• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Farnam Street Logo

Farnam Street

Mastering the best of what other people have already figured out

  • Newsletter
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • Articles
  • Log In
  • Become a Member
TweetEmailLinkedInPrint

The Knowledge Project Podcast

Samuel Arbesman: Future-Proofing Your Knowledge [The Knowledge Project Ep. #15]

Samuel Arbesman is a complexity scientist who focuses on the changing nature of science and technology. We discuss learning and reading and how to optimize both to get the best outcome. Sam’s also written two books that I love: The Half-Life of Facts and Overcomplicated.

Listen and Learn: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

  • Our relationship with technology and how it has shifted the way we consume and retain information
  • What “mesofacts” are and how to keep our mental databases updated in a world that’s constantly changing
  • Whether art or science is more fundamental to a thriving, successful society
  • The metrics Sam uses to define success for himself
  • The difference between physics thinking and biological thinking and why it matters
  • The phrase Sam’s father repeated to him every time he left the house that helped shape who he is today
  • The books that had the most profound impact on Sam’s life/li>
  • How to prioritize our learning so we’re spending time on information with the highest return on our investment

And much, much more!

If you love learning, but feel like it’s impossible to keep up with the endless flow of information in the world, then Sam’s your guy.

Books mentioned:

  • The Guide to the Good Life
  • Immortality: The Quest to Live Forever and How It Drives Civilization
  • The Foundation Trilogy
  • Childhood’s End
  • Cryptonomicon
  • The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future
  • Algorithms to Live By
  • The Age of Em

Transcript

Get transcripts, early access, ad-free episodes, and so much more. Learn more or sign up now.

Already a member? Head over to the Members Only area to access transcripts and other Member Only content.

Become a Member

More Episodes

Harley Finkelstein: Why You Must Requalify for Your Role—Every Year [The Knowledge Project Ep. #236]

What does it mean to live – and lead – with intention?  This week, I sit down with my friend and Shopify President Harley …

Listen NowHarley Finkelstein: Why You Must Requalify for Your Role—Every Year [The Knowledge Project Ep. #236]

[Outliers] Jimmy Pattison: Building a $16B Empire Without Connections, Capital, or Credentials [The Knowledge Project Ep. #235]

At 96 years old, Jimmy Pattison still runs his $16 billion empire personally. He’s built it over 63 years without outside capital or a …

Listen Now[Outliers] Jimmy Pattison: Building a $16B Empire Without Connections, Capital, or Credentials [The Knowledge Project Ep. #235]

Indra Nooyi: Lessons from the Top of PepsiCo and the Cost of Getting There [The Knowledge Project Ep. #234]

On her first day as CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi fired her general counsel. Then rehired him before dinner. It wasn’t a …

Listen NowIndra Nooyi: Lessons from the Top of PepsiCo and the Cost of Getting There [The Knowledge Project Ep. #234]
The Knowledget Product podcast cover

The Knowledge Project

A podcast about mastering the best of what other people have already figured out. The Knowledge Project focuses on insights and lessons that never expire. You’ll walk away from every episode with actionable insights that help you get better results and live a more meaningful life.

Listen now onApple Podcasts
More Options
  • Spotify
  • Overcast
  • g id="Pocket-Casts-Roundel---Red">Pocket Casts
  • RSS

Never miss an episode

A podcast about mastering the best of what other people have already figured out.

Farnam Street Logo

© 2025 Farnam Street Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Proudly powered by WordPress. Hosted by Pressable. See our Privacy Policy.

  • About
  • Sponsorship
  • Support
  • Speaking

We’re Syrus Partners.
We buy amazing businesses.


Farnam Street participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising commissions by linking to Amazon.