lang back to the show on episode 417, bringing back the in-person discussion after a year of her travels from 2022 to 2023. On this talk, we spoke about the countries that she explored in South America, some elements of dating and relationships that are impactful, her legal work defending victims of childhood sexual assault, and current and past happenings in the Middle East of worldwide importance.

In her travels in South America, Karin experienced a variety of life, as she went through 11 countries in the recent trip. Going through these lands involved meeting a variety of people, having plans go out of order or change very rapidly, reaching difficulty to make things work or get places smoothly, and learning more of the local language along the way. We talk about some of the growth qualities that come from such a travel, and how she is different before and after the fact.

We also spoke on some important elements of how a relationship can flourish, including a description of Karin’s parents’ story, which gives a good example of growing together from early on in life. This was followed up with discussion on her legal work, and then a discussion on recent happenings in the Middle East.

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Imagination is commonly thought to be the special province of youth—the natural companion of free play and the unrestrained vistas of childhood. Then come the deadening routines and stifling regimentation of the adult world, dulling our imaginative powers. In fact, Andrew Shtulman argues, the opposite is true. Imagination is not something we inherit at birth, nor does it diminish with age. Instead, imagination grows as we do, through education and reflection.

The science of cognitive development shows that young children are wired to be imitators. When confronted with novel challenges, they struggle to think outside the box, and their creativity is rigidly constrained by what they deem probable, typical, or normal. Of course, children love to “play pretend,” but they are far more likely to simulate real life than to invent fantasy worlds of their own. And they generally prefer the mundane and the tried-and-true to the fanciful or the whimsical.

Children’s imaginations are not yet fully formed because they necessarily lack knowledge, and it is precisely knowledge of what is real that provides a foundation for contemplating what might be possible. The more we know, the farther our imaginations can roam. As Learning to Imagine demonstrates, the key to expanding the imagination is not forgetting what you know but learning something new. By building upon the examples of creative minds across diverse fields, from mathematics to religion, we can consciously develop our capacities for innovation and imagination at any age.

Andrew Shtulman is an associate professor of psychology and cognitive science at Occidental, where he directs the Thinking Lab. His work has been featured in Scientific American, CBS News, and the New Yorker. He lives in Pasadena, California.

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