John Horgan
@jhorganism.bsky.social
Battered old science writer, optimist/grouch, peacenik/hockey player, knownothing/knowitall, materialist/mystic. Spouts off at johnhorgan.org.
I just re-read "The Waste Land," because I was curious to see if Eliot's century-old poem has anything to tell us in 2025. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Is “The Waste Land” Accurate? — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, NOVEMBER 24, 2025. Recently, not sure why, or maybe for obvious reasons, I re-read “The Waste Land.” I was curious: How does it hold up? Dated, dead on, what? When I first read it, I ...
johnhorgan.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:19 PM
I just re-read "The Waste Land," because I was curious to see if Eliot's century-old poem has anything to tell us in 2025. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Time for my annual Thanksgiving guilt trip, in which I try to make white Americans feel bad for what their ancestors did to Native Americans. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Thanksgiving and Scientists’ Slander of Native Americans — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
November 21, 2023. This column is an edited version of one I originally wrote for Scientific American . I expand on these ideas in The End of War . –John Horgan The approach of Thanksgivi...
johnhorgan.org
November 23, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Time for my annual Thanksgiving guilt trip, in which I try to make white Americans feel bad for what their ancestors did to Native Americans. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
I just gave a talk to my school's physics department about Hawking's 1981 prediction that physics would soon wrap things up. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
The End of Physics? — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, NOVEMBER 20, 2025. Igor Pikovski, a physicist at Stevens Institute of Technology, recently asked me to talk to his department about my decades of reporting on physics. Here, more or les...
johnhorgan.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
I just gave a talk to my school's physics department about Hawking's 1981 prediction that physics would soon wrap things up. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
I spend lots of time sitting on my ass staring out the window. I try to think through the implications of doing nothing in this column: johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Doing Nothing — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, NOVEMBER 10, 2025. A friend texts: “Are you busy?” It’s an innocent question, she just wants to know if I can chat, probably about an assignment for her food-writing class. But I almo...
johnhorgan.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM
I spend lots of time sitting on my ass staring out the window. I try to think through the implications of doing nothing in this column: johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Just as scientists need paradigms to get anywhere, so each of us needs a personal paradigm, also called a "self," to navigate life. Is it possible to live without a personal paradigm? johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
My Personal Paradigm — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, NOVEMBER 3, 2025. I wake at 2 AM and feel the rough draft of this column uploading, against my will, in my brain. I lie in the dark, shuffling phrases, sentences. An opening paragraph ...
johnhorgan.org
November 3, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Just as scientists need paradigms to get anywhere, so each of us needs a personal paradigm, also called a "self," to navigate life. Is it possible to live without a personal paradigm? johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
A conference at my school makes me feel better, almost against my will, about where AI is headed: johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Will AI Save Us From AI? — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, OCTOBER 30, 2025 . A meeting at my school last weekend made me feel better, almost against my will, about artificial intelligence. Chris Manzione and Jonah King , artists and art pr...
johnhorgan.org
October 30, 2025 at 1:10 PM
A conference at my school makes me feel better, almost against my will, about where AI is headed: johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Silicon Valley's Singularity cult used to make me smile. Now it scares me. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
The Singularity Cult — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, OCTOBER 25, 2025. In 2008, I was the token skeptic at the “Singularity Summit” in San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley. The cult-y conclave celebrated the Singularity, the imminent (s...
johnhorgan.org
October 25, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Silicon Valley's Singularity cult used to make me smile. Now it scares me. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Philosopher Dave "Hard Problem" Chalmers is the keynote speaker at a colloquium on art and AI at my school Saturday. www.eventbrite.com/e/synthetic-...
Synthetic Narratives AI / XR + Future of Storytelling
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www.eventbrite.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Philosopher Dave "Hard Problem" Chalmers is the keynote speaker at a colloquium on art and AI at my school Saturday. www.eventbrite.com/e/synthetic-...
Reposted by John Horgan
Humans aren't exceptional. We're arrogant apes. by @jhorganism.bsky.social www.realclearscience.com/2025/10/21/t...
October 21, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Humans aren't exceptional. We're arrogant apes. by @jhorganism.bsky.social www.realclearscience.com/2025/10/21/t...
