Randall Munroe answers your wildest questions

Randall Munroe answers your wildest questions

Author: TED October 27, 2022 Duration: 33:39

How many soulmates do you think people have? What if you tried to funnel all the water from Niagara falls through a straw? Do you think it’s possible? if you sold the whole planet for scrap–what parts would be most valuable? You might think these absurd questions are unanswerable, or even pointless, but these are the kind of questions Randall Munroe can’t stop thinking about. Randall is the bestselling author of the books “What If” and “What If 2” which provide serious, scientific answers to absurd questions. He’s also the Hugo-award winning cartoonist behind the popular xkcd webcomics. In this episode, Randall talks through the most intriguing scenarios from his new volume, and shares why absurdist thought experiments actually help us understand the world–and each other–a bit better.



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Head of TED Chris Anderson pulls up a chair for extended conversations with some of the world's most compelling minds on The TED Interview. This isn't a quick soundbite; it's a deeper exploration of the ideas that define our time, where guests have the room to unpack the nuances of their groundbreaking work. You'll hear the stories behind their discoveries, the challenges in their exploration, and thoughtful defenses of their perspectives when questioned. The discussions naturally span society, culture, and personal journeys, reflecting the wide-ranging curiosity of the TED stage. Each episode of this podcast offers a rare, unhurried look at how influential thinkers connect dots and see the world differently. The current season focuses on the theme of what makes generosity spread, examining the mechanisms and impact of contagious goodwill. Listening feels like being a fly on the wall for a substantive, revealing dialogue that goes far beyond a standard talk, providing both insight into fascinating ideas and the people who develop them.
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