Andy Knoll: The First Four Billion Years of Life on Earth

Andy Knoll is a Renaissance Scientist. He is a geologist, paleobiologist, and geochemist and has applied key ideas from chemistry, biology, physiology and more to understanding the key developments associated with life on Earth-both how geology and chemistry have impacted on life, and vice versa. He has made ground breaking contributions to the understanding of almost every phase of life, from early Pre-Cambrian single cell life, to the emergence of more complex lifeforms, to mass extinctions. His group was the first to demonstrate that the rapid rise of CO2 was probably responsible for the last great extinction on Earth, a subject of some relevance today. For his work he most recently won the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Crafoord Prize in Geosciences… the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in that field.
But more than all of this, Andy is a wonderful teacher and human being, and a great communicator . Andy has written numerous books on the history of life on Earth, and Lawrence and he discussed his most recent book, “A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters” in this podcast, along with his own origins and evolution as a scientist. The discussion was so fascinating that Lawrence and Andy went overtime during the first session and had to continue the next day.
This discussion will forever change your perspective on our planet, and our place within it. Enjoy.
Consider supporting the podcast and the Origins Project Foundation at www.originsproject.org/
To see commercial-free, full HD video episodes, join us at lawrencekrauss.substack.com/
Thank you for your support!
The Origins Podcast, a production of The Origins Project Foundation, features in-depth conversations with some of the most interesting people in the world about the issues that impact all of us in the 21st century. Host, theoretical physicist, lecturer, and author, Lawrence M. Krauss, will be joined by guests from a wide range of fields, including science, the arts, and journalism. The topics discussed on The Origins Podcast reflect the full range of the human experience - exploring science and culture in a way that seeks to entertain, educate, and inspire.
Full Episodes Playlist:
• Ricky Gervais - The Or...

[@staninjapan07]

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we call the "good" side of KZbin. Thank you, professors.

[@johnford6967]

This podcast to say is enlightening is an understatement.We need more of these conversations.

[@dylanvogels6727]

As a biology teacher in the Netherlands these videos really help me gain more knowledge about earth's history and make it far easier for me to teach the students because of the coherent information you provide in the podcasts. Thank you sooo much Mr. Krauss, I also loved the video with Mr. De Waal.

[@NessieJapan]

Dr. Krauss, this was one of your best interviews. Heavy on the science. Well-guided by you through several topics. Letting your guest talk. More like this, please!

[@Intact-gf5zz]

well-guided.....except that whole ~1hr intro spent going over the guy's background!!! No problem with Knoll/loved this podcast but, like 99.999% of listeners, my interests in origins of life, V mr.knoll's back-story, are not even close to equivalent

[@davidschneide5422]

Impressed by how these interesting topics make time pass. Despite the protracted introduction, the interview with Knoll was the longest I've watched with Krauss, but it felt the shortest.

[@Intact-gf5zz]

@@davidschneide5422 same! i spend a ton of time on the road, have heard this episode like "2.5" or 3 times depending whether i count distracted-listening!! Only other one i heard was the more recent Chomsky one, which was just 100.0% A+++ material

[@JackTaylorsFoodReviews]

@@Intact-gf5zz. Sa

[@sydneymorey6059]

I agree one of KZbin’s very best live & learn sessions I’ve ever come across. 🥂✅

[@fc-qr1cy]

I LOVE THAT, 30:00 :" BEST THING YOU CAN LEARN IN SCHOOL IS HOW TO LEARN " Life is a daily continuation of growth..

[@johnandpenny]

This is one of my favourite podcasts of all time. I've listened to it twice. A clear memorable and gripping exposition of the origins and evolution of life. Expertly steered by Lawrence, with well judged open questions eliciting from Andy exactly the information and opinions I most wanted to hear. My sincere thanks to you both.

[@arbez101]

I've watched this 3 times completely, and then reviewed particular data points even more, like the rise of oxygen for example. A brilliant informed mind is Andy Knoll! Grateful to Lawrence Krauss!

[@dankelly2147]

I stumbled on this discussion quite by accident at around 0100 this morning. I just blinked as my alarm went off. Absolutely captivated and inspired. Wow, inspires me to see if I can grab some graduate classes at U of Arizona. At 78 I still get excited. The hamster wheel in my head is “squeaking” as the ideas flow. Thank you, gentlemen for a superb and inspiring discourse.

[@michaelcorbridge1607]

After listening to the majority of science videos on you tube. I can honestly state that your podcasts are the best. Well done and thanks for all your hard work and intellectual humility, that gets the levels of depth and accessibility just right. Cheers!

