Episode
#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
3:22:52
Published: Fri Jun 25 2021
Description
Bret Weinstein is and evolutionary biologist, author, and co-host of the DarkHorse Podcast. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - The Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.youtube.com/thejordanharbingershow - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free - Magic Spoon: https://magicspoon.com/lex and use code LEX to get $5 off - Four Sigmatic: https://foursigmatic.com/lex and use code LexPod to get up to 60% off EPISODE LINKS: Bret's Twitter: https://twitter.com/BretWeinstein Bret's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BretWeinsteinDarkHorse Bret's Website: https://bretweinstein.net/ Bret's Book: https://amzn.to/3dhVWrv PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (09:04) - Why biology is beautiful (16:38) - Boston Dynamics (20:02) - Being self-critical (30:09) - Theory of close calls (38:46) - Lab leak hypothesis (1:12:41) - Joe Rogan (1:21:50) - Censorship (1:58:40) - Vaccines (2:12:26) - The paper on mice with long telomeres (2:40:09) - Martyrdom (2:48:54) - Eric Weinstein (2:58:13) - Monogamy (3:10:31) - Advice for young people (3:17:16) - Meaning of life
Chapters
Science is powerful in the face of danger and threats to humanity, but we must embrace uncertainty and the importance of searching for truth and solutions to foster progress.
00:00 - 05:02 (05:02)
Summary
Science is powerful in the face of danger and threats to humanity, but we must embrace uncertainty and the importance of searching for truth and solutions to foster progress. Honest and transparent communication from leaders about uncertainty and scientific efforts is crucial.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses the benefits of mushroom coffee, which includes increased productivity and focus, as well as his love for the idea of it.
05:02 - 10:01 (04:58)
Summary
The host discusses the benefits of mushroom coffee, which includes increased productivity and focus, as well as his love for the idea of it. He also shares his fascination with the near miracles of biological nature.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Understanding Biological Processes and Learning through Engineering and Computer Vision Perspectives
The complexity of biological processes seems to be second nature, but understanding them from engineering and computer vision perspectives can teach us a lot about communication, movement, and learning.
10:01 - 23:24 (13:23)
Summary
The complexity of biological processes seems to be second nature, but understanding them from engineering and computer vision perspectives can teach us a lot about communication, movement, and learning. This involves learning how to visualize the environment, movements, and develop systems that learn and adapt in different situations.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker talks about the importance of finding a balance between allowing self-criticism to become too heavy and realizing that self-development is key to future well-being.
23:25 - 29:57 (06:31)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker talks about the importance of finding a balance between allowing self-criticism to become too heavy and realizing that self-development is key to future well-being. They find joy and gratitude in listening to the world around them and having quiet moments of appreciation.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses using close calls as a mechanism for minimizing the probability of accidents, and the importance of developing robots that can learn to do the same.
29:57 - 39:24 (09:27)
Summary
The speaker discusses using close calls as a mechanism for minimizing the probability of accidents, and the importance of developing robots that can learn to do the same. He believes that deep developmental work will need to be done to achieve this, similar to the development of the internal combustion engine for vehicles.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discovery of human population in which the virus circulated or evidence towards the lab in Wuhan, specifically the one directly involved with research on viruses that look like SARS-CoV-2, could shift the probabilities in either direction.
39:25 - 46:16 (06:51)
Summary
The discovery of human population in which the virus circulated or evidence towards the lab in Wuhan, specifically the one directly involved with research on viruses that look like SARS-CoV-2, could shift the probabilities in either direction. People competent enough to make this virus may not have the disregard for human life required to create it.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Gain-of-function research can result in the rapid creation of deadly virus adaptations with devastating consequences.
46:16 - 56:27 (10:11)
Summary
Gain-of-function research can result in the rapid creation of deadly virus adaptations with devastating consequences. Researchers should be aware of the risks involved and avoid creating disaster under the guise of being prepared for a virus that could leap from nature any day.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion covers the potential for racism and blame towards Chinese people, as well as the idea that discussing the lab leak hypothesis can lead to a "license to lie" and be harmful to the world.
56:28 - 1:06:06 (09:37)
Summary
The discussion covers the potential for racism and blame towards Chinese people, as well as the idea that discussing the lab leak hypothesis can lead to a "license to lie" and be harmful to the world.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, a professor discusses the pressure to not publicly discuss biological differences between men and women within the scientific community and the implications it has on scientific research.
1:06:06 - 1:12:52 (06:46)
Summary
In this podcast episode, a professor discusses the pressure to not publicly discuss biological differences between men and women within the scientific community and the implications it has on scientific research.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the real-time meta-analysis of ivermectin for COVID-19 and the censorship campaign against discussing its effectiveness.
1:12:52 - 1:18:49 (05:57)
Summary
The podcast discusses the real-time meta-analysis of ivermectin for COVID-19 and the censorship campaign against discussing its effectiveness. While the guests do not advocate for the drug, they highlight the pressure to suppress information about its potential benefits.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the self-assigned right to lie in public health, related to successful vaccination cases, and how this serves the interests of pharmaceutical companies that have emergency use authorizations, require that there not be safe and effective treatment, and have immunity from liability.
