Episode
#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
2:19:10
Published: Sat Jul 23 2022
Description
Lord Martin Rees is a cosmologist and astrophysicist at Cambridge University and co-founder of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Lambda: https://lambdalabs.com/lex - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - Indeed: https://indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free - Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off EPISODE LINKS: Martin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/lordmartinrees Martin's Website: https://www.martinrees.uk Martin's Books: If Science is to Save Us: https://amzn.to/3yXRqsc The End of Astronauts: https://amzn.to/3B604ro On the Future: https://amzn.to/3OlzLjB 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 (06:39) - Understanding the universe (15:09) - Human limitations and AI (24:05) - Dark matter (31:25) - Vast universe (39:07) - Alien life (52:59) - Space exploration (1:17:22) - Future technology (1:28:44) - Newton and Einstein (1:32:46) - Black holes (1:46:27) - Cosmological threats (2:13:31) - Advice for young people (2:16:02) - Mortality
Chapters
The combination of analyzing blood, DNA, and fitness tracker data through machine learning algorithms can provide individuals with a clearer picture of what their body needs.
00:00 - 06:48 (06:48)
Summary
The combination of analyzing blood, DNA, and fitness tracker data through machine learning algorithms can provide individuals with a clearer picture of what their body needs. Alpha-Brain can help boost focus and maintaining a clear mind during intensive tasks.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discovery of how the universe works does not mean complete understanding of how life emerges from it.
06:48 - 15:26 (08:37)
Summary
The discovery of how the universe works does not mean complete understanding of how life emerges from it. Life concepts in different fields of science such as biology and ecology should also be taken into consideration.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the possibility of AI helping us in scientific discoveries, using the example of string theory which involves complicated geometry and structures.
15:26 - 24:07 (08:41)
Summary
The speaker discusses the possibility of AI helping us in scientific discoveries, using the example of string theory which involves complicated geometry and structures. While it may help in producing results, it could ultimately be frustrating since it doesn't offer the aha insight that comes with scientific discovery.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The hope is to have a theory that applies to the extreme early stages of the universe but which also accounts for unexplained features of the low energy world, and gains credibility and confidence as a result.
24:07 - 38:29 (14:21)
Summary
The hope is to have a theory that applies to the extreme early stages of the universe but which also accounts for unexplained features of the low energy world, and gains credibility and confidence as a result. However, understanding the very early universe may require even more counter-intuitive thinking of concepts than quantum theory does, due to its distance away from the everyday world.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
European ground-based telescope Extremely Large Telescope will have the potential to collect enough light from exoplanets to be able to separate their light from their star, and check for evidence of life by identifying oxygen and chlorophyll.
38:29 - 46:15 (07:46)
Summary
European ground-based telescope Extremely Large Telescope will have the potential to collect enough light from exoplanets to be able to separate their light from their star, and check for evidence of life by identifying oxygen and chlorophyll. On the other hand, probes are being sent to detect any subsurface oceans on Europa and Enceladus to find evidence of organic life.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Freeman Dyson posits that launching into space is crucial for the future of humanity and its survival, as technological advancements and the possibility of other life forms in the universe suggest that flesh and blood civilization may not last forever.
46:15 - 57:12 (10:56)
Summary
Freeman Dyson posits that launching into space is crucial for the future of humanity and its survival, as technological advancements and the possibility of other life forms in the universe suggest that flesh and blood civilization may not last forever.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The question of whether electronic robots or other forms of life on Mars can be conscious and self-aware is a philosophical one that needs to be considered before colonizing the red planet to escape Earth's problems.
57:12 - 1:08:18 (11:06)
Summary
The question of whether electronic robots or other forms of life on Mars can be conscious and self-aware is a philosophical one that needs to be considered before colonizing the red planet to escape Earth's problems.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In a democracy, the taxpayers collectively own more money, yet it is the biggest resistance to exposing human beings to high risks as there is a shared responsibility.
1:08:18 - 1:19:41 (11:22)
Summary
In a democracy, the taxpayers collectively own more money, yet it is the biggest resistance to exposing human beings to high risks as there is a shared responsibility. However, some people are happy to take on bold adventures and inspire younger generation, and it is dangerous to leave decisions that the public cannot contest in the hands of a few.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker suggests that a heavier tax should be imposed on international conglomerates that use automation and use the funds to create dignified jobs that require a human touch.
1:19:40 - 1:27:18 (07:37)
Summary
The speaker suggests that a heavier tax should be imposed on international conglomerates that use automation and use the funds to create dignified jobs that require a human touch. He believes that not everything that generates profits is good for society, and not everything that does not generate profits is bad for society.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of black holes and their defining properties, such as mass and spin, were only fully understood in the 20th century, thanks to the work of scientists like Roger Penrose.
1:27:18 - 1:36:00 (08:42)
Summary
The concept of black holes and their defining properties, such as mass and spin, were only fully understood in the 20th century, thanks to the work of scientists like Roger Penrose.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Astrophysicist Paul Sutter explains the different types of black holes and their role in quasars, as well as the prevalence of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies.
1:36:00 - 1:41:22 (05:21)
Summary
Astrophysicist Paul Sutter explains the different types of black holes and their role in quasars, as well as the prevalence of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the relationship between black holes and galaxies, detailing how at some stages in their lives, black holes go through a phase of capturing gas, becoming extremely bright, and settling towards the center of their respective galaxies.
1:41:22 - 1:45:53 (04:31)
Summary
This podcast discusses the relationship between black holes and galaxies, detailing how at some stages in their lives, black holes go through a phase of capturing gas, becoming extremely bright, and settling towards the center of their respective galaxies.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the trade-off between resilience and efficiency in supply chains and highlights the benefits and downsides that come with technological advancements such as computers and automated systems.
1:45:53 - 2:03:17 (17:23)
Summary
The speaker discusses the trade-off between resilience and efficiency in supply chains and highlights the benefits and downsides that come with technological advancements such as computers and automated systems. The speaker also touches upon the importance of addressing economic lag in Africa and the looming threat of cyber attacks targeting nuclear weapons and submarine fleets.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Social media has caused younger people to have less interest in political careers, due to the pressure from online trolls.
2:03:17 - 2:15:59 (12:42)
Summary
Social media has caused younger people to have less interest in political careers, due to the pressure from online trolls. However, there is a need for inspiring leaders to step up and a demand for more love in the world.
Episode#305 – Martin Rees: Black Holes, Alien Life, Dark Matter, and the Big Bang
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast host discusses the misconception that humans are the culmination of evolution despite the fact that our planet and life itself still have a tremendous amount of time left.
2:15:59 - 2:18:36 (02:37)
Summary
The podcast host discusses the misconception that humans are the culmination of evolution despite the fact that our planet and life itself still have a tremendous amount of time left. He also reflects on his own fortunate life and mentions wealthy individuals funding research into reversing aging.