Episode
#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
3:05:11
Published: Mon Jun 21 2021
Description
Rob Reid is an author and podcaster. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil - Belcampo: https://belcampo.com/lex and use code LEX to get 20% off first order - Fundrise: https://fundrise.com/lex - NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour EPISODE LINKS: Rob's Twitter: https://twitter.com/rob_reid After On Podcast: https://after-on.com/ 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 (08:33) - The most entertaining outcome is the most likely (14:52) - Meme theory (18:12) - Writing process (24:59) - Engineered viruses as a threat to human civilization (32:45) - Gain-of-function research on viruses (44:54) - Did COVID leak from a lab? (52:15) - Virus detection (1:00:04) - Failure of institutions (1:07:48) - Using AI to engineer viruses (1:12:07) - Evil and competence (1:21:26) - Where are the aliens? (1:25:19) - Backing up human consciousness by colonizing space (1:34:48) - Superintelligence and consciousness (1:46:12) - Meditation (1:54:20) - Fasting (2:00:20) - Greatest song of all time (2:05:46) - Early days of music streaming (2:17:39) - Startup advice (2:30:50) - Podcasting (2:46:12) - Advice for young people (2:55:15) - Mortality (3:00:41) - Meaning of life
Chapters
BSL4 labs are highly susceptible to human error, despite being the highest level of safety.
00:00 - 02:25 (02:25)
Summary
BSL4 labs are highly susceptible to human error, despite being the highest level of safety. The lab leak hypothesis is a test for our ability to prepare and respond to threats that could destroy human civilization.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode mentions the sponsorship and personal experience of Bell Campo Farms and a brief discussion of cryptocurrency investment.
02:25 - 08:14 (05:48)
Summary
This podcast episode mentions the sponsorship and personal experience of Bell Campo Farms and a brief discussion of cryptocurrency investment.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of a higher being using our lives for entertainment speaks to the concept of simulation theory, and the perfect selection of entertainment for humans does not necessarily suggest that it was solely for our benefit.
08:14 - 18:22 (10:07)
Summary
The idea of a higher being using our lives for entertainment speaks to the concept of simulation theory, and the perfect selection of entertainment for humans does not necessarily suggest that it was solely for our benefit.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In writing, there are two approaches: outlining, which appeals to writers of fast-paced genres or page-turners, and flying by the seat of your pants, which works for writers of literary fiction.
18:22 - 24:37 (06:14)
Summary
In writing, there are two approaches: outlining, which appeals to writers of fast-paced genres or page-turners, and flying by the seat of your pants, which works for writers of literary fiction. The speaker, however, spends most of his time revising and editing his work, always optimistic that it can be improved.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The danger of creating pathogens that could potentially wipe out humanity is increasing as more and more labs are allowed to experiment with them, and the risk of malevolent insiders also increases with the growing number of labs.
24:37 - 34:41 (10:03)
Summary
The danger of creating pathogens that could potentially wipe out humanity is increasing as more and more labs are allowed to experiment with them, and the risk of malevolent insiders also increases with the growing number of labs. Countermeasures should be taken to prevent the creation of these pathogens in leaky labs, as the costs would be much less compared to the catastrophic consequences of an outbreak.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion on the potential risks and benefits of controversial virus research, including a specific experiment focused on creating H5N1 that could be transmitted through the air.
34:41 - 39:32 (04:51)
Summary
A discussion on the potential risks and benefits of controversial virus research, including a specific experiment focused on creating H5N1 that could be transmitted through the air. The experimenters aimed to create a worst-case scenario to better understand potential risks, but such research could have staggering consequences if an escape occurred.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The conversation about gain of function research needs to involve level-headed governmental people from countries that could potentially support such a program to agree that there is a need to create a safe environment to minimize the risk of a viral outbreak.
39:32 - 46:24 (06:51)
Summary
The conversation about gain of function research needs to involve level-headed governmental people from countries that could potentially support such a program to agree that there is a need to create a safe environment to minimize the risk of a viral outbreak. The catalyst for this is the need to make a virus more dangerous for research purposes that might invite the possibility of an outbreak, which needs to have a more regulated environment to minimize its impact.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
If the coronavirus outbreak was a result of a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, China could potentially face global animus and declining respect, due to the massive human and economic damages suffered by every country.
46:24 - 52:03 (05:38)
Summary
If the coronavirus outbreak was a result of a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, China could potentially face global animus and declining respect, due to the massive human and economic damages suffered by every country. In addition, the Chinese government's natural disinclination to accept fallibility could result in lack of transparency in the investigation.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of creating a weather map of pathogens by aggregating data sources and scaling up testing capabilities could help in dynamically updating maps on an hourly basis, depicting how viruses spread around the world.
52:03 - 59:51 (07:48)
Summary
The idea of creating a weather map of pathogens by aggregating data sources and scaling up testing capabilities could help in dynamically updating maps on an hourly basis, depicting how viruses spread around the world. This detection system is a three-tier system where clinicians in different fields could rapidly determine the infections of immediate interest at the front line.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of AI in computational biology is important to create therapeutics and other solutions that will help people live longer and be healthier.