[@TheOriginsPodcast]

many thanks.

[@itsureishotout-itshotterin3985]

This is why I love science! Looking forward to your 8-hour conversation in the future….

[@williamjmccartan8879]

Thank you very much both Andrew and Lawrence, on top of all the other concerns humanity is faced within in the coming decades, but like you said Lawrence, we're actually aware of everything, but I'm not sure we'll do anything about these challenges, peace.

[@JohnVariously]

Top quality scientists talking about highly relevant topics across a wide range of scientific disciplines to address the future of life on Earth. Well done and thank you!

[@MrRichbrll]

This was such a good and informative talk. I was turned on to this through a mutual friend Garth in PEI and I’m so happy to be enlightened to this.

[@lukekay7952]

What a great channel. Thank you so much for all of what you do.

[@SsspraakForsskkarring]

Great as always! P.S You should have Anton Petrov on your podcast. He is on KZbin, teaching us commoners almost every day, I hope you're not too highbrow for talking to Anton. He is a wonderful communicator and does so much by teaching the masses while being very professional and still keeping his charisma intact 😋 Like you.

[@justinludeman8424]

I greatly enjoyed this. As a Biochemist and Biophysical Chemist I found this fascinating. I admire Andrew Knolls interdisciplinary approach to the work he does. I also enjoyed the discussions regarding developing autodidactic traits, continuing long after graduate and postgraduate work, and the nature of observation and knowledge; a phenomenological and epistemological analysis if you will. The import and role of science in society is ever more relevant in these strange times. Thank you Laurence. I intend to subscribe ☺️

[@corringhamdepot4434]

I remember being at school around 1969, and being told to ignore a chapter in our old geography books, because it was out of date and had been replaced by "plate tectonics".

[@bensteven3091]

Faboulous interview. I am a Marine Biologist and Physical Oceanographer by training and love to see this kind of interactions. And at the tender age of 60 till learn a lot from this.

[@seabound1350]

Such a great interview! Many thanks 🙏❤️

[@warpeace8891]

Thank you Lawrence and Andy, one of your best interviews. After hearing this I am excited to hear many of the gaps of knowledge of our Earth, filling in with crossovers from many different disciplines of scientific endeavour. Science "generalists" (I am one of them) are critical to put the pieces together from the ever increasing specialisations of knowledge.

[@DonatoColangelo]

I somehow missed this interview. A. Knoll wrote one of the most interesting books about ancient life “Life on a Young Planet”, and is one my favorite science writers ever. Gotta watch this interview. NOW.

[@captainzappbrannagan]

Andrew is an amazing resource who is what every scientist should be, skeptic and fairly evaluates all sides before making up his mind. This was a very informative podcast. Thanks Lawence! LK you still need to update your cameral light its distracting when your video goes dim then bright.

[@dancooper8551]

Kudos Andy and Lawrence - one of the most fascinating interviews I’ve ever watched. Watching the whole thing again tomorrow in case I missed anything.

[@nickydaviesnsdpharms3084]

wow! i check the comments before watching things and i'm about to watch it, your comment makes it sound good

[@MultiCappie]

I'm so glad I just started this in the background and started playing a computer game without looking at how long it would be -- I never would have thought to listen all-the-way-through in one sitting, but just letting it happen instead!

[@benwu7980]

I've been getting through a fair number of these while playing a computer game too, though I have the windows side-by-side since the game is a little boring at the start, and I keep rewinding the video for some of the topics.

[@markphc99]

Fascinating -this podcast has raised so many questions for me.

[@GeloReyes]

I totally agree! It was a pleasure meeting you!

[@Rob81k]

Best episode I've seen, thank you!

[@clutterfunkin]

Lawrence, l really appreciate what you're doing.

[@juaneduardoherrera8027]

Thank you for your work Dr Krauss.

[@jestermoon]

Take A Moment I have always loved your work, in all format's Thank you for standing on the shoulders of giants and dragging the world kicking and screaming behind you we are all right with you ,please keep going, the world needs guidance from your work with the best Information I speak for the people of the world. Stay Safe Stay Free

[@user-ns4od8bk8x]

A great talk,much appreciated and I learned a lot. Thank you..

[@noeditbookreviews]

I loved that book. Knoll is the genuine article, as they say. Thank you for sharing that brain with us.

[@SubJStan]

It hadn’t dawned on me until a few seconds ago how very recent and young our understanding of plate tectonics is.

[@dbrad5197]

Really enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@nocancelcultureaccepted9316]

It would be so cool if they had this conversation with the animation depicting life 4 billion years ago to now.

