M.A.G.I.C. Message
M.A.G.I.C. Message BLOGS Memory & Appearance Dear Friends, Please see my Royal Institution talk, where I tried to make sense of the mysteries and origins of the universe. This was a career “bucket-list’ item for me, and, to be honest, I’m feeling a bit of a letdown after ticking this one off. You see, the last few months have been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Engaging in thought-provoking discussions on episodes of Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, Lex Fridman, and Jordan Peterson, speaking at esteemed institutions like Brown University, and being inducted into the San Diego Air & Space Museum Hall of Fame have been monumental milestones in my life. However, as the thrill of these accomplishments begins to plateau, I find myself contemplating the age-old adage of the ‘hedonic treadmill.’ This concept, rooted in psychology, posits that individuals return to a baseline level of happiness regardless of positive or negative life events. This leads to a sort of ‘happiness saturation’ where the euphoria of new achievements wanes over time. It’s fascinating how scientific literature and real life often intertwine. A recent Harvard Business Review article titled “Why Success Doesn’t Lead to Satisfaction” from Harvard Business Review seems to discuss the transient nature of satisfaction derived from achieving success. Based on the information available from the search snippet, here are three key takeaways: Transience of Satisfaction: The pleasure derived from achieving goals tends to be short-lived. Once a milestone is reached, the initial euphoria fades away, making room for new desires and goals. Neurological Wiring: Our brains are wired to seek balance from extreme emotional states. Hence, the pleasure of success is quickly replaced by a desire for more success, perpetuating a cycle where satisfaction is continually deferred. Misconception of Success Leading to Happiness: The common belief that success leads to happiness is challenged. Pursuing success as a means to attain lasting happiness can lead to a state of fleeting, scarce happiness. Now, for me, the question looms large — what’s next? The essence of progress lies in continual growth and exploration. Therefore, I am keen to expand my horizons beyond these upper-echelon platforms and explore lesser-known yet (hopefully) equally intellectually stimulating venues. So, I am reaching out to solicit recommendations for podcasts, forums, or other venues off the beaten path but centers of robust discussions. Whether it’s a budding podcast or a small discussion forum, I am open to exploring new avenues to engage with diverse perspectives and ideas. I’m also interested in lending a platform to those voices yet to be heard widely but with a depth of insight and a passion for inquiry. It’s about nurturing a community of critical thinkers and curious minds. I aslk you to share your recommendations for podcast hosts for me, or guests for The INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast that you believe would resonate with our shared ethos of relentless inquiry. Feel free to share your suggestions directly & email them over. I look forward to embarking on this new journey with each of you. Your humble host,Brian PS. 🏃 Why did the hedonic treadmill get a promotion? Because it was always running, but never got anywhere 😂 ! PPS. I’ll be in Cleveland from 10/12–10/14 — let me know if you’re around to meet up! Genius “If you are trying to make as much money as possible, you need a purpose about the change you seek to make, and who you are trying to change. If you can make a change, a significant change, for thousands or tens of thousands of people, you will have no trouble making a living.” – Seth Godin Image NASA recently discovered carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of this massive exoplanet, meaning it could have a liquid water ocean as well as a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/Joseph Olmsted (STScI) Conversation I recently had another great conversation with one of my favorite guests, Eric Weinstein, to discuss whether or not we are heading towards nuclear war. Click here to watch the full interview now. Into the Impossible is sponsored by LinkedIn. We professors have to hire folks to fill the roles that we need in the laboratory, in the office, and especially for the Into The Impossible Podcast. LinkedIn Jobs helps me find the right people for my team faster and for free. Can you do me a fast favor? Please leave a rating and review of my podcast. On Apple iPhones and iPads, click here, scroll down to the ratings, and leave a 5-star rating and review. On Spotify it’s here. Each review helps spread the podcast to an ever-expanding audience. Thanks! My podcast is downloaded 2+ million times a year. Click here to subscribe!
