John Brockman, that most philosophical of editors and founder of the science-oriented Edge Foundation (
edge.org), asked some 150 serious thinkers what gave them reasons to smile. In his persuasively upbeat collection,
What Are You Optimistic About? (Harper Perennial), evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins predicts a new scientific enlightenment, wiping out superstition; psychologist Steven Pinker sees a decline in violence worldwide; and physicist Frank Wilczek fully expects that "the world will continue to surprise us in fascinating and fundamental ways." Ask a savvy question...
