Andrew Strominger: Black Holes, Quantum Gravity, and Theoretical Physics | Lex Fridman Podcast

Andrew Strominger is a theoretical physicist at Harvard. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Andrew's website: www.physics.harvard.edu/peopl...
Andrew's papers:
Soft Hair on Black Holes: arxiv.org/abs/1601.00921
Photon Rings Around Warped Black Holes: arxiv.org/abs/2211.01674
PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: lexfridman.com/podcast
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2lwqZIr
Spotify: spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
Full episodes playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast
Clips playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast Clips
OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
1:12 - Black holes
6:16 - Albert Einstein
25:44 - Quantum gravity
29:56 - String theory
40:44 - Holographic principle
48:41 - De Sitter space
53:53 - Speed of light
1:00:40 - Black hole information paradox
1:08:20 - Soft particles
1:17:27 - Physics vs mathematics
1:26:37 - Theory of everything
1:41:58 - Time
1:44:24 - Photon rings
2:00:05 - Thought experiments
2:08:26 - Aliens
2:14:04 - Nuclear weapons
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[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Eight Sleep: www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings - Rocket Money: rocketmoney.com/lex - Indeed: indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod to get 3 months free 1:12 - Black holes 6:16 - Albert Einstein 25:44 - Quantum gravity 29:56 - String theory 40:44 - Holographic principle 48:41 - De Sitter space 53:53 - Speed of light 1:00:40 - Black hole information paradox 1:08:20 - Soft particles 1:17:27 - Physics vs mathematics 1:26:37 - Theory of everything 1:41:58 - Time 1:44:24 - Photon rings 2:00:05 - Thought experiments 2:08:26 - Aliens 2:14:04 - Nuclear weapons

[@timelyseeker]

[Copied] Hey lex, don't know where to get in to contact the best -- But I am River Jackson. I work on Quora and I am 18, I study theoretical physics and was hoping to get in contact to see if I could share some of my work on logic/universe/psychology with you. I do not need to record anything but would like to engage in a discussion and see if we can arrange something. You [I believe for the most part] would not regret conversation and I would love to have a word with you on some science topics - Timely [AKA, RJ]

[@yannikakapralli]

LOVE these Topics with Space

[@Sora._Cloud]

Interview Frazier Cain from university today

[@aleksanderwilk6682]

Lex, you should interview the physicist Andrzej Dragan. ;)

[@davidmudry5622]

Distance = Time x Speed...Speed of Light = 300,000 kps...But at the speed of light time stands still. Distance = ____? x Speed

[@publiusrunesteffensen5276]

Notice the joy in his face when Strominger is talking about physics. That's the meaning of life right there.

[@Mufassahehe]

The only things I’ve gotten right in this world are my children…how beautiful this world is with 😊them in it!

[@pocnit]

​@@Mufassahehe Let's make more baby.

[@Chip_in]

Oh...l thought the meaning of life was turning left l board the plane 🤣⛳

[@TheBippo5]

Absolutely with you Publius, its like a warm cup of pure bliss…its pure joy getting what Strominger is saying. I ❤ this stuff! Great stuff Lex

[@jacobm1190]

@@pocnit ayo??

[@loungezinger]

Great guest, really has a knack for increasing the laymen's understanding of concepts we've heard before but didnt really get. Hope you have Andrew back soon.

[@chubbyoo7]

That’s what I am getting so far too

[@graemedicks6938]

Loving his explanation. Great guest. Understanding the concept is easier to grasp.

[@LibertyGoose]

Yeah. But quantum gravity is an absolute farce and pseudoscience

[@carlodave9]

“We didn’t prove this?” (? sic) “I wish so, but I don’t think so.” “We don’t really know where we’re going.” “We don’t really have a clue.” “I haven’t solved anything, but I’ve said enough that you’re interviewing me.” Good gig.

