What’s Our Problem? audiobook cover - A Self-Help Book for Societies

What’s Our Problem?

A Self-Help Book for Societies

Tim Urban

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Categories:
HistoryPoliticsPsychologySociety & CultureTechnology & the Future

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Mind Map

What’s Our Problem?
The Human Context+
The Ladder of Thinking+
Environmental Causes+
Modern Fundamentalism+
Solutions for a Better World+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
What does the 1,000-page book metaphor primarily illustrate about human history?
  • A. It shows that the agricultural revolution took up the vast majority of human existence.
  • B. It demonstrates that human society naturally matures and becomes more peaceful over time.
  • C. It highlights that technology is increasing exponentially at the very end, drastically raising the stakes for our future.
  • D. It proves that modern political systems are far superior to those of our hunter-gatherer ancestors.
Question 2 of 7
On Tim Urban's 'Ladder of Thinking,' what characterizes someone who is thinking like a 'sports fan'?
  • A. They logically observe evidence with a pure desire to find the truth.
  • B. They respect the rules of the game but are no longer impartial because they want their side to win.
  • C. They are obligated to defend a specific point regardless of how truthful or logical it is.
  • D. Their ideas are sacred, and any challenge is seen as a personal attack.
Question 3 of 7
According to the text, what is the most useful way to apply the 'Ladder of Thinking' to modern divisive issues?
  • A. By categorizing which political parties inherently belong to the high or low rungs.
  • B. By focusing on how people think rather than what they think.
  • C. By using it to eliminate the primitive mind completely from our decision-making.
  • D. By identifying which specific social groups are responsible for low-rung thinking.
Question 4 of 7
What historical shift contributed to the rise of 'concentrated tribalism' in the United States?
  • A. A sudden economic downturn that forced citizens to compete for limited resources.
  • B. The rise of internet algorithms that artificially created political divisions.
  • C. The end of major 20th-century wars, which removed a unifying external threat and led to internal infighting.
  • D. An increase in international travel that exposed Americans to conflicting global ideologies.
Question 5 of 7
How has modern mobility contributed to 'hypercharged tribalism'?
  • A. People travel more internationally, adopting conflicting global ideologies.
  • B. People frequently relocate for jobs, causing them to lose their core political identities.
  • C. People often choose to live near those with similar views, creating physical echo chambers.
  • D. People commute longer distances, leading to increased reliance on algorithm-driven podcasts.
Question 6 of 7
How does a 'Social Justice Fundamentalist' approach the issue of racism, according to the book's framework?
  • A. They objectively test hypotheses to determine if racism occurred in a given situation.
  • B. They assume racism is an undeniable force and ask 'How did racism happen here?' rather than if it happened.
  • C. They focus entirely on economic class differences, viewing race as a secondary issue.
  • D. They promote open debate and welcome alternative ideas to fully understand the context of an event.
Question 7 of 7
What two traits does Urban suggest individuals need to develop in order to start making the world a better place?
  • A. Awareness and Courage
  • B. Intelligence and Empathy
  • C. Wealth and Influence
  • D. Patience and Compromise

What’s Our Problem? — Full Chapter Overview

What’s Our Problem? Summary & Overview

What’s Our Problem (2023) offers a fun and unique perspective on the strange state of the modern world in which we live. Using the author’s iconic comedic style, it draws on observations from political theory, psychology, history, and modern-day events to explain what is going on in our society, and what we can potentially do to fix it.

Who Should Listen to What’s Our Problem??

  • Followers of Tim Urban and his blog, Wait But Why
  • The socially-minded looking for clear and clever explanations of complex problems
  • Anyone confused and overwhelmed by the crazy state of the world

About the Author: Tim Urban

Tim Urban is a writer, blogger, and internet sensation. His well-loved blog Wait But Why is characterized by simple cartoons, wry humor, and insightful observations about technology, life, and the world.

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