Why people recommend it
The Optimist's Telescope: Thinking Ahead in a Reckless Age by Bina Venkataraman is a non-fiction book that explores how individuals and societies can make better long-term decisions in a culture dominated by short-term thinking. On an episode of The Book Review titled Trump, TV and America, released on July 18, 2024, podcast host Gilbert Cruz brought up the work during the program. Towards the end of the episode, Cruz formally named the publication and recommended it to the audience, citing its full subtitle and focusing on the ways it addresses planning for the future during reckless times. The discussion positioned the book as a timely and thoughtful guide for readers grappling with the rapid pace of modern society and the consequences of neglecting future generations. By highlighting the title during the segment, Cruz encouraged listeners to consider how behavioral psychology and policy changes can foster foresight. The recommendation serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in improving decision-making processes on both personal and collective levels, aligning with the core themes of Venkataraman's insightful exploration into sustainable thinking and long-term planning.
Who recommended it
- Gilbert Cruz Recommended
Gilbert Cruz — 1 mention
“and on your book it's called The Optimist telescope thinking ahead in a reckless age by Bina vataman”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- Human Relations and Other Difficulties
- Love, Nina
- Our Andromeda
- Talking to Strangers
- The Handmaid's Tale
Other mentions (5: passing, ad reads, own books)
“Bina vatran will be here to discuss her book The Optimist telescope”
“her new book is called the optimist's telescope thinking ahead in a reckless age”
“well this is one of the reasons I wanted to write the book I teach undergraduates at MIT”
“so there was a bit of long-term work involved as well but I use it as an example to talk about the fact that this is a difficult thing to do to look ahead”
“and the book has strategies for how we do that”