[@paladinpainter3715]

Ultra Top God Level

[@SzTz100]

Andrew smiled his way through this whole interview, explaining some of the hardest concepts in physics; he did a very good job.

[@kreggorybiglips]

Pretty sure that smiling is just duping delight. Looking at the comments its apparent that this "theoretical physisist" sumhow has ALOT of people duped. How do smart people not know when they are being told this made up poppycock, which is what theories are. Lex seems like a hell of a guy, but its scary that people can be so gullible & smart at once.

[@user-rm3gx3zu9r]

Is that Physics or Maths? Sounded more like Maths to me.

[@13thbiosphere]

Yeah partial understanding...... Equals almost nothing

[@loganFlVE]

I hope to God that your kidding!.. Sigh, people pretending to be smart is such a bummer.. Probability is quite high that this comment was made by a Leftist...as in 99.9% This was a painful view..

[@Autism101]

Thanks so much Lex for interviewing Andrew. I follow his work on Celestial Holography, even though I am not good at math. He expresses things in a way I can understand, which I really appreciate. 💛

[@TheBippo5]

Thanks Autism101, going to look up Celestial Holography.😊. I’ve struggled with quantum theory all my life and now Andrew Strominger makes it easy for me to understand too! Lex you make everything accessible and great back and forth, learn a lot from your discussions. Appreciate the work❤

[@TheBaluchiterium]

There is a problematic thing about your view: I always show my students that they don't really understand the physics of a problem until they have solved the equations of that problem mathematically. When you think you understand the physics without the mathematical rendering, you are fooling yourself. It always falls short, sometimes more, sometimes less.

[@Autism101]

@@TheBaluchiterium There are levels of understanding and mine would be superficial and incomplete at best. I don't see how praising Andrew's effort to make difficult concepts accessible to people qualifies as me saying I understand all the underlying physics by watching a KZbin video.

[@TheBaluchiterium]

@@Autism101 You are totally right. I think my comment was aimed more at a notion that is growing inside the physics community, i.e., that it is essential to understand the physics without being able to actually do the math and the theory behind it. I should have to elaborate much more to make this crystal clear. Some things, especially in relativity and quantum mechanics, you can't understand at all without the math, because they are so far from our evolved "understanding" of things that only a mathematical rendering gives an acceptable answer. Or, as colleague Lawrence Krauss puts it, "every time I show a picture I have to lie a little. Only the mathematical version is the really correct one." Spot on. This is a real problem when communicating physics to the outside.

[@burkebaby]

Lex every podcast is a home run. You keep me sane during horrible monotonous periods of work.

[@IntuitiveIQ]

Please find a new job that you are passionate about. You only live once. 🙏🏻

[@brandondrew4914]

@@IntuitiveIQ facts!!!!

[@ckotty]

Mr. Strominger, many thanks for sharing your knowledge, thoughts and wisdom. Sincerely a great conversation that I found enlightening, profound and using a language that described our actual theoretical understanding clearly. Much appreciated 👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽

[@Halfrightfox]

You need to have him on again. This was such a great conversation

[@nicholasmills6489]

I absolutely loved you comment that the speed of light is slow. I always thought it was fast. But you’re absolutely correct light speed is very slow compared to the scale of the universe. It had the professor stumped. Good one. Love these discussions. I’m on a long drive for work. These are perfect.

[@connorreames2167]

I legit cheered out loud when I saw this-like tiger woods fist pump. Lex hasn’t talked to a physicist in a while!!

[@gilarlington4993]

Ur physics and astronomy episodes are my favorite. Good jpb lex

[@MotivationHubOfficiall]

True

[@nameatrandom9234]

Gives Lex the excuse to say “so Aliens…”. Love this channel. Brian greene interview was amazing. I wanna see Alan Guth interviewed next.

