Pipe Dreams

Josh Knobe, '96, leads a vanguard of thinkers whose brand of experimental philosophy has won both converts and critics. Is it really philosophy, and what does it tell us?

by David Menconi

As the successor to a legend in the auto industry, General Motors' new product chief is gearing up for a renaissance in carmaking and hoping to deliver a vital future for one of America's most venerable companies.

by Jim Tankersley

Imprisoned by the shah, exiled by revolutionary excesses, Abbas Milani has spent 25 years pushing for democratic change in his home country. What makes him think it can happen now?

by Romesh Ratnesar

The priests of an ancient Peruvian civilization took their followers into an underground maze for a mind-blowing initiation rite. What happened down there, and why was it so important? Archaeologist John Rick brings to light a 3,000-year-old mystery.

by Tyler Bridges

Stanford faculty examine the conditions that led to civil unrest in the Arab world, what it means for the region and how the United States should respond.

Bill Neukom, JD '67, shepherded Microsoft through its stormiest period and helped bring a World Series title to San Francisco. In both cases, he says, it was all about the team.

by Ann Killion

When an Internet smear campaign went viral, South Korean hip-hop star Tablo fought back with the only weapon he had: the truth. Sometimes, even that isn’t enough.

by Joshua Davis

The ancient art of origami has been revived by design innovations that push the boundary of what is possible and enable other applications of folding technology. Robert Lang has led the way.

by Greta Lorge

Sedate and seldom used today, Frost Amphitheater was once a vibrant venue for some of the most influential rock performers in the world.

by Ivan Maisel

In his book Why the West Rules For Now, professor Ian Morris claims it was geography, not people, that gave Europe and North America a leg up centuries ago, and contributes now to the East's inexorable rise.

by Joel McCormick