There, but for the Grace of God
There, but for the Grace of God BLOGS Professor Brian Keating – 17 Oct Apologies for not sending out an email last week. I was profoundly depressed, disturbed, and, quite frankly, friends in Israel’s Jewish community. Prof. Brian Keating In moments like these, when words lose all meaning, I come back to a complex but important concept: that two seemingly contradictory things can be true simultaneously. It’s a nuanced understanding that feels critical right now. One can, and should, forcefully denounce the terrorism that brings such evil while also sending fervent prayers for the safety and well-being of those innocents caught in the crossfire of all faiths and backgrounds. It’s an emotional tightrope between depths of sorrow and the glimmers of hope for better days. And yes, you can seethe with a wave of righteous anger that such evil exists, that such pain has been inflicted upon those who did nothing to deserve it. Yet, within that same chamber of outrage, there is space to open your heart wider — to recognize our shared humanity, to acknowledge that even in the darkest times, glimmers of compassion, kindness, and unity can shine through. Stories of unity and survival have replaced my timeline lately, bringing some comfort. But soon, the war will come to Gaza and northern Israel. My heart breaks when I think of the innocent children in Gaza, this young girl below, a soldier I met in the Tel Aviv souk and her Bedouin counterparts in the IDF I who are undoubtedly deployed on the front lines, along with my friend Dov — a father of 5 kids, and the sons and daughters of so many of my friends serving in combat as well. I pray for her safety and all of our friends and family in cavity or in battle. Acheinu To our brothers and sisters, the whole of Israel, who are in trouble & captivity, whether they are on the sea or land: May God have mercy upon you and bring you forth from trouble to salvation, from darkness to light, from capture to redemption, now speedily Appearance Check out my conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Matt Kirshen where we discussed inflation theory, multiverses, the cosmic microwave background, the formation of our universe, and the possible end of the scientific method. Please watch my conversation with Lex Fridman Genius “AI may fool some people, but I don’t think it’s conscious. It could still be dangerous, but not because it’s conscious.” – Stuart Hameroff Image Instead of just one image this week, how about 4 amazing images from Hubble! Check out these breathtaking images captured for Galaxy Week. Amazing! Conversation Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder and I talk about her latest book, Existential Physics, the current state of academia, whether we need to reform our educational system, why Sabine keeps changing her mind about dark matter, what the deal is with quantum computers and much more! As always with Sabine, it was a great conversation, so tune in! Watch the full interview here. Can you do me a fast favor? Please leave a rating and review of my podcast. On Apple iPhones and iPads, click here, scroll down to the ratings, and leave a 5-star rating and review. On Spotify it’s here. Each review helps spread the podcast to an ever-expanding audience. Thanks! My podcast is downloaded 2+ million times a year. Click here to subscribe!
A Surrealistic Celebration: Attending an Orthodox Jewish Wedding Amidst the Shadows of War
A Surrealistic Celebration: Attending an Orthodox Jewish Wedding Amidst the Shadows of War BLOGS MEMORY Jews have always faced adversity. Today is the most fraught moment in over 80 years with antisemitism, internal division, and isolation from both enemies and citizens of allied nations all at once. So you might think no sane couple would marry at the worst time in recent Jewish history. But you’d be wrong. Instead, we find solace, strength, and hope in the most perilous of times. Defying the gloom of war was the radiant, joyous hope of attending an Orthodox Jewish wedding. As a witness to this surrealistic celebration tonight, I was captivated by the profound resilience and unwavering spirit of a community that continues to thrive despite the looming threat of adversaries seeking to eliminate their existence. An Orthodox Jewish wedding is a most sacred event, where love, tradition, and