[@invincirick]

Me too

[@jamesroy1849]

​@@MotivationHubOfficiall 9 loop

[@samuelec]

A humble human being with a great talent and ability to explain complex concepts to the average people

[@babcsanlevente4511]

My gosh, such an amazing episode! I've watched so many of these brilliant podcasts and this one is definitely one of my favourites. The friendliness and liveliness of this whole interaction are next level.

[@Longshanks2626]

Thank you Lex and Andrew what an amazing 2hrs. Your a rare genuine person with a good heart never change and please continue these interviews Lex.

[@TheRealStructurer]

Amazing how the two of you can discuss such abstract ideas in a way that is easy understandable. Much appreciated!

[@mariusvlad2090]

This is absolutely brilliant, I have literally no amount of thanks that I can express by watching this. Literally, and honestly, thank you Lex!

[@vitornogueira755]

INFINITE NUMBER OF COPIES OF URSELF HE IS SUCH A DUMMY QM AND SR WILL NEVER BE UNIFIED THEYRE LYING THRU THEIR DIRTY STINKING MATERIELISTIC NIHILISTIC ATOMISTIC TEETH

[@hayabusa09]

What does "Literally, thank you" actually mean. Would not "thank you" suffice?

[@rebeccacampbell5471]

I am so impressed at Lex’s intelligence. He was able to keep up with a really deep conversation outside of his own field. It was clear that he made himself familiar with his guest’s research. He bothered to at least read enough to ask interesting questions. I was unfamiliar with most of the topics, yet, I was interested to the end. Thanks!

[@JerrySeriatos]

I am not surprised. We are talking about eskenazim people here -higher intelligence beings.

[@tylercampbell6272]

@@JerrySeriatos Lol what? He has a PhD. Why would we assume he couldn't keep up on that basis alone?

[@tylercampbell6272]

@@JerrySeriatos They aren't a different species wtf?

[@JerrySeriatos]

@tylercampbell6272 you think they are not, but they know they are not. They are extremely ethnocentric with above average intelligence.

[@Asbjoorn]

I listenend to this entire podcast while working out. I love your physics podcasts as well as the ones on machine learning and other sciences. The people working in the field are so amazing and good at explaning difficult concepts. Thank you Lex!

[@italianmiltyfriedman6264]

dont cheat. be in your workout 100%. distracting your brain is cheating.

[@Asbjoorn]

@@italianmiltyfriedman6264 I agree with your statement but there are only so many hours in a day and i want my Lex!

[@AstridJulian]

Me too, while walking in the forest. So much to think about. Will listen again.

[@ChadNeo]

Astrophysics/quantum mechanics is mind blowing

[@yannikakapralli]

always the best podcasts

[@nickb220]

it’s all the answers I’m glad it’s mind numbing lol

[@christopherdoherty6786]

Lex you’re the only podcaster I know that can keep up with such intelligent conversations, ask brilliant questions, and even rebuke some of it. I sincerely enjoy the entirety of each casting. Thank you!

[@mitchellhayman381]

Sean Caroll, Brian Greene and Steve Wolfram have good podcasts. I think Steven is my favourite but Brian is extremely sharp also. They're able to ask much more insightful questions but they're only accessible to people who are following physics and have prerequisite math knowledge. There's a great interview between Andy and Steve, but Wolfram gets too excited and basically just describes his theory to Andy. Andy is a great mathematical physicist. Very sharp man

[@suyapajimenez516]

I didn’t know the Interviewed but I found his comments so interesting and the ideas so well developed that I stayed listening until the very end. At some point I decided to look for some information about him just to realizes that was Professor Andrew Strominger and his admirable curriculum. It was a very rewarding time. Thanks

[@deadscenedotcom]

Superb discussion. I've felt cynical toward string theory, and this puts it in a compelling context. I enjoyed the entire scope of the interview.

[@PhilR870]

I still feel cynical about it. But I like the way he said it’s a stepping stone. I don’t like how he deflected when asked to describe the holographic plate. Then at the end the description of the two mirrors in the department store hit on it. We need conversations like these.

