Episode
#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
2:47:54
Published: Thu Nov 11 2021
Description
Neal Stephenson is a sci-fi writer (Snow Crash, Cryptonomicon, and new book Termination Shock), former Chief Futurist at Magic Leap and first employee of Blue Origin. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Mizzen+Main: https://mizzenandmain.com and use code LEX to get $35 off - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex and use code Lex25 to get 25% off - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil - Grammarly: https://grammarly.com/lex to get 20% off premium - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free EPISODE LINKS: Neal's Twitter: https://twitter.com/nealstephenson Neal's Website: https://www.nealstephenson.com/ Termination Shock (book): https://amzn.to/3HhmDKi Snow Crash (book): https://amzn.to/3H7yFFW Cryptonomicon (book): https://amzn.to/3C01HDF The Diamond Age (book): https://amzn.to/3wxUF83 Seveneves (book): https://amzn.to/3kkhveg The Baroque Cycle, Vol. 1 (book): https://amzn.to/3koMW7n Innovation Starvation (article): https://bit.ly/3mYLSJ2 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 (08:34) - WWII and human nature (17:20) - Search engine morality (21:58) - Space exploration (38:59) - Aliens and UFOs (47:21) - SpaceX and Blue Origin (54:43) - Social media (59:11) - Climate change (1:11:00) - Consequences of big ideas (1:15:42) - Virtual reality (1:38:50) - Artificial intelligence (1:53:49) - Cryptocurrency (2:06:26) - Writing, storytelling, and books (2:29:05) - Martial arts (2:38:23) - Final thoughts
Chapters
A conversation with Neil Stevenson, author of Snow Crash and Termination Shock, diving into his exploration of various topics from math, science, and cryptography to philosophy and virtual reality.
00:00 - 06:12 (06:12)
Summary
A conversation with Neil Stevenson, author of Snow Crash and Termination Shock, diving into his exploration of various topics from math, science, and cryptography to philosophy and virtual reality.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the host discusses the lessons that can be drawn from World War II and the rise of Hitler, and whether it affects our view of the world today or not.
06:12 - 15:36 (09:24)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the host discusses the lessons that can be drawn from World War II and the rise of Hitler, and whether it affects our view of the world today or not.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses how technology can aid in creating a better world by allowing individuals to explore true and false information and discover new knowledge.
15:36 - 21:22 (05:45)
Summary
This podcast discusses how technology can aid in creating a better world by allowing individuals to explore true and false information and discover new knowledge. However, there is a struggle with commercializing this technology and finding a balance between making money and sharing information for the greater good.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of sending a small object to another star system using laser propulsion is being funded, but the challenge remains that it has no way of slowing down.
21:22 - 26:41 (05:19)
Summary
The idea of sending a small object to another star system using laser propulsion is being funded, but the challenge remains that it has no way of slowing down. Building a sustainable environment within our own solar system may be a more feasible option due to the complications and unknown factors that come with interstellar travel.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares the story of how they started exploring new possibilities and inventing ideas to make things faster, eventually leading to the creation of chemical-fueled rockets for space tourism.
26:41 - 36:37 (09:55)
Summary
The speaker shares the story of how they started exploring new possibilities and inventing ideas to make things faster, eventually leading to the creation of chemical-fueled rockets for space tourism.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the possible origins of unidentified aircrafts sighted around aircraft carriers, suggesting that they may be the result of a failed science fair project.
36:37 - 44:39 (08:02)
Summary
The speaker discusses the possible origins of unidentified aircrafts sighted around aircraft carriers, suggesting that they may be the result of a failed science fair project. They also explore the language barriers that could occur when trying to communicate with beings from other places.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of life can go beyond biological systems, opening up the possibility for our species to explore the unknown.
44:39 - 51:54 (07:15)
Summary
The concept of life can go beyond biological systems, opening up the possibility for our species to explore the unknown. Elon Musk's ambitious vision for becoming a multiplanetary species, colonizing Mars, and expanding our understanding of the universe.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast emphasizes the importance of optimism in a large group, finding individuals who can contribute positively, and the potential for new ideas to flourish and improve social media.
51:54 - 59:58 (08:03)
Summary
This podcast emphasizes the importance of optimism in a large group, finding individuals who can contribute positively, and the potential for new ideas to flourish and improve social media.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of terraforming Mars may allow for new perspectives on solving problems on earth, inspiring bold leaders instead of bureaucrats.
59:58 - 1:10:51 (10:52)
Summary
The idea of terraforming Mars may allow for new perspectives on solving problems on earth, inspiring bold leaders instead of bureaucrats. However, it requires understanding the immense amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the challenges of slowing it down, let alone reversing it.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The potential downsides of new technology need to be recognized and assessed before fully adopting it, after a period when unrealistic expectations for technology outpaced attention to its risks in the 50s and 60s.