A new book has me brooding over the malignant arrogance of Trump and his sycophants. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
The Rise of the Arrogant Apes — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, OCTOBER 20, 2025. I take attendance in class. Several students are absent. With my sternest expression, I remind those in the room that attendance counts toward grades. As I speak I th...
johnhorgan.org
October 20, 2025 at 1:13 PM
A new book has me brooding over the malignant arrogance of Trump and his sycophants. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
I denounce the many worlds theory as "bullshit," and yet part of me suspects it's true. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
My Secret Affinity for Many Worlds — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, OCTOBER 12, 2025. I’ve been feeling guilty about my last column, which reports on a shindig called Rat Fest , whose attendees adhere to a philosophy called critical rationalism . I g...
johnhorgan.org
October 12, 2025 at 12:46 PM
I denounce the many worlds theory as "bullshit," and yet part of me suspects it's true. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
"Is War Inevitable?" I just chimed in during a debate over this question on the excellent NPR show "Open to Debate." opentodebate.org/debate/is-wa...
Is War Inevitable? - Open to Debate
Wars over territory, religion, ideology, resources, and power, ranging from ancient battles to modern proxy wars: conflicts have been a constant in human history. With geopolitical tensions rising, AI...
opentodebate.org
October 11, 2025 at 11:38 AM
"Is War Inevitable?" I just chimed in during a debate over this question on the excellent NPR show "Open to Debate." opentodebate.org/debate/is-wa...
Wed. Oct. 8 at 1 pm EST, I'm hosting a zoom talk by Adam Becker on his timely book "More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity." Open to all, zoom link: stevens.zoom.us/j/93759076283
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stevens.zoom.us
October 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Wed. Oct. 8 at 1 pm EST, I'm hosting a zoom talk by Adam Becker on his timely book "More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity." Open to all, zoom link: stevens.zoom.us/j/93759076283
Reposted by John Horgan
I think a certain subset of people who follow me will be interested in this. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be invited to a publicity event with the authors of an Intelligent Design blockbuster, read this.
I just had lunch with the authors of "God, The Science, The Evidence," which was a huge bestseller in France and is now being released in the US. Here's what happened at the lunch. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
The God Lunch — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025. In early August I get an email from Jessica, who works for a public-relations firm. She invites me to “an intimate lunch at Le Pavillon—Chef Daniel Boulud’s Micheli...
johnhorgan.org
October 5, 2025 at 3:12 AM
I think a certain subset of people who follow me will be interested in this. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be invited to a publicity event with the authors of an Intelligent Design blockbuster, read this.
I spent last weekend at "Rat Fest," a gathering of folks into Karl Popper, David Deutsch and "critical rationalism." Here's my take. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
My Weekend at “Rat Fest” — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, OCTOBER 4, 2025. “It feels a little cult-y.” That’s how I respond when Logan Chipkin asks what I think of “Rat Fest.” Let me back up a bit: Last summer, I get an email from someone named Lo...
johnhorgan.org
October 4, 2025 at 12:08 PM
I spent last weekend at "Rat Fest," a gathering of folks into Karl Popper, David Deutsch and "critical rationalism." Here's my take. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Physicist David Deutsch, a proponent of the many worlds theory and critical rationalism, has ardent fans. Here's my take on his book "The Beginning of Infinity." johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
The Infinite Optimism of David Deutsch — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. I spent last week in Philadelphia at “Rat Fest,” whose attendees share an enthusiasm for “ critical rationalism , ” Karl Popper and David Deutsch. Rat...
johnhorgan.org
September 30, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Physicist David Deutsch, a proponent of the many worlds theory and critical rationalism, has ardent fans. Here's my take on his book "The Beginning of Infinity." johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
I just had lunch with the authors of "God, The Science, The Evidence," which was a huge bestseller in France and is now being released in the US. Here's what happened at the lunch. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
The God Lunch — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025. In early August I get an email from Jessica, who works for a public-relations firm. She invites me to “an intimate lunch at Le Pavillon—Chef Daniel Boulud’s Micheli...