[@deadscenedotcom]

@@PhilR870 My impression was that he also feels that way but views it as an imprecise tool that may be helpful in estimating what happens beyond an event horizon. I think it's interesting to think of quantum physics, relativity, string theory, etc. as a set of tools to be used in different situations - even if some are more precise and testable than others. ;) Of course quantum physics and relativity are confirmed every day, whereas string theory seemingly cannot be. But if the mathematics helps with guessing at what's happening inside a black hole, that is intriguing. But then, that's not proven either. LOL

[@aaronnoori6633]

Upon watching this I will claim to my esteem friends and families that I am expert of black holes and quantum theory in attempts to increase my social prowess. Thank you very much

[@emillyvictoria5737]

This CD has three separate relaxation/meditation sessions on it kzbin.infoUgkxzpa8CIfZcihW4Z0F_ja0QF3W9KIatrsq guided by a very pleasant and direct male voice. Unlike so many other products of its type, this CD does not have bad synthesizer music, does not feature a phony or affected style of narration, and does not make any bogus claims to be subliminal or to re-train the brain or any of that balderdash. What you get is 1. a guided meditation for getting into a pleasantly relaxed state of body awareness while taking a stroll (superb for those easing back into a fitness routine slowly after an illness or injury) 2. A nice long breath-awareness relaxation session that if followed diligently can put you into very deep states of full-body relaxation and mental calmness, and 3. a buddhist-inspired meditation session designed to help you develop and maintain feelings of loving kindness toward not just yourself and your friends, but toward people you don't even like. The CD makes no claims to be designed for advanced meditators or for buddhists or hindus/yoga practitioners looking for very deep and esoteric stuff. It is geared more toward the average person who just wants to develop the habit of relaxation and stress relief through natural, healthy means. him, if you happen to be reading this, keep up the good work fella, and I love your accent. I would also like to note that I have never fallen asleep while listening to this product. I would like to kindly suggest to the reviewer who said this CD makes him fall asleep, that he might want to get checked to see if he has a sleep disorder, or if he is simply not setting aside ample time for restful sleep at night. A healthy person getting adequate rest at night should be able to go into deep states of mental relaxation without dozing off, if not all the time, then most of the time.

[@karenmoody1879]

I studied political science and history in undergrad. I teach social studies to kids. I have no background in science. Yet listening to Lex's podcasts have blown me away. THIS was a great one.

[@FerrelFrequency]

A lot of times, you’ll listen to these people, and the entire time they are trying to talk over your head using jargon or cliche clips and phrases…you’re left just as confused. THIS guy, I feel, actually understands what he’s talking about, AND explains subjects and ideas in a way that ANYONE can understand. GREAT guest. GREAT interview!

[@colindewolfe3647]

This is like watching Jason Bateman talk physics.

[@aurthertheearthmandent7655]

💯🤣

[@martialartjesse]

Interviews with intellects is where you shine. Must have been nice being complimented at the end,"...great conversation...I can't believe you're able to discuss at this level so many topics". These are the interviews of yours I really enjoy.

[@zubinDRK]

Lex thanks especially for this one , don't know how I've not come across this wonderful guy since I follow so many Physicists. He's just incredibly articulate although at my layman's level I'm going to have to watch this 3 times over and take notes .... so beautifully explained on a subject which is sometimes impossible to explain

[@davidforman6191]

He has been on some world science festival episodes with Brian Green. One episode about string theory and black holes is really good.

[@room9podcast657]

Mind blown!! Always appreciate your conversations sir! Thanks for doing what you do.

[@foramerica21]

The best part of having a new guest is no more clips of the last one

[@KCnLex]

Since I read Hawking's book in the 90s, I have never gave up my attempt to understand physics and the matters he discussed. As an attorney my math and science education was not extensive, although computerized legal research in the early 80s required an understanding of algebra in developing queries. I wish I would have had math and science teachers who had not killed my early interests. I think my insatiable curiosity is the greatest gift in my life. Thank you for moving me further along the path to understanding. I deeply appreciate your videos.