faith intertwine to defy the shadows of conflict. Embracing Tradition: Orthodox Jewish weddings are a tapestry of ancient customs and rituals that have been meticulously preserved throughout generations. In the midst of war, these traditions hold an even more profound significance, reminding us of the resilience of a people who have faced countless trials throughout history. The wedding canopy, or chuppah, symbolizes the home the couple will build together, serving as a powerful reminder of the unyielding hope for a brighter future even amidst turmoil. The bride, adorned in a traditional white gown, radiates an ethereal beauty that transcends the physical, representing the triumph of love and unity over the forces of darkness. Community Resilience: What struck me most profoundly was the unwavering sense of community among the attendees. In a time when enemies seek to divide and conquer, the Jewish community remains united and steadfast in their determination to preserve their heritage and way of life. The wedding acted as a testament to the community’s collective strength, as families, friends, and neighbors joined together to celebrate love and create lasting memories. It was a reminder that even amidst war and chaos, the bonds of community can serve as a powerful shield against those who wish to extinguish their existence. Transcending Fear with Love: As the wedding ceremony progressed, it became clear that love was the driving force behind this extraordinary celebration. Despite the shadows of conflict looming outside, the bride and groom glowed with an unmistakable air of hope and happiness. Their commitment to each other symbolized a defiance against the forces of hatred and discord, and their love radiated a resilience that could not be shaken. It was a poignant reminder that in times of darkness, it is love that has the power to transcend fear and bring about transformative change. Breaking glass, shedding tears, facing forward: The wedding culminated with pronouncement of the couple as married, the groom shattering a glass underfoot to remember the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem. It serves as a moment of reflection on the fragility of life, even in a time of celebration. The act was immediately followed by joyous roaring shouts of “Mazel Tov!”A reminder of the Fragility of Life: broken glass symbolizes the frailty of human existence, and the Irreversibility of our actions : Once the glass is broken, it cannot be undone, much like the commitment the couple has just made. This wartime wedding left an indelible mark on my soul. The surrealistic joyous hope that permeated the air was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love. It served as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the embrace of tradition, the resilience of community, and the transformative power of love can illuminate the path towards a future filled with hope & unity. May we all learn from this extraordinary celebration and find strength within ourselves and our community. Appearance Last year I sat down with Lex Fridman for 4 hours to talk about all my favorite subjects. After more than 3 million views (!) on the video, I think it’s safe to say people liked it. You can check out my conversation here. Please watch my conversation with Lex Fridman Genius “Usually, scientists don’t tell people how they got the idea, just the final result.” – Giorgio Parisi Image Ever wonder what earth would look like from from another planet? How about one that is 886 million miles away! Taken from Cassini, you see Saturn’s beautiful rings with a little speck containing you and I in the background. Amazing! Conversation Eric Weinstein and Stephen Wolfram, two mathematical mavericks and personal heroes of mine, joined me on the show to debate their theories of everything, answer questions from the audience, and discuss the fundamental nature of the universe. Watch the full interview here. Can you do me a fast favor? Please leave a rating and review of my podcast. On Apple iPhones and iPads, click here, scroll down to the ratings, and leave a 5-star rating and review. On Spotify it’s here. Each review helps spread the podcast to an ever-expanding audience. Thanks! My podcast is downloaded 2+ million times a year. Click here to subscribe!
I can’t believe a couple of pounds of gray flesh did this!