[@paulbk7810]

Greatest story ever told. Fabulous.

[@spamletspamley672]

How on Earth do you manage to produce so much writing and all these interviews, and reading right across science, nature, and philosophy all in one lifetime? I'm insanely jealous of your reading speed and comprehension of all things! Life is tragically short for all there is to learn. Especially with those of us who don't have the photographic memories, and reading speeds, necessary to do science in pre Google days; who've only really been able to start taking it all in since Google, Wikipedia, Open access, KZbin, and the CoViD lock ins, that led to all the knowledge being set free!

[@noahman27]

Looking forward to hearing Part 2...The 2nd Four Billion Years of Life on Earth.

[@jamesraymond1158]

KZbin has some wonderful recent videos on the evolution of hominids. So much has been learned in recent years. What is fascinating about this interview of two modern hominids is to see how far our ability to exchange complex information has advanced. This exchange has revolutionized our understanding of our world in just a single lifetime. How lucky we are to be able to see it all.

[@erpthompsonqueen9130]

Thank you.

[@guyfromthe80s92]

This podcast is the best.

[@willmpet]

I’m fortunate to have listened to Eon broadcasts before so I can understand what their specific ideas showed!

[@ZOGGYDOGGY]

"How do we know what we know?" Andy listens to talking zircons, wowy-zowy! Water came mostly from meteorites...geesh...so much to know, so little time. Well, I am 77. Speaking of time, go to the 2 hours 20 minute section of this discussion for the low down on why rapidly increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere led to the Permian extinction event, an event which wiped out 90% of life on Earth.

[@yournamehere7182]

Brilliant discussion.

[@matthewdolan5831]

Nicely done.

[@esnevip]

Best interview ever.

[@ngomusoqwabe4684]

Nice podcast. Underrated

[@candyvance2983]

This so cool. I didn't understand most of it, but it is fascinating.

[@Mr.Altavoz]

Like always... excellent 👍 video

[@nicokarsen6131]

Thanks Dr. Krauss

[@simonyoungglostog]

Andy's book is excellent. I read it over 4 days and it is eye-opening for those that have never considered the early history of life on our planet and how the planet and life are inextricably linked.

[@staninjapan07]

Would you say it's good for a layperson? I enjoy, for example, Richard Dawkins' books on evolutionary biology and related things, but I have to look up words so often that - while learning them is good - I cannot just read the book. Thanks.

[@simonyoungglostog]

@@staninjapan07 Yes. Much easier than Dawkins. I struggle with him as well. The art of communication is the responses that you illicit from your readers. I think Andy understands that better than Richard, although both are excellent educators.

[@staninjapan07]

@@simonyoungglostog Thanks a lot.

[@afsar_gunner5271]

L Krauss as a scientist should stick to science but when he debates about God he really makes himself look stupid and looks like a dwarf !! there are so many other Dr, Profs and scientists who do believe in intelligent design ! So whats his problem and what a clown he is🤡

[@simonyoungglostog]

@@afsar_gunner5271 If God-fearing people stuck to Religion and out of Science, Lawrence wouldn't have to defend Science and the facts associated with it.

[@eriklarsen1599]

Fantastic interwiev - Erik from Denmark

[@worldpeacepatriot9448]

Perhaps the most important thing for our species for our collective future is to come together in unity , solidarity and in cooperation ; to STOP squandering our human , natural and economic resources to our potential destruction but apply it to the betterment and enlightenment of humankind empowering we the people to become the proper Stewards and custodians of our majestic home planet we call " Earth " !

[@number1Don]

Lawrence, you're the greatest Physicist (scientist) that's ever existed. That's just my humble opinion. Ive watched every single lecture, documentary and debate you've been involved in since 'a universe from nothing'. You are my personal God, but the difference is; I know you exist. Thank you.

[@afsar_gunner5271]

Universe from nothing ?????? what a blood joke L Krauss as a scientist should stick to science but when he debates about God he really makes himself look stupid and looks like a dwarf !! there are so many other Dr, Profs and scientists who do believe in intelligent design ! So whats his problem and what a clown he is🤡

[@user-vl4vo2vz4f]

One of the best science conversions ever

[@reggiebald2830]

Fascinating conversation! Great interview! [I don't usually criticize; but the lighting used by Lawrence wasn't stable & his constantly touching his face was disconcerting] You certainly left me wanting to learn more! Thanks!