[@omarizhern]

Hi Lex, Your podcast is one of the must interesting to watch, you are an extraordinary human being. Thank you for what you do. Would be great if you can add Spanish subtitles to the videos.

[@v8isgross]

it's human ^being* youre thinking of refried beans or something

[@omarizhern]

@@v8isgross 😂 Thank you.

[@pasza_dem]

Amazing conversation, Lex you are delivering some greatness to us, every day people, thank you!

[@vagabondcaleb8915]

"Now is the best time in quantum physics." "Fortunately, it's always 'now'!"

[@mountfuji2269]

I like how easily he explains concepts and how humble he is. Others I my opinion overuse complex words just for egotistical reasons lol.

[@BestDongerKR]

Agreed lol. Overused to the sense certain parts don’t really make any sense at all or maybe it’s just that hard to explain 😂

[@Error_-qz2zr]

I don't know I think it's just the way they talk and have it in they head maybe they think normal people understand it

[@BestDongerKR]

@@Error_-qz2zr thats a good point when putting yourself in their shoes

[@DC-pw6mo]

I’ve watched soooo many of your podcasts and I thank you! This one is food for thought …for a long , long, time:) Tysm for keeping my curiosity alive and kicking! It’s such a beautiful world 🌎 ❤

[@readyfree]

Great podcast. Wish it could have been 5 hours. Hope you'll get Sabine Hossenfelder down the road. Great work as always Lex

[@jannichi6431]

🙏

[@talmiller19]

Sabine would be dope

[@jonsnow7092]

I don't really like her. She's a very gifted educator and has tons of charisma, but to me, she seems to be very obtuse when it comes to new ideas. Oftentimes dismissing things without delving deep into them. She's too eager to criticize or debunk anything unconventional, in a field where unconventional things were proven to be right over and over again. As an experimentalist, she's great, but when it comes to theoretical physics, we need people that think outside of the box, that are able to break the boundaries of what we already know. Those people will always be mostly wrong, but on rare occasions, they are right, and this pushes things forwards. Sabine is not really debunking anything, she just doesn't agree with anything outside of things we already know, and to me at least, she does not seem to be willing to push things further. Also, on more that one occasion she admitted being very shallow and not wanting to thoroughly dive into in trying to understand and verify a theory, before "debunking" it. She's definitely smart, can explain complex concepts in an intuitive manner and has her personal style. It's just that I can't see her as productive, when it comes to theoretical physics.

[@frietzgeraldlopez7108]

It's amazing how can someone explain difficult, interesting physics topics in layman's term.

[@govindagovindaji4662]

I always think of Les too as Andrew said at the end...it is just amazing that he can discuss things at the level of his guests on so many varied topics. Kudos, Lex and many, many thanks~!!

[@ramoner.clarke2578]

This is the first person I've heard explain black holes so simply

[@718Insomniac]

Amazing podcast. I was engaged throughout the whole episode. Im kinda blown out of the water by how fast 2hrs went by.

[@lordmetroid1]

Well, is good to know, how to work a black hole.

[@SadieScarlett]

I feel asleep lol

[@jannichi6431]

Black holes have to be THE most fascinating subjects of past Century. Thanks Lex and Robert 🕳️

[@ryanrutledge922]

I told my parents once that it's boring when everything is easy . They looked like I had 2 heads . Im glad I heard dr. strominger say that . Challenges are exciting when you are confident . ❤ from 🇨🇦 , thank you lex

[@urthpainter]

this is one of those rare interviews that I can keep listening to, over and over, and it stays interesting/entertaining

[@jonasbidar4701]

You shuld gett a formula 1 engineer on your show. They have grate minds and are so imaginative!

[@johnfelix503]

Agreed! Up for this comment

[@xzrex6908]

And you have great spelling, Mr jonas bidar

[@odoibe3620]

@@xzrex6908 Why? Why bother with such replies?