I can’t believe a couple of pounds of gray flesh did this! BLOGS Professor Brian Keating – 02 Nov This week, we explore the amazing and otherworldly idea we now “understand, black holes, general relativity, and the origin of the universe.” Prof. Brian Keating I spoke to a man known as the Godfather of GR: Prof. Lenny Susskind, who said the quote above, to get his thoughts on these mind-boggling concepts. Legendary Lenny reveals the secrets of why he went to WAR with Stephen Hawking! (click here to watch) Here are 5 key takeaways from our explosive conversation: 1️⃣ The Multiverse and Varying Constants: Lenny dived deep into the mind-bending idea that the constants of nature may vary across different regions of the multiverse while the laws of physics remain constant. 2️⃣ The Search for Life vs. Particle Physics: We explore the question of why there is more interest and funding in the search for life outside of Earth compared to fundamental particle physics. Find out why particles may be small and abstract, but life beyond our planet captivates us. 3️⃣ The Puzzle of Consciousness: Lenny candidly reveals his thoughts on the nature of consciousness and its elusive essence. Discover why he believes advancements in computer science and artificial intelligence may hold the key to unraveling its complexities. 4️⃣ Quantum Mechanics, Black Holes, and Singularities: Our conversation takes a deep dive into the mysteries of quantum mechanics, black holes, the existence of singularities, and the quantum information paradox! 5️⃣ Adventures in Exploration and Personal Reflections: Lenny reflects on his remarkable journey from Plumber to Physicist, sharing personal anecdotes and even opening up about his hobbies and relationship with his wife. Prepare to be inspired by his pursuit of curiosity and unwavering determination. Fun fact from the episode: Did you know that Lenny Susskind once had a friendly rivalry with the iconic Stephen Hawking? Get ready for their clash of ideas and Lenny’s frustration with Hawking’s stubbornness. It’s a fascinating battle of the minds! 💥 Click here to watch the full interview! Into the impossible, we go! Brian Keating Appearance I had the pleasure of sitting with my friend Peter Diamandis to discuss asteroids, multiverses, and how AI will impact the universe. Click here to watch! Genius “Many people are put off by math because they feel like they don’t understand it and are therefore not good at it. But actually, none of us understand it. And that’s the whole point.” — Eugenia Cheng — Watch the episode here! Image In my conversation with Leonard Susskind this week, we discussed a black hole’s event horizon and a singularity’s existence. In light of my discussion, here’s the famous Sagittarius A* image. Source Conversation Dr. Cheng is a renowned mathematician, educator, author, and concert pianist. She’s a scientist in residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she teaches mathematics to art students. She is an expert in category theory and has recently published a book, Is Math Real?, which we will discuss in detail today! Watch the full interview here. Can you do me a fast favor? Please leave a rating and review of my podcast. On Apple iPhones and iPads, click here, scroll down to the ratings, and leave a 5-star rating and review. On Spotify, it’s here. Each review helps spread the podcast to an ever-expanding audience. Thanks! My podcast is downloaded 2+ million times a year. Click here to subscribe!
I can’t believe a couple of pounds of gray flesh did this!
This week, we explore the amazing and otherworldly idea we now “understand, black holes, general relativity, and the origin of the universe.” Prof. Brian Keating I spoke to a man known as the Godfather of GR: Prof. Lenny Susskind, who said the quote above, to get his thoughts on these mind-boggling concepts. Legendary Lenny reveals the secrets of why he went to WAR with Stephen Hawking! (click here to watch) Here are 5 key takeaways from our explosive conversation: 1️⃣ The Multiverse and Varying Constants: Lenny dived deep into the mind-bending idea that the constants of nature may vary across different regions of the multiverse while the laws of physics remain constant. 2️⃣ The Search for Life vs. Particle Physics: We explore the question of why there is more interest and funding in the search for life outside of Earth compared to fundamental particle physics. Find out why particles may be small and abstract, but life beyond our planet captivates us. 3️⃣ The Puzzle of Consciousness: Lenny candidly reveals his thoughts on the nature of consciousness and its elusive essence. Discover why he believes advancements in computer science and artificial intelligence may hold the key to unraveling its complexities. 4️⃣ Quantum Mechanics, Black Holes, and Singularities: Our conversation takes a deep dive into the mysteries of quantum mechanics, black holes, the existence of singularities, and the quantum information paradox! 5️⃣ Adventures in Exploration and Personal Reflections: Lenny reflects on his remarkable journey from Plumber to Physicist, sharing personal anecdotes and even opening up about his hobbies and relationship with his wife. Prepare to be inspired by his pursuit of curiosity and unwavering determination. Fun fact from the episode: Did you know that Lenny Susskind once had a friendly rivalry with the iconic Stephen Hawking? Get ready for their clash of ideas and Lenny’s frustration with Hawking’s stubbornness. It’s a fascinating battle of the minds! 💥 Click here to watch the full interview! Into the impossible, we go! Brian Keating Appearance I had the pleasure of sitting with my friend Peter Diamandis to discuss asteroids, multiverses, and how AI will impact the universe. Click here to watch! Genius “Many people are put off by math because they feel like they don’t understand it and are therefore not good at it. But actually, none of us understand it. And that’s the whole point.” — Eugenia Cheng — Watch the episode here! Image In my conversation with Leonard Susskind this week, we discussed a black hole’s event horizon and a singularity’s existence. In light of my discussion, here’s the famous Sagittarius A* image. Source Conversation Dr. Cheng is a renowned mathematician, educator, author, and concert pianist. She’s a scientist in residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she teaches mathematics to art students. She is an expert in category theory and has recently published a book, Is Math Real?, which we will discuss in detail today! Watch the full interview here. Can you do me a fast favor? Please leave a rating and review of my podcast. On Apple iPhones and iPads, click here, scroll down to the ratings, and leave a 5-star rating and review. On Spotify, it’s here. Each review helps spread the podcast to an ever-expanding audience. Thanks! My podcast is downloaded 2+ million times a year. Click here to subscribe!
