Philosophy

I would have played basketball for $120,000 for 7 years rather than $120 million, because I loved to play basketball. I never said to myself that I would only play basketball if they pay me $100million – I played basketball because I loved basketball.

Hall of Fame NBA Center & 4-Time NBA Champion

For me, the key has been to become more and more humble over time in a way that I realise that I shouldn't be interfering with the magic and beauty of what an entrepreneur can do.

Prominent venture capitalist and early Tesla investor at Draper Fisher Jurvetson

There are all kinds of things where we can use technology to reflect our own humanity to better us.

Creator of AI baby "Baby X" & facial animation technology pioneer

The ultimate goal is to be in a state of flow with machines. Think about people working with horses, or herding cattle with a dog, they are examples of interactions with other intelligent creatures in a way which is fluid and allows us to achieve something we couldn't do ourselves.

Creator of AI baby "Baby X" & facial animation technology pioneer

We take ethics very seriously – and it's important to never fool the user. It must be clear that you are dealing with a digital person, not a real person, and at the same time you cannot create any dependency.

Creator of AI baby "Baby X" & facial animation technology pioneer

In the West, we say things like, 'human connection is very important' but in reality, human existence is connection and when we lack the right kind of webs of connection with each other, we cease to exist.

Connection is not a nice to have. When we lose the right kinds of connections with others, we start to feel we don't exist.

The most corrupting idea about power is that it gives you a set of techniques to enable you to get more of what you want, no questions asked. If we think about power in that way, our soul will get eroded.

I could have been born in the third century as a goat herder in Mongolia, or even as a goat. This is the realization that should open up a mental horizon where we can say, 'I know I'm going to die – maybe in the future, maybe in the next few minutes – and therefore every minute I'm here is precious.'

Terror Management Theory researcher & social psychologist

Without what Becker called 'cultural world views' we would be overwhelmed by existential terror. Beliefs about reality that we share foster psychological equanimity by giving us a sense of meaning and value.

Terror Management Theory researcher & social psychologist

We're breathing, defecating pieces of meat that are no more significant or enduring than lizards or potatoes.

Terror Management Theory researcher & social psychologist

Power requires oppression. In order to be powerful, you have to stand upon something. Strength comes from within. Strength is replacing power. People are sick of power, especially the young.

Turkish journalist, author, and political commentator known for critical writings on democracy

Our system has never defined what it means to be 'good' – what is the ideal human being in capitalism? Is it Jeff Bezos? Is it Steve Jobs? They thrived, they profited, are they 'moral'? Even though they exploit the labour of millions of people?

Turkish journalist, author, and political commentator known for critical writings on democracy

The will to live together is the fundamental pillar that keeps society going- and that pillar is now under threat. What will we do when we lose the will to live together? That's one of the fundamental questions of our time.

Turkish journalist, author, and political commentator known for critical writings on democracy

I have always thought that if you are abducted for a week, 2 weeks, even a month- you don't know what abduction is. It's only after a certain time that you understand the weight of abduction.

Former Colombian Presidential Candidate & Hostage Rescue Survivor

I think space made me less black and white, less uptight. I don't get as excited about things as easily. I feel like I take positions on things less easily.

NASA Astronaut & International Space Station Commander