[@sparkysmalarkey]

@@odoibe3620 Ignoring someone's mistake is worse than pointing it out in an immature manner. Mistakes are acceptable, ignoring and not correcting them is not. In my opinion obviously.

[@GK-qc5ry]

Great call

[@idatong976]

Thanks Lex! What a great interview you have with Andrew Strominger! It's the first time that I can listen to the entire podcast about theoretical physics without getting bored. (So far, I love many of your podcast because I always learn a lot from them.) I love all the questions you asked him in this one. How fascinating! How I wish I could do the same since I am a late-bloomer who's interested in science, mainly about the space, black holes, quantum gravity, and everything else... How big is our universe?

[@16OFFLINE16]

Amazing interview again ty! The expression on Lex face when Andrew was awnsering his question was priceless 👽🖤

[@davidnelson2204]

Could the phrase “entropy always increases over time in an open system” be understood as “the total number of small units of space time always increases in an open system”? IE: quantum fluctuations are due to the cosmological constant as small units of space time spontaneously appear in our universe over time. Maybe there is a limit of space time curvature that above which new units of space time could not happen? This is why we don’t see expansion of gravitationally bound systems but the universe overall is? This is why it’s so hard to describe flat space time?

[@pamalogy]

❤you continue to have one great interview after the next. Great job, Lex!

[@TheDallasEdwards]

My two favorite podcasters together!! Truly a treat. Thank you

[@extremejustin4611]

Wait, this nice fella does podcasts as well?

[@Anard10]

Every time I listen to your podcasts I feel like the only fool in the room and thats good because it means I have something good to learn and listen to. You are an inspiration to me Lex and everytime you invite someone to your podcast I cannot wait to consume the information provided. Thank you!!!

[@piumisandarenu9110]

What an brilliant conversation. Thanks Lex!

[@mattieuleveille]

These are the best interviews around! Thanks

[@theCatholicInfluence]

I'm surprised by how much I laughed out loud during this podcast. ❤😃 I very much enjoyed this convo. Thank you!

[@annrobinette]

These are the best ones with actually interesting and intelligent people.

[@m8imhawk]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. What excellent conversation. I could type an essay but will instead leave my mind to ponder

[@davidecarnevale2181]

After watching The White Lotus series, specifically the scene at the winery where the topic of mimetic desire is discussed, I have become fascinated with the concept of Mimetic Desire and currently reading the book Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke Burgis. It’s amazing how mimetic desire can influence human behaviour both consciously and subconsciously for good and bad. Thought I would share this with the hope that a conversation with Luke on you podcast would be very insightful given your history, knowledge and passions.

[@CaptainCajun]

I love the amount of space themed episodes you have!

[@scampifrity]

This is one of the best introductions ever. From now on I want to understand new concepts. Thank you guys.❤

[@MrJeffH]

Let’s nominate Friedberg to be the Chief Moderating Officer. Loved this episode’s pace, discussion and vibe. I think it comes from each of the hosts to speak their view without interruption.

[@nobu1730]

andrew was very very engaging and i really really enjoyed this episode

[@aperson2703]

This guy is a blast, one of my favorite guests.

[@fractalsounds]

Wonderful episode Lex. Andy's laugh and his palpable sense of joy and enthusiasm, are all so infectious and inspiring. What a lovely, brilliant, and humble human being. The hall of mirrors analogy in the photon rings section was pure genius. 🖤

[@knowledgeisdeep9509]

Hey lex… serious question… If the universe is expanding, what is it expanding INTO? Itself? Another universe?

[@experiencelife3237]

I liked how Professor did not dumb down things and kept the level of explanation that I did not understand fully everything, but this is better than simplifications, which are plenty. Definitely a great podcast! Thank you, Lex, and best of luck to Prof. Strominger.