Debate with (tough) love
Debate with (tough) love BLOGS Professor Brian Keating – 02 Nov Engage your opponent with comity (and some comedy 😀) Prof. Brian Keating In my recent episode of the INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast featuring Michio Kaku, there was much to both admire and question. Kaku, a visionary in theoretical physics, offered intriguing perspectives on string theory and its potential to be the “God Equation” — a theory of everything that could unify all physical laws. Kaku’s intellectual breadth was commendable, covering particle physics, cosmology, and even the metaphysical implications of string theory. However, the chat was not without its shortcomings. Michio Kaku’s unrivaled praise for string theory bordered on scientific evangelism. While the approach is undeniably elegant, it remains a point of contention within the scientific community, notably for its lack of experimental testability. I believe Kaku’s perspective could have benefitted from a more critical analysis of string theory’s limitations, especially when contrasted with theoretical frameworks like quantum loop gravity. Furthermore, while the podcast touched upon the skepticism surrounding Nobel Prizes, a deeper exploration into this topic could have provided a more balanced view of scientific progress and validation. This discourse has elucidated the tendency of debates to devolve into futile contests. A prime tactic is such poorly argued debates is the “Strawman fallacy”, where one misrepresents their opponent’s stance as weaker than it is, the better to knock it down. However, I have discovered an antidote — the Steelman argument. Here, one strengthens the opponent’s case by paraphrasing their point, then better formulating it before finally engaging the augmented argument. This collaborative approach transforms debate into a win-win-win situation. Either your original position is battle-tested, you are proven wrong and learn something new, or you uncover nuances to refine your own argument. By Steelmanning, we pursue truth together. Rather than attacking hollow straw men, we shore up our mutual comprehension. And in strengthening our opponent’s case, we may inadvertently improve our own. Such ironic wisdom demonstrates how discord need not accompany disagreement when both parties share the goal of understanding. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Engaging in open dialogue, even with those we differ with, enhancing and debating conflicting views — -always with comity (and sometimes comedy ), propels us closer to understanding the complex tapestry of our universe. One useful technique is called “Steelmanning”. Here’s how and why it works: Appearance I’m happy to announce that I will be a speaker for the FREE AI & Your Life: The Essential Summit taking place from November 1–7. This Summit is your gateway to understanding the profound impact of AI on your life and the world around you. Whether you’re a newcomer or an AI enthusiast, the Summit is perfect for all levels of expertise. Register now for FREE. Genius “The universe is a symphony of strings, and the mind of God that Einstein eloquently wrote about for thirty years would be cosmic music resonating through eleven-dimensional hyperspace.” — Michio Kaku Image Behold a cosmic masterpiece painted by the universe within the vast canvas of the Eagle Nebula. These aren’t mere gas and dust; they are the very cradles of star birth, they are the Pillars of Creation. : NASA Conversation Patrick Bet-David immigrated to the US from Iran as a child. He served in the U.S. Army and began working in the financial industry, where he founded the successful insurance sales company, PHP Agency. His Valuetainment YouTube channel has nearly 5 million subscribers, and he hosts The PBD podcast. Watch the full interview here. Can you do me a fast favor? On Apple iPhones & iPads, click here, scroll down to the ratings, and leave a 5-star ratingOn Spotify, it’s here (you’ll need to listen to or fast forward through one episode to rate)On Audible, it’s here.Find other ways to rate here. My podcast is downloaded 2+ million times a year. Click here to subscribe!
