Leaps Talk #8: Why do we fear innovation?
Featuring Yuval Noah Harari and Mayim Bialik, moderated by Niko Woischnik. Held at SXSW Online 2021, in partnership with Tech Open Air
From the printing press to vaccines to artificial intelligence, the introduction of almost any transformative technology has been met with wonder as well as fear and rejection. Many of history’s greatest inventors were considered heretics--the archetype of the mad scientist exists for a reason. Why does the new still scare us? What does it take to build acceptance for transformative ideas? How does the unprecedented scientific progress to deliver COVID vaccines influence this? What role does disinformation play in shaping our fears? How can we ensure innovators consider ethical issues, so outcomes can lead to the betterment of people and the planet? What can innovators learn from artists and creators of fiction?
Yuval Noah Harari
Historian & Author
Prof. Yuval Noah Harari is a historian and bestselling author, considered one of the world’s most influential public intellectuals today. His popular books — Sapiens, Homo Deus, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century—have sold 27.5 Million copies in 60 languages, and have been recommended by Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Janelle Monáe, and others. His recently published Sapiens: A Graphic History is a radical adaptation of the original, into a graphic novel series.
Mayim Bialik
Actress, Author, PhD
Dr. Mayim Bialik is known for her award-winning role as Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory. She leads Call Me Kat, which she and former co-star Jim Parsons Executive Produce. In 2021, Mayim will direct her original screenplay titled As Sick As They Made Us. She recently launched Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, a podcast on mental health. An acclaimed author, Bialik has written two #1 New York Times bestsellers, among others. Mayim holds a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA.
Niko Woischnik
Founder, Tech Open Air - Moderator
Niko founded TechBerlin, the city's first english language blog about tech and startups, Ahoy! Berlin, which was recently acquired by Knotel as well as the leading technology festival Tech Open Air (TOA) and Openers, a communications agency for technology companies.
TOA
TOA is a community for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Their mission is to help people and organizations become futureproof. TOA connects, grows and inspires technology professionals through media, experiences and educational programs. Technology is transforming the way we work, live and relate. Through knowledge exchange and collaboration everyone can seize the opportunities ahead.
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SXSW Online 2021
Introducing SXSW Online, a digital experience from March 16–20, 2021 including keynotes, Conference sessions, Music Festival showcases, Film Festival screenings, world-class networking, and the unexpected discoveries that are always a part of SXSW.
VISIT SXSW ONLINECollaborating with the smartest minds
In an increasingly convergent world, there is no innovation without collaboration. Together, we aim to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.