Jonny Thomson

Jonny Thomson

Jonny Thomson taught philosophy in Oxford for more than a decade before turning to writing full-time. He’s a columnist at Big Think and is the award-winning, bestselling author of three books that have been translated into 22 languages.

Jonny is also the founder of Mini Philosophy, a social network of around two million curious, intelligent minds. He's known all over the world for making philosophy accessible, relatable, and fun. 

An open book with text artfully arranged to form a house and tree shape, set against a blue sky dotted with white swirls, celebrates the magic of books.
When you enter someone's home, you learn how life is lived elsewhere.
A lineup of eight women in swimsuits stands on stage, embodying beauty as they face away from the camera, with an audience in the background.
"Lookism" is prevalent and harmful. So why do so few take it seriously?
An aerial view captures two pairs of tennis players, akin to The Four Enemies, shaking hands at the net on a lush green court.
Buddhism has rules for slaying your enemies. But the real surprise is finding out who your enemies actually are.
In a futuristic control room, two people sit at advanced control panels, utilizing AI technology as they face a large screen displaying vibrant green light beams.
We need more science fiction-inspired thinking in how we approach AI research, argues AI expert Gary Marcus.
A blue compass rose emblem with a fractured design symbolizes navigation through the struggles of addiction, set starkly against a black background.
Big Think spoke with author and psychiatrist Elias Dakwar about addiction, rock bottom, and the moment you realize your compass is broken.
A silhouette of a head brimming with green grass and tiny flowers forms a brain-like shape, embodying sentience against a yellow textured background.
Could AI develop true intelligence without sentience? Philosopher Jonathan Birch explores the boundaries of artificial and evolved minds.
A sunflower with a detailed close-up of its center, showcasing spiral patterns intertwined with mathematics. Fibonacci sequence and mathematical diagrams elegantly overlay a serene blue background.
The artistic and the mathematical mind are not so far apart.
A classical statue, embodying an Olympic mindset, holds a clipboard and phone against a split green and black background.
What we can all learn about the journey from sporting arena to workplace — and how Aristotle can guide our thinking.
Collage with images of a close embrace, crowded street, running feet, U.S. dollar bills symbolizing wealth, and an alarm clock.
Sahil Bloom explores why wealth isn’t just about money, but about knowing which type of wealth matters most in each season of life.
The golden statue of Athena stands prominently in a replica of the Parthenon interior, steeped in mythology. She holds a shield and a small figure, while the spacious setting boasts large columns and high ceilings.
An interview with renowned mythologist Martin Shaw about persona, presence, and how to spend life's finite time.
Blurred image of a thrilling football game in action under the night sky, with enthusiastic spectators on bleachers watching one of America's most exciting and sometimes dangerous sports.
"I think it's about time we stop allowing every male generation bang their frontal lobe through its most developmental stages."
An older man in a suit stands in front of a large bookcase filled with books, pondering life's limit situations.
When Star Trek's Captain Picard and The Office's Dwight Schrute channel philosopher Karl Jaspers, we can all benefit.