For solving a surprisingly large and varied number of problems, crowds are smarter than individuals.

Human history is highly nonlinear and unpredictable.

The recent medical controversy over whether vaccinations cause autism reveals a habit of human cognition — thinking anecdotally comes naturally, whereas thinking scientifically does not.

But because we live in an age of science, we have a preoccupation with corroborating our myths.

The whole point of faith, in fact, is to believe regardless of the evidence, which is the very antithesis of science.

Belief is the natural state of things. It is the default option. We just believe. We believe all sorts of things. Belief is natural; disbelief, skepticism, science, is not natural.

People who espouse Intelligent Design believe nature is so complex as to require an intelligent designer-God. Similarly, liberals believe the economy is so complex as to require an intelligent designer-government.