[@peterquinn2997]

You clearly know nothing about the complexities of video production. The variable lighting and repetitive face touching were well planned and brilliantly incorporated cinematic techniques which added dimensions that greatly enhanced the over all visual experience of the interview. Further evidence of the man’s genius. And it’s Dr. Krauss to you!

[@renupathak4442]

Dr Krauss you simply are the best and what is great you bring out the best in other scientists

[@brian7651]

Great talk you wont find elsewhere, but ads literally every 5 mins is disruptive

[@UnMoored_]

I chose to subscribe to KZbin Premium (which also included YouTUbe Music) on the first day that it was announced many years ago, and I do not regret it as the wealth of quality content (yes, you have to become adept at avoid the crappy stuff) has greatly enriched my life in many ways. You may want to consider it if it also has value for you. I am especially annoyed by advertising, so I can't blame your reaction.

[@lancerbiker5263]

Most excellent !

[@grizzlymartin1]

Your intro of Andy brought to mind Carl Sagan’s book “Shadow of Forgotten Ancestors.” I’ll listen, but does Andy have any similar compendium of these sciences of time? Thanks.

[@grizzlymartin1]

Oops. Just found it in the credit. Thanks.

[@lailaknight6620]

Fascinating! Mr. Lawrence Krauss, what can you recommend in terms of a lecture, documentary, or podcast regarding the evolution of chemical elements, from cosmic dust to life on Earth? In other words, I want to know what chemical elements were the planetesimals formed from and whether is Earth a chemical elements factory in itself? How did we reach from iron, carbon, oxygen, silicon, etc to the complex materials we have on Earth? Would you consider a podcast on this subject? Thank you. @The Origins Podcast

[@gianniguizzunti1442]

Increadibly interesting. When you talk about water being present in rocks, as part of their molecular composition.... well, certain desert plants can absorb water from gypsum when rain water isn't available.

[@ccatctc]

Apparently bacteria do it at great depths also.

[@tonyharding4794]

Brilliant. Brilliant.

[@HGALAXIES]

Just fascinating!!!

[@peteralmassy5517]

Great to listen to scientists who speak in a way that even a novice can understand

[@randylamonda460]

So, so good. Wondered what role the proto moon impact with the earth had on the delevelopment of life.

[@figulus1]

Another good 'un Prof...(and morning walk companion)

[@100MusicPlayLists]

It is only proper that Andy ended the conversation with the same concept that he started it with. He started by explaining how his contributions were unique and only possible because of his life work integrating biology (Life Science) with Geology (Earth Science) and in his answer to the last question of where he thinks science is going, he said: Advances in the future will take place through more integration between different fields of science.

[@garydecad6233]

Great discussion. Thanks. Wish we can get rid of the inane commercials

[@antifajesus]

Wonderful interview I just wanted to mention I heard a theory that the Moon is so connected to life and geology on Earth that it caused the start of plate tectonics and the carbon cycle

[@mikestirewalt5193]

Krauss needs a chill pill before he embarks on one of these. His nervousness, jumpiness, interruptions, etc. introduces unnecessary stress. Otherwise and in any case, a monster discussion.

[@akkalange6359]

very informative episode, thanks! Could you please have Randall Carlson on? that man have more style than any other man on this planet

[@user-vl4vo2vz4f]

Wow, one ad interrupting the podcast every 2 minutes… exhausting!

[@thomaswarren7831]

It’s my understanding that Jeremy England developed the thermodynamic equations that not only was the formation of RNA energetically favored but INEVITABLE once the primordial soup was formed.

[@thomaswarren7831]

He’s at MIT. Physicist

[@vKarl71]

Interesting talk about Dr Knoll's academic history + a bit about philosophy of science up to about 34:00.

[@ciprianpopa1503]

The discourse @ 45:00 shows very well the dilemma that physicists struggle with, especially when they march with the idea that physics is everything. What they discover is that on Earth, the chemistry is actually more important.

[@TracyPicabia]

Wow. That was fantastic. Absolutely riveting. Especially compared with the last Origins Podcast I watched which had Jordan Peterson in it, his self-absorption and his woo fingers and was not riveting at all!

[@ALavin-en1kr]

Lightening did a lot of housekeeping and house cleaning on the earth as well. So far this has not been discussed.

[@clarkharney8805]

Paleontology & Geochemistry!

[@SamytheGreek]

I heard mention of the "Faint Sun Paradox", I heard mass extinctions in stages around the world ("recurring feature" @2:30:10), I haven't heard much about re-speciation or the capability of new species to remove Co2 from the atmosphere more efficiently than previous life forms.