Debate with (tough) love
Engage your opponent with comity (and some comedy 😀) Prof. Brian Keating In my recent episode of the INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast featuring Michio Kaku, there was much to both admire and question. Kaku, a visionary in theoretical physics, offered intriguing perspectives on string theory and its potential to be the “God Equation” — a theory of everything that could unify all physical laws. Kaku’s intellectual breadth was commendable, covering particle physics, cosmology, and even the metaphysical implications of string theory. However, the chat was not without its shortcomings. Michio Kaku’s unrivaled praise for string theory bordered on scientific evangelism. While the approach is undeniably elegant, it remains a point of contention within the scientific community, notably for its lack of experimental testability. I believe Kaku’s perspective could have benefitted from a more critical analysis of string theory’s limitations, especially when contrasted with theoretical frameworks like quantum loop gravity. Furthermore, while the podcast touched upon the skepticism surrounding Nobel Prizes, a deeper exploration into this topic could have provided a more balanced view of scientific progress and validation. This discourse has elucidated the tendency of debates to devolve into futile contests. A prime tactic is such poorly argued debates is the “Strawman fallacy”, where one misrepresents their opponent’s stance as weaker than it is, the better to knock it down. However, I have discovered an antidote — the Steelman argument. Here, one strengthens the opponent’s case by paraphrasing their point, then better formulating it before finally engaging the augmented argument. This collaborative approach transforms debate into a win-win-win situation. Either your original position is battle-tested, you are proven wrong and learn something new, or you uncover nuances to refine your own argument. By Steelmanning, we pursue truth together. Rather than attacking hollow straw men, we shore up our mutual comprehension. And in strengthening our opponent’s case, we may inadvertently improve our own. Such ironic wisdom demonstrates how discord need not accompany disagreement when both parties share the goal of understanding. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Engaging in open dialogue, even with those we differ with, enhancing and debating conflicting views — -always with comity (and sometimes comedy 😀), propels us closer to understanding the complex tapestry of our universe. One useful technique is called “Steelmanning”. Here’s how and why it works: Appearance I’m happy to announce that I will be a speaker for the FREE AI & Your Life: The Essential Summit taking place from November 1–7. This Summit is your gateway to understanding the profound impact of AI on your life and the world around you. Whether you’re a newcomer or an AI enthusiast, the Summit is perfect for all levels of expertise. Register now for FREE. Genius “The universe is a symphony of strings, and the mind of God that Einstein eloquently wrote about for thirty years would be cosmic music resonating through eleven-dimensional hyperspace.” — Michio Kaku Image Behold a cosmic masterpiece painted by the universe within the vast canvas of the Eagle Nebula. These aren’t mere gas and dust; they are the very cradles of star birth, they are the Pillars of Creation. 📸: NASA Conversation Patrick Bet-David immigrated to the US from Iran as a child. He served in the U.S. Army and began working in the financial industry, where he founded the successful insurance sales company, PHP Agency. His Valuetainment YouTube channel has nearly 5 million subscribers, and he hosts The PBD podcast. Watch the full interview here. Can you do me a fast favor? On Apple iPhones & iPads, click here, scroll down to the ratings, and leave a 5-star ratingOn Spotify, it’s here (you’ll need to listen to or fast forward through one episode to rate)On Audible, it’s here.Find other ways to rate here.My podcast is downloaded 2+ million times a year. Click here to subscribe!