1:18:50 - 1:30:27 (11:37)
Summary
This podcast discusses the self-assigned right to lie in public health, related to successful vaccination cases, and how this serves the interests of pharmaceutical companies that have emergency use authorizations, require that there not be safe and effective treatment, and have immunity from liability. It also raises concerns about immunizing pharmaceutical companies from the harm of their own product while allowing them to exist in the market if some other product that works better fails to be noticed.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The debate around censorship often centers around the line between ideas and personal attacks.
1:30:28 - 1:37:57 (07:29)
Summary
The debate around censorship often centers around the line between ideas and personal attacks. While bad ideas should be exposed, it is a difficult task to determine what crosses the line and who should have the power to make those decisions.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Younger scientists are calling for more authentic communication around controversial topics like vaccines, which have been plagued by misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories.
1:37:58 - 1:49:39 (11:41)
Summary
Younger scientists are calling for more authentic communication around controversial topics like vaccines, which have been plagued by misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories. They say that it's important for scientists to engage with the public and address their concerns head on, rather than simply dismissing them.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Prioritizing personal growth and long-term happiness can lead to a better business model and a happier customer base.
1:49:39 - 1:54:16 (04:36)
Summary
Prioritizing personal growth and long-term happiness can lead to a better business model and a happier customer base. Algorithm optimization at the individual level should focus on personal growth and lifestyle improvement for lifelong benefits, beyond immediate gains.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In order to avoid human tragedies caused by population growth, it's crucial to satisfy the desire for growth without hooking it up to actual growth.
1:54:16 - 1:58:49 (04:33)
Summary
In order to avoid human tragedies caused by population growth, it's crucial to satisfy the desire for growth without hooking it up to actual growth. Satisfying this desire will help human beings flourish in the long term.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 should be our highest priority as it will save more lives and help drive the virus to extinction.
1:58:50 - 2:05:49 (06:58)
Summary
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 should be our highest priority as it will save more lives and help drive the virus to extinction. However, people should also be aware of the possibility of a vaccine driving the emergence of variants that could escape its protection.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Some people believe that vaccinating people is a good in and of itself, rather than for the purpose of achieving herd immunity.
2:05:49 - 2:14:20 (08:31)
Summary
Some people believe that vaccinating people is a good in and of itself, rather than for the purpose of achieving herd immunity. The data on who is being vaccinated, where, when, and with what vaccine, as well as adverse effects, should all be collected.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that laboratory mice have anomalously long telomeres, which contributes to their longer lifespan, as compared to wild mice.
2:14:20 - 2:23:29 (09:09)
Summary
A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that laboratory mice have anomalously long telomeres, which contributes to their longer lifespan, as compared to wild mice. However, it was found that while mice do have long telomeres, there is no direct correlation between telomere length and lifespan.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The interviewee shares their experience of being betrayed by their mentor in science and the loss of brilliant ideas as a result.
2:23:29 - 2:32:17 (08:48)
Summary
The interviewee shares their experience of being betrayed by their mentor in science and the loss of brilliant ideas as a result.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The practice of synthesizing ideas in academic research doesn't necessarily require peer review, yet there can be issues when PIs for academic researchers don't want their graduate students working on the same topics due to confusion over who has done what work.
2:32:17 - 2:42:06 (09:48)
Summary
The practice of synthesizing ideas in academic research doesn't necessarily require peer review, yet there can be issues when PIs for academic researchers don't want their graduate students working on the same topics due to confusion over who has done what work.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of fighting for what you believe in can serve as a source of optimism for the human spirit by channeling negative emotions into a worthwhile endeavor.
2:42:06 - 2:48:29 (06:23)
Summary
The idea of fighting for what you believe in can serve as a source of optimism for the human spirit by channeling negative emotions into a worthwhile endeavor.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the fascination with mastering the fundamental layer, but highlights the importance of understanding the emergent layer, as it is often more useful in our daily lives.
2:48:30 - 2:58:10 (09:40)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the fascination with mastering the fundamental layer, but highlights the importance of understanding the emergent layer, as it is often more useful in our daily lives.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of love is questioned when divided over multiple partners and from an evolutionary biology perspective, it appears that having less partners by choice can maximize the love function.
2:58:10 - 3:09:34 (11:24)
Summary
The concept of love is questioned when divided over multiple partners and from an evolutionary biology perspective, it appears that having less partners by choice can maximize the love function. The evolution of monogamy is delved into, exhibiting its advantages and drawbacks.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Developing a diverse skill set allows one to adapt to changing situations and perspectives, enabling them to find creative solutions to problems.
3:09:34 - 3:17:33 (07:58)
Summary
Developing a diverse skill set allows one to adapt to changing situations and perspectives, enabling them to find creative solutions to problems. This applies to the field of robotics and beyond.
Episode#194 – Bret Weinstein: Truth, Science, and Censorship in the Time of a Pandemic
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker discusses the importance of achieving sustainability and liberation for all individuals to pursue beauty, truth, compassion, and connection.
3:17:33 - 3:22:33 (05:00)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker discusses the importance of achieving sustainability and liberation for all individuals to pursue beauty, truth, compassion, and connection. They suggest that it is a moral imperative to deliver these opportunities to as many people as we can.