1:10:51 - 1:17:12 (06:21)
Summary
The potential downsides of new technology need to be recognized and assessed before fully adopting it, after a period when unrealistic expectations for technology outpaced attention to its risks in the 50s and 60s.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The potential for consumer-facing robotics and augmented reality is immense, but there are some engineering hurdles that need to be overcome in order to make them a reality.
1:17:12 - 1:23:15 (06:02)
Summary
The potential for consumer-facing robotics and augmented reality is immense, but there are some engineering hurdles that need to be overcome in order to make them a reality.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The potential for magical experiences in virtual worlds is just as real as in the physical one.
1:23:15 - 1:32:52 (09:37)
Summary
The potential for magical experiences in virtual worlds is just as real as in the physical one. However, the speaker is more interested in enhancing the physical world and uses CAD program to imagine and make things.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The challenge of tiling a hexagon with smaller hexagons and attempting to tile the globe with hexagons is discussed in this episode.
1:32:53 - 1:36:46 (03:53)
Summary
The challenge of tiling a hexagon with smaller hexagons and attempting to tile the globe with hexagons is discussed in this episode.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Robots affect how people feel, which is why it's crucial to explore the human-robot interaction aspect of robotics.
1:36:46 - 1:45:48 (09:02)
Summary
Robots affect how people feel, which is why it's crucial to explore the human-robot interaction aspect of robotics. Embodied robots, which are currently not advanced enough to be considered AI, are worth studying as they offer unique ways of understanding the relationship between robots and human beings.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The need for intersubjectivity in our perceptions, where we share our perceptions and have them validated by others, is highlighted as a fundamental requirement for us to stay sane.
1:45:48 - 1:50:37 (04:48)
Summary
The need for intersubjectivity in our perceptions, where we share our perceptions and have them validated by others, is highlighted as a fundamental requirement for us to stay sane. Even in solitary confinement, people domesticate animals as they share the same perceptions and validate the prisoner's perception of reality.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
By connecting smart contracts and data, we create more structured and grounded contracts between people that can withstand authoritarian regimes and give power to previously powerless individuals.
1:50:37 - 2:02:38 (12:01)
Summary
By connecting smart contracts and data, we create more structured and grounded contracts between people that can withstand authoritarian regimes and give power to previously powerless individuals. This allows for greater resistance and the distribution of power, but may also pose a challenge to big governments and authoritarian regimes in terms of control over these cryptocurrency mining centers.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Dogecoin, unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, operates in the space of memes and humor while still solving similar cryptocurrency problems, showing the potential of fun and narrative in the future over grounded technologies.
2:02:38 - 2:13:21 (10:42)
Summary
Dogecoin, unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, operates in the space of memes and humor while still solving similar cryptocurrency problems, showing the potential of fun and narrative in the future over grounded technologies.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The ability to tell a good story is an evolutionary development that allows people to capture their audience's attention and immerse them in a virtual reality.
2:13:21 - 2:19:52 (06:31)
Summary
The ability to tell a good story is an evolutionary development that allows people to capture their audience's attention and immerse them in a virtual reality. This is especially important for science fiction writers who use complex technical terms and concepts that might otherwise be difficult for readers to understand.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the best Neil Stevenson book to read first and share personal experiences and preferences with his works.
2:19:52 - 2:28:54 (09:01)
Summary
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the best Neil Stevenson book to read first and share personal experiences and preferences with his works.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast highlights Dan Gable's success in wrestling as both an individual and team coach, with a focus on his upbringing in a small town with a wrestling-centric culture.
2:28:54 - 2:34:57 (06:03)
Summary
The podcast highlights Dan Gable's success in wrestling as both an individual and team coach, with a focus on his upbringing in a small town with a wrestling-centric culture. It also touches on the differences between wrestling and other combat sports like boxing or sword fighting.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This transcript touches upon the artistry of sword fighting and the thousands of people who have mastered it throughout human history, especially during war times.
2:34:58 - 2:40:33 (05:35)
Summary
This transcript touches upon the artistry of sword fighting and the thousands of people who have mastered it throughout human history, especially during war times. The podcast also discusses the network of individuals who helped each other learn these martial arts techniques in order to achieve mastery.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Finding a specific task or activity that consumes your attention and time is key to becoming productive and passionate about your work; it may take time to find that task, but once it's found, it is a force of nature.
2:40:33 - 2:46:26 (05:53)
Summary
Finding a specific task or activity that consumes your attention and time is key to becoming productive and passionate about your work; it may take time to find that task, but once it's found, it is a force of nature.
Episode#240 – Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast interview, Neil Stephenson discusses the idea of creating an intelligent toaster and whether it should have emotions like fear and love.
2:46:27 - 2:47:34 (01:06)
Summary
In this podcast interview, Neil Stephenson discusses the idea of creating an intelligent toaster and whether it should have emotions like fear and love. He also talks about the power of technology and the impact it has on our lives.