59:51 - 1:11:28 (11:36)
Summary
The use of AI in computational biology is important to create therapeutics and other solutions that will help people live longer and be healthier. The protein folding problem is a major focus of this work, with DeepMind's AI ruling the field in recent years.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The tendency of people to only build up defenses when a storm is approaching is observed.
1:11:28 - 1:24:45 (13:16)
Summary
The tendency of people to only build up defenses when a storm is approaching is observed. Additionally, the belief that most people want to do good is mentioned, as well as the overwhelming ratio of good guy citizens with guns compared to bad guys in the United States.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In a foreseeable future, robots can colonize the universe long after human civilization has perished.
1:24:44 - 1:38:40 (13:55)
Summary
In a foreseeable future, robots can colonize the universe long after human civilization has perished. While some large-scaled attempts for Mars colonization are happening today, space exploration may be democratized as space travel continues to evolve, thus leading to more natural diffusion of people who want to be off the grid.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
AI may eventually become conscious in the same way that humans are conscious, and the key to becoming super intelligent and integrated into society requires consciousness.
1:38:41 - 1:46:20 (07:39)
Summary
AI may eventually become conscious in the same way that humans are conscious, and the key to becoming super intelligent and integrated into society requires consciousness. The capacity to suffer is one of the important symptoms of consciousness.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his experiences with various forms of mindfulness practices, including running, flossing, and taking a class based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn.
1:46:20 - 1:52:45 (06:25)
Summary
The speaker discusses his experiences with various forms of mindfulness practices, including running, flossing, and taking a class based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn. He also mentions listening to brown noise as a means of achieving focus.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his tendency to default to the idea of having dinner when planning his evening, instead of setting a specific goal or task.
1:52:45 - 2:00:26 (07:40)
Summary
The speaker discusses his tendency to default to the idea of having dinner when planning his evening, instead of setting a specific goal or task. He also mentions the value in testing out things like brown noise, even if there's a low chance of it being effective for him.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses their love for classic rock and how the sound of bass, guitar, drum, keyboards, and voice is still unmatched even with today's technology.
2:00:26 - 2:04:23 (03:57)
Summary
The speaker expresses their love for classic rock and how the sound of bass, guitar, drum, keyboards, and voice is still unmatched even with today's technology. They also mention that Won't Get Fooled Again by The Who holds a special place in their heart due to its powerful nature.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The music industry had a monopoly on the physical collection of music for many years, refusing to sell digital music and instead, opting to demand that people steal it.
2:04:23 - 2:16:41 (12:18)
Summary
The music industry had a monopoly on the physical collection of music for many years, refusing to sell digital music and instead, opting to demand that people steal it. This delayed the growth of streaming and created a situation where music lovers felt misused by the industry.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the essential qualities of a successful startup founder including charisma, credibility, relentlessness, and a willingness to pivot when necessary.
2:16:41 - 2:22:27 (05:45)
Summary
This podcast discusses the essential qualities of a successful startup founder including charisma, credibility, relentlessness, and a willingness to pivot when necessary.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Having a technical co-founder is a great way for non-technical founders to solve technical problems quickly.
2:22:27 - 2:27:55 (05:27)
Summary
Having a technical co-founder is a great way for non-technical founders to solve technical problems quickly. Teaming up with someone who has an alignment of interests can help tackle problems and find solutions.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The success of a company depends heavily on the founder and the team they assemble, who in turn hire critical functions like engineering and marketing.
2:27:55 - 2:37:23 (09:28)
Summary
The success of a company depends heavily on the founder and the team they assemble, who in turn hire critical functions like engineering and marketing. While a great founder is crucial, having a great team is equally important for success.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The creation of walled gardens in podcasting could undermine friction-free discovery, which is incredibly valuable from a business and humanistic standpoint.
2:37:25 - 2:49:33 (12:08)
Summary
The creation of walled gardens in podcasting could undermine friction-free discovery, which is incredibly valuable from a business and humanistic standpoint. The freedom given to creators in podcasting should be preserved, unlike in TV and film where executives have a say in the show's storyline and plots.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
By combining two skill sets that are not often combined, one can create a unique and in-demand skill set, as is the case with web-oriented MBAs who are well-suited to bring necessary crop insurance to small holding farmers around the world.
2:49:33 - 2:55:13 (05:39)
Summary
By combining two skill sets that are not often combined, one can create a unique and in-demand skill set, as is the case with web-oriented MBAs who are well-suited to bring necessary crop insurance to small holding farmers around the world.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The creation and the love we share are significant and essential.
2:55:13 - 3:04:17 (09:04)
Summary
The creation and the love we share are significant and essential. It is not diminished by the fact that it had a notional beginning and an end.
Episode#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this final segment of the podcast, the speakers express their appreciation for each other.
3:04:17 - 3:05:04 (00:46)
Summary
In this final segment of the podcast, the speakers express their appreciation for each other. The podcast has several sponsors, whose links are available in the description. A quote from Plato is shared.