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Weekly Insight for Thinkers
Weekly Insight for Thinkers
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Science  Philosophy  Critical Thinking  History  Politics RW  AI  Physics  •  Evolution  Astronomy More…
Curated by Michael Alan Prestwood.
NATURAL PHILOSOPHER
Exploring science-first philosophy.

Stories: Science Philosophy Critical Thinking History Big Bang Metaphysics Evolution Biases Futurism Ancient History Ethics Reasoning

Story of the week
From our weekly insights: Subscribe Now!
Evolution
Story
Platypus–Ape Last Common Ancestor
Last Common Ancestor (LCA)
This tiny creature marks the branch point between what we became and what we could have been. Long before apes walked upright, the blueprint of mammalian life—warmth, fur, milk—was already taking shape in the shadows of the Triassic.
Quote of the week
2-Philosophy
Quote
“Reality is self-creating by definition… our impressions of it are what we use to build knowledge.”
Empiricism
TAKE-AWAY: We never meet reality directly — we meet our impressions of it. But those impressions are enough to build understanding, truth-seeking, and meaning. Instead of chasing certainty, we work with what we perceive, refining our picture as we go. Knowledge grows from experience, not perfection.
FAQ of the Week
2-Philosophy
FAQ
What is a realistic timeframe for humanity to terraform Mars?
The Civilization-Scale Commitment
ANSWER: Robots and AI-driven systems need to warm Mars, thicken its atmosphere, and prepare its soil before humans can breath Martian air. Genetically engineered microorganisms will be first, reshaping barren ground . Humans will there during all this, but living in domes, not outdoors.
TouchstoneTruth
Curated wisdom for a world in motion!

At TouchstoneTruth, ideas matter. Explore the power of wisdom and discover how empirical thinking can lead to a better understanding of our world—and a better life.

Deep-Dive Articles
Ontology

Philosophy: The Existence and Essence Debate

In religion and philosophy, the existence and essence debate asks if you exist before your time on Earth.
Epistemology

Pragmatism and Pythagoras

Pythagoras exemplifies rational pragmatism, balancing empirical insights with mystical beliefs. He reminds us that even flawed ideas can spark progress.
Cognitive Biases

The Fermi Paradox is Too Anthropocentric

The Fermi Paradox is the common framework for thinking about the odds of alien life, but can it even come close to an accurate estimate?
American CentricEthicsH2-Ancient History

No Kings Has Deep Historical Roots

Recent protests reflect the timeless struggle to limit power and oppression using checks and balances.
Particle PhysicsUnification

The Double‐slit Experiment Explored

Reality may not be particles afterall. It may be more like waves, vibrations, or strings.
OntologyReligion

Philosophy: The Existence and Essence Debate

In religion and philosophy, the existence and essence debate asks if you exist before your time on Earth.
EpistemologyH2-Ancient History

Pragmatism and Pythagoras

Pythagoras exemplifies rational pragmatism, balancing empirical insights with mystical beliefs. He reminds us that even flawed ideas can spark progress.
Must-Reads
Epistemology
Pragmatism and Pythagoras
Pythagoras exemplifies rational pragmatism, balancing empirical insights with mystical beliefs. He reminds us that even flawed ideas can spark progress.
Ethics
Existential Toolkit: Evolution’s Consciousness Misstep
At its core, existentialism is about discovering your authentic self. You, in your environment, in your time, living life your way.
New Ideas
Particle Physics
Speculation on Quantum Entanglement: A Missing Mass Puzzle
Physics < Cosmology < Science
Macro photography. Universe inside the bubble.
Physics
The Islands-of-Universes Idea
Speculative ideas exploring what is outside the CMB.
Updated Articles
American Centric
The First Religions of Colonial America

Discover the diverse religious tapestry of Colonial America with Mike Prestwood. He tells the story of early religion from Roger Williams’ groundbreaking multi-faith colony to the intricate beliefs of seekers, agnostics, and believers.

New Edition • Audiobook Just Released

30 Philosophers

A modern journey through humanity’s best ideas — now in audio.

Narrated by the talented Alex Wolfgang
(credited on Audible/Amazon as Adam Carpenter)

Fun moment: in Chapter 17’s Play with Me section he breaks the fourth wall and briefly introduces himself by his real name.

Hardcover • Paperback • eBook • Audio

Cover art for 30 Philosophers

WWB Season 7 — Returning 2026!

I’m taking this time to catch up with the paired videos for recent WWB editions, and to restructure the WWB into seasions of 10 weeks: four 1-Minute Hot Topics. Each week featureing a tidbit in science, philosophy, critical, thinking, and history. Follow the TST YouTube channel to catch all new videos. –Mike

Weekly Wisdom Builder 
December 17, 2025 Edition
February 26, 2025 Edition
Time Left: 

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