Tim Urban is a bestselling author, speaker, illustrator, and co-founder of the influential blog Wait But Why, one of the internet’s most beloved platforms for exploring big ideas. Known for his unique combination of deep research, humor, stick-figure illustrations, and thought-provoking storytelling, Urban has built a global following by making complex topics accessible and engaging.
His TED Talk, Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator, has attracted more than 75 million views, making it one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time. In it, Urban introduced the now-famous concepts of the “Instant Gratification Monkey” and the “Panic Monster,” which have become part of the global conversation on productivity and human behavior.
Urban’s work spans a remarkable range of subjects, including artificial intelligence, the future of humanity, politics, psychology, technology, space exploration, and decision-making. His long-form analyses of AI and superintelligence were among the earliest popular explanations of the transformative impact AI could have on society.
In 2023, he published the bestselling book What's Our Problem?: A Self-Help Book for Societies, an ambitious exploration of political polarization, critical thinking, and how societies can have more productive conversations.
Tim Urban inspires audiences to think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and navigate an increasingly complex future with curiosity, humility, and optimism.