johnhorgan.org
September 26, 2025 at 1:31 PM
I just had lunch with the authors of "God, The Science, The Evidence," which was a huge bestseller in France and is now being released in the US. Here's what happened at the lunch. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
A lecture on the origins of culture ended up feeling like an act of resistance. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Science as Defiance — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025. Last week I headed to Manhattan for a scientific lecture. The gathering ended up feeling subversive, like an act of resistance . Here’s the story: My pal Tyler V...
johnhorgan.org
September 23, 2025 at 2:07 PM
A lecture on the origins of culture ended up feeling like an act of resistance. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
For 25 cents, a therapist/philosopher gives me advice on how to be chill in this terrible time. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
A Philosophical Encounter in Washington Square Park — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
MANHATTAN, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025. When I’m blue, I like to go to Washington Square Park in Manhattan and observe the humans. On a recent sunny Saturday, I sit on a bench by the fountain and look a...
johnhorgan.org
September 14, 2025 at 2:54 PM
For 25 cents, a therapist/philosopher gives me advice on how to be chill in this terrible time. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Reality seems weirder and weirder lately, and not in a good way. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Is Reality Weird in a Bad Way? — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025. My daughter Skye comes over for spaghetti and a movie. Skye liked Eraserhead and Blue Velvet , wants to see Wild at Heart , which a friend recommends. I say sur...
johnhorgan.org
September 11, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Reality seems weirder and weirder lately, and not in a good way. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
You don’t have to dig deep to find irony in New Jersey. Nuggets of irony lie on the ground, you can scoop them up with a shovel. From my latest column: johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Ode to Hoboken: I — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, SEPTEMBER 6, 2025. On a late-summer afternoon I set out from my apartment with pen and notebook in search of insights into Hoboken. By which I mean insights into, like, you know, exis...
johnhorgan.org
September 6, 2025 at 11:16 AM
You don’t have to dig deep to find irony in New Jersey. Nuggets of irony lie on the ground, you can scoop them up with a shovel. From my latest column: johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
You know how your dog, when you point in the direction of the ball, stares at your finger, confused? That's how some people react to poetry. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
What’s Poetry’s Point? A Riff on “Paterson” — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, AUGUST 29, 2025 . I’m not sure how or when I acquired Paterson , the 284-page anti-epic prose-poem by William Carlos Williams. My paperback copy, published by New Directions in 1963, is beat...
johnhorgan.org
August 30, 2025 at 11:49 AM
You know how your dog, when you point in the direction of the ball, stares at your finger, confused? That's how some people react to poetry. johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Reading "Paterson," the book-length William Carlos Williams poem, makes me wonder: What is poetry for? And: Should I write an epic poem about Ho-Ho-Hoboken? johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
What’s Poetry’s Point? A Riff on “Paterson” — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, AUGUST 29, 2025 . I’m not sure how or when I acquired Paterson , the 284-page anti-epic prose-poem by William Carlos Williams. My paperback copy, published by New Directions in 1963, is beat...
johnhorgan.org
August 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Reading "Paterson," the book-length William Carlos Williams poem, makes me wonder: What is poetry for? And: Should I write an epic poem about Ho-Ho-Hoboken? johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
"History will judge TAKs, Trump-ass-kissers, to be far more deranged than Trump-bashers like me (unless historians all become TAKs and we descend into a new dark age)." From johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Holy Shit Science and My Hypocrisy — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, AUGUST 26, 2025 . My previous post frets over the demise of “Holy Shit Science,” which gives us insights into nature so thrilling that we blurt out, Holy shit! Or words to that effe...
johnhorgan.org
August 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
"History will judge TAKs, Trump-ass-kissers, to be far more deranged than Trump-bashers like me (unless historians all become TAKs and we descend into a new dark age)." From johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
How can I bash Trump for bashing science when I bash science too? Doesn't that make me a hypocrite? johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...
Holy Shit Science and My Hypocrisy — John Horgan (The Science Writer)
HOBOKEN, AUGUST 26, 2025 . My previous post frets over the demise of “Holy Shit Science,” which gives us insights into nature so thrilling that we blurt out, Holy shit! Or words to that effe...
johnhorgan.org
August 26, 2025 at 9:27 PM
How can I bash Trump for bashing science when I bash science too? Doesn't that make me a hypocrite? johnhorgan.org/cross-check/...