[@jonsnow7092]

I've watched the first 10 or so minutes and I felt that he dumbed things down a lot, like he has no idea Lex's usual audience. I'm glad that it will get better later on. Thanks for the comment, it motivated me to get past the beginning.

[@experiencelife3237]

@@jonsnow7092 glad to hear it helped and yes, he gradually increased the difficulty, so even Lex, it seems, did not grasp everything he said :)

[@jonsnow7092]

@@experiencelife3237 Thoroughly enjoyed the episode, amazing conversation. Thanks again!

[@daveking-sandbox9263]

Lex You should do a podcast where you interview chat GPT, and let it give it’s responses verbally. That should be fun. You would get a lot of correct answers and you would get a lot of very weird replies. I’m sure you could fit that into a two hour show!

[@daveking-sandbox9263]

You could even use a Podcasts like this one, just by cutting in your questions and let the chat bot reply. That would be interesting to see how different or similar it is to the replies that you got from Andrew Strominger!

[@Aeneasko]

This was without a doubt, one of the best conversations on your podcast.

[@Necrozene]

My power is out right now, so I am watching this on UPS. Yay! Great stuff Lex and Andrew.

[@behhe1235]

Its nice to see dr.Leonard Hofstadter is doing well

[@caseyalbright2762]

Bazinga

[@nicholasneidig9407]

Rob Lowe's grandpa is so smart.

[@robertrozier2940]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@MattBeardPhoto]

😂 He's only 9 years older than Rob Lowe... Lol

[@kennymichaelalanya7134]

I don't like hearing people discuss about physics because I don't like the subject but I'll listen to you Lex because you make things interesting

[@TheOnerice]

Every single one of those timestamps regard an interesting subject. Watching every second for sure! :)

[@TyronePost]

🧡Physics. Great intro about seeing infinite copies of one’s self after the photon swings back around a black hole to itself. 😊

[@yathawoo2229]

Thank you for the work you and your team do Lex!

[@Mufassahehe]

Does Alex have a team? Wow that would be interesting to find out what goes on behind the scenes of the podcast

[@tattoomas]

what a beautiful conversation 😍 loved every minute Lex is 100% on point with his questions an Andrew Strominger is so well rounded with knowlege

[@fingfangfoom2399]

i've watched countless theoretical physics videos and discussions... I have a degree in philosophy of mind and studied AI at Duke (had a guest lecture of my 10 student class from Daniel Dennett which was a huge highlight for me!), big questions around conciousness that Lex brought up. This was undergrad level so I am only aware of the bottom 10% of most fundamental concepts. I have always been extremely envious of theoretical physicists because of the incredible gifts they have for mathematics and the technical complexities needed to advance the most complex concepts humans have ever created... concepts which defy all our intuition. All that to say... this is one of the most fantastic discussions I've consumed. It dives heavily enough beyond the basic facts we all know and have heard about quantum mechanics, black holes, curvature of spacetime, etc... that it gives someone like myself at 40 at least a reminder of what it was like to want to think hard about these topics, take the challenge of trying to understand a little more fully ideas that are very hard to wrap your mind around.... and to get real joy out of it. Most content I've seen is either frustratingly regurgitated basic concepts to get the view from the 19 yr old college freshman smoking pot... or (as I've seen on Lex's podcast some... sorry Lex) the far too technical discussions. Sometimes those technical discussions are just legitimate academic interactions that aren't really intended to be consumed in any useful way by someone who is not an expert in the field... that's completely fine... but sometimes the discussions are intended for a wider audience but the expert can't be bothered to unpack complex concepts or just has an air of arrogance (Weinstein... though I am fascinated by him). Strominger sits right on the perfect balance for the audience... he won't spend too much time trying to explain concepts which cannot be understood without the rare expertise he possesses. But he paints a larger picture and gets to the point of what the advancements may mean. Kudos for this, I have spent 4 hours watching this 2.3 hour podcast because I will go back to better understand a statement or section more fully. Thank you for stimulating this once eager mind

[@brennandegen7050]

This episode is mind bending

[@Salehalanazi-7]

Guy is a geinus understands the fundamentals to an insane level, it's incrediblehow easy he makes it seems

[@carlodave9]

“We didn’t prove this?” (? sic) “I wish so, but I don’t think so.” “We don’t really know where we’re going.” “We don’t really have a clue.” “I haven’t solved anything, but I’ve said enough that you’re interviewing me.” Good gig.

