The Optimist's Telescope
In 'The Optimist's Telescope', Bina Venkataraman explores the profound impact of our decision-making on the future, blending personal anecdotes with scientific insights. She invites readers to imagine a more hopeful future by fostering long-term thinking in a society often fixated on immediate gratification. With compelling stories and practical advice, Venkataraman highlights how optimism can change our perspective on challenges ahead. As she challenges us to envision a better world, she poses the crucial question: How can we balance our short-term desires with the well-being of generations to come? This thought-provoking journey will inspire you to rethink your choices and cultivate a more optimistic mindset.
By Bina Venkataraman
Published: 2019
""In an age of distraction, the true challenge is not just to foresee the future, but to engage with it thoughtfully, choosing paths that foster hope and resilience.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
We live in a time of instant gratification, where we have forgotten to consider the long-term consequences of our actions. Whether it's decision about out health, our finances or our jobs, we lack the tools we need to choose what's best for the future. In The Optimist's Telescope, journalist and advisor in the Obama administration Bina Venkataraman draws on her own experience to highlight the surprising and successful practices that each of us can adopt to make smarter, more thoughtful choices that benefit us over time.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Optimist's Telescope
About the Author
Bina Venkataraman
Bina Venkataraman is a distinguished author and thought leader known for her insightful exploration of science, policy, and societal issues. She has authored the acclaimed book 'The Invention of Creativity: Richard Florida's New Theory of Human Capital', which examines the intersection of creativity and economic development. Venkataraman's writing style is characterized by its clarity and deep analytical approach, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience. Her work often integrates rigorous research with compelling narratives, and she is an advocate for using storytelling to foster understanding and action in public discourse.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Bina Venkataraman
- Published
- January 2019
- Publisher
- N/A
- ISBN
- 0735219478
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 338
- Genres
- Self-HelpPositive ThinkingPsychologyPersonal Growth
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
The Name of the Wind
Patrick Rothfuss
A Farewell to Alms
Gregory Clark
The Psychology of Money
Morgan Housel
The Success Principles(TM)
Jack Canfield, Janet Switzer
This Is Marketing
Seth Godin
The Startup Way
Eric Ries
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams
12 Rules for Life
Jordan B. Peterson
Showing 8 of 28 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations
Alex Lieberman is the co-founder and executive chairman of Morning Brew, a media company that delivers engaging business news. Under his leadership, Morning Brew has grown to reach millions of subscribers, becoming a significant player in modern business journalism. Lieberman is also known for his insightful commentary on entrepreneurship and media trends. His work has significantly influenced the way business news is consumed by younger audiences. Beyond Morning Brew, Lieberman frequently writes and speaks about the intersection of media and technology, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the industry.
View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Malcolm Gladwell's Book Recommendations
Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker, best known for his best-selling books The Tipping Point, Outliers, and Blink. Gladwell’s work often explores the hidden patterns behind success, decision-making, and social phenomena, using storytelling to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. He has written extensively for The New Yorker and hosts the popular podcast Revisionist History, where he reexamines overlooked or misunderstood events in history. Gladwell is known for his ability to challenge conventional wisdom and provoke new ways of thinking about human behavior and societal trends.
View Collection
Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations
Matt Mullenweg is an influential American entrepreneur and web developer, best known for co-founding WordPress, the open-source software that powers over 40% of the web. Born in 1984 in Houston, Texas, Mullenweg's work has revolutionized digital publishing and democratized web content creation. As the CEO of Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, he has expanded the platform's reach and capabilities, fostering a vibrant community of developers and users. Mullenweg is also an advocate for open-source software and has contributed significantly to its proliferation and adoption. His impact on digital literature and publishing is profound, enabling countless individuals and organizations to share their voices online.
View Collection
Susan Cain's Book Recommendations
Susan Cain is a celebrated author and speaker best known for her groundbreaking work on the power of introversion. Her debut book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into over 40 languages, significantly influencing how society views introversion and extroversion. Cain's impactful TED Talk on the same subject has garnered millions of views, further cementing her influence. She co-founded the Quiet Revolution, an initiative aimed at empowering introverts in various aspects of life. Cain's insightful contributions have sparked a global conversation about the strengths and needs of introverts, reshaping workplace dynamics and educational practices.
View Collection
Brendon Burchard's Book Recommendations
Brendon Burchard is a high-performance coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, best known for his books High Performance Habits and The Motivation Manifesto. He helps individuals and organizations achieve peak performance through strategies focused on clarity, energy, and productivity. Brendon’s work emphasizes the importance of personal growth and developing habits that lead to sustained success. He has coached Fortune 500 CEOs, Olympians, and other high-achieving individuals. Brendon is also the founder of the High Performance Academy, where he trains people to lead more impactful and successful lives.
View Collection
Claire Diaz-Ortiz's Book Recommendations
Claire Diaz-Ortiz is a prominent author, speaker, and technology innovator known for her influential work at Twitter, where she played a key role in promoting the platform's use for social good. She has authored several notable books, including "Twitter for Good" and "Design Your Day," which offer insights into leveraging social media for activism and optimizing personal productivity, respectively. Diaz-Ortiz is also recognized for her contributions to leadership literature, particularly through her co-authored works with Ken Blanchard. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured in major media outlets for her expertise in technology and social impact. Beyond her writing, she is committed to philanthropic endeavors and mentoring women entrepreneurs globally.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 15 related collections
“"In an age of distraction, the true challenge is not just to foresee the future, but to engage with it thoughtfully, choosing paths that foster hope and resilience."”
The Optimist's Telescope
By Bina Venkataraman
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.