Using maths to make the 'perfect' decision and why communities need trees and bookstores

About this episode

The episode explores decision-making through mathematics and discusses the importance of trees and bookstores in communities.

In the 1970s, the late physicist and Nobel laureate Richard Feynman came up with a mathematical formula to help his friend decide what to order at their favourite restaurant. The trouble is, no-one could decipher the handwriting — until now. Self-proclaimed maths geek Adam B Spencer and psychotherapist Zoë Krupka explore the answers to decision paralysis. When you think about the critical infrastructure that makes up a city, what comes to mind? Roads, bridges, power lines, public hospitals — what about trees? The gentle giants that shelter our footpaths, filter our air and cool our cities provide a lot for the communities where they grow. So when one gets cut down, sometimes the people push back. But the question of who gets final say over whether a tree stays or goes is complicated. In the past decade, nearly half of Australia's bookstores have closed. It's an obvious loss for the book lovers who feel most at home among the shelves. But even if you're not an avid reader, these places can carry cultural significance, giving people the opportunity to gather and be a part of their community. Bookshop owner Tim Jarvis weighs up the future of bricks-and-mortar stores and what it…

People in this episode

Guests: Adam B Spencer, Zoë Krupka, Tim Jarvis

Topics covered

• decision making
• community infrastructure
• urban trees
• bookstores
• cultural significance

Keywords

• decision paralysis
• mathematical formula
• urban trees
• bookstore closures
• community gathering

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

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