[@issyjas3309]

Some people just think on another level , both of these do. Thank you so much, just wish I had access to this when I was younger. Very inspiring, academically wise there’s not a lot of excuse for younger generations not to find an interest other than tik tok, celebrity obsession and generally making asses of themselves.

[@alamos52]

You know you're at the top of your field when you can say "light is the thing you see when you turn the lights on" and "we don't know much about black holes." I mean this sincerely.

[@bbamboo3]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing your ideas about the responsibility of AI/ML researchers and his response to your question about weapons. Certainly the issues of AI military uses and the scientists role in weapons have some ethical parallels though the rapid development of machine capabilities is challenging our ability to imagine the potential consequences. Though I loved the physics of this piece, the bit at the end is also important.

[@FP889]

Wonderful. Thank you both for this conversation.

[@piotr5446]

One of the best interviews, I enjoyed hugely watching it, keeping staying at that level Lex 👊

[@QuantumLayer]

Im something of a scientist myself you know

[@jrl5k]

Lex has better guests and conversations than Joe. What a time to be alive!

[@JPPolier]

Lex, fantastic thoughtful interview that took proper time in a world of swirling bits of journalism

[@NomadicBrian]

I always enjoy these interviews about Physics. Black Holes are really cool. This enormous mass of energy and mystery. The films about travelling through a Black Hole and the conversations that followed about the speculations of how efficiently a human body would be torn apart. Now the conversations about smart ways to measure the composition of the energy patterns and mapping that to known Physics and math. You never know how it will advance a related area of study. The sling shot conversation had me thinking of Star Trek III The Voyage Home when Spock suggests hurling the Klingon Ship towards the sun and returning to Earth 1980s. But seriously capturing what is emitted around the Black Hole sling shot is super cool.

[@JohnIwaszko]

Great interview, Lex I really love your understanding and amazing questions, keep up your great work!

[@JakesOnline]

Imagine seeing our planet, solar system and galaxy in a black hole mirror as it appeared a billion years ago.

[@dandantheideasman]

It was a beautiful thing, a precious moment in time, to witness the admiration you have for each other and your work respectively. Magic and easily the cherry atop the icing of another well-baked interview.

[@jaidev121184]

Really loving this. Lex, being listening to your podcasts for a while and you’re evolved into a rockstar host

[@Zoomo2697]

"The information contained in an English sentence or computer software does not derive from the chemistry of the ink or the physics of magnetism, but from a source extrinsic to physics and chemistry altogether. Indeed, in both cases, the message transcends the properties of the medium. The information in DNA also transcends the properties of its material medium." Stephen C. Meyer

[@MotivationHubOfficiall]

Hmm 👀

[@heh2k]

Info theory is fundamental.

[@graemedicks6938]

Loving this podcast. Great guest. Speaks well, slowly allowing the listener to absorb the information.

[@user-yx1ss5jw9f]

I’ve been watching this guest’s stuff for years; awesome! Really loved him on “Ozark”!

[@andanssas]

1:14:54 a *tea session between Hawking and Lady Gaga* that could have changed physics forever... Or the entire show business, who knows? 🫖🍵😂

[@iangagel6027]

Spaaaaaaaaace. Excellent, thank you as always Lex! Looking forward to this one.

[@birhanetelayneh577]

I learned so much from this than any physics classes . Thank you lex!

[@vee__7]

Only 25 minutes in and this is so good. Thanks for this.