[@CandidDate]

One time, I saw a zircon. It felt sort of hard and soft. Then I put it under the nuclear magnetic resonance viewer and it said it was happy to tell me that it was 101^673 billion years old. So I turned to my colleague and said, "I have a hypothesis...." Immediately he held up his pointer finger of his left hand and proclaimed quite persuasively, "I don't have time for hypotheses. You either tell me the truth or I'm going to step right out of this nuclear magnetic resonance machine room." I said, "OK, then, you will never know the secret of The Great Zircon." And I flipped him off and left the nuclear magnetic resonance room. Come to find a couple years later, I met the same scientist. It was a drizzly November day in Harvard Square, he was sitting on the grass in front of a large pepperoni pizza, about to lift a slice. I sauntered over and said, "So, you think you know the secret of The Great Zircon, well, I'm here to tell you buddy that you don't know squat!" And I took a puff of my pipe and walked briskly away. I laughed because I knew his pizza would get wet, unless he pitched a tent to cover it up and capture its savory odor under the tarp.

[@markphc99]

I was surprised to learn that the majority of heavy radioactive metals are in the crust- it lead me to read an article about incompatibility and the crystallisation of granitic melts!

[@ccatctc]

Agreed very interesting the idea of the separation due to heating, need to follow up on it.

[@tikaanipippin]

"...and if I have seen further, it is by standing on the toes of giants..."

[@caroletomlinson5480]

Take care of planet earth, and its creatures, while viewing the universe. It tells us how unique life is on Earth. Gratitude to OEB, Harvard GSAS, for supporting Andy Knoll, Steve Gould and so many others who guide us into the future.

[@ccatctc]

If the probability that life exists elsewhere approaches zero, then the responsibility for preserving life on this planet approaches infinity.

[@benwu7980]

@@ccatctc Nice quote. I share the viewpoint made regarding this odd obsession regarding Mars. Not saying it would not be cool, but it's a bit of a pipedream, when we have far more urgent problems to solve here.

[@alexkang7360]

I loved it

[@treefrog3349]

It is such a pleasure to listen to very intelligent people with genuine humanitarian hearts speak about real things! The contrast between their focus and that of our socio-economic political establishment is like a breath of fresh air. I often wonder with much chagrin why it is that individuals like Andrew Knoll and Lawrence Krauss, instead of Trump, Bolsinaro and Orban, et al. are the apparent vanguards of human civilization? I fear for humanity and for the beautiful earth itself.

[@nabormendonca5742]

So the political establishment only has right-wing politicians. What an unbiased world view. 🙄

[@TBOTSS]

Larry Krauss' intelligence: This is on 'nothing' or 'relativistic quantum fields' Krauss cannot make uip his mind. “There are a variety of forms of nothing, [and] they all have physical definitions.” “The laws of quantum mechanics tell us that nothing is unstable.” “70% of the dominant stuff in the universe is nothing.” “There’s nothing there, but it has energy.” “Nothing weighs something.” “Nothing is almost everything.”

[@christiansmith-of7dt]

A smurf stuck in amber would be a good find

[@ronsummers4090]

Maybe I missed it but were these early oceans saline or not?

[@IbnFarteen]

I'd be interested in serious thoughts about how life emerged from abiotic material.

[@ccatctc]

Read or watch Nick Lane.

[@mikecbiggles]

Two smart men but Lawrence takes 1 hour 33 mins of talking and Andrew 1 hour 24 mins. I would like more short questions from the host allowing the guest to provide more insight from their considerable wisdom

[@xenokarasu]

Unfortunately, this is a recurring theme on this channel and tempted me on a few occasions to just unsubscribe as it already made me stop following two other scientists (to remain unnamed) who do podcasts.

[@winstonsmith8240]

Sorry I'm late, but great interview. For me, how life began is possibly the most important question I'd like to see answered. (As long as it's supported by evidence). Oh, and my mate said that it wasn't Tuesday it started (as Andrew pointed out), it was a Sunday, but they changed it for religious reasons. Surely, if we powered everything stationary by nuclear energy, we could still drive cars. No?

[@swedishbob_7315]

Best " The Origins Podcast " for me

[@racecar06]

1:39:10 I told my GP about this & even he didn't know that🤷‍♂

[@stewpitz6243]

Could it be with. H2O the unique 105 degree they hold to each other? Oxygen to Hydrogen?

[@KperkIns54]

I find it fascinating that the earth was a water planet, was described in Zechariah Sitchens book the 12 planet. The knowledge he wrote came from ancient cuneiform text. But we are still arrogant.

[@petercoderch589]

I have a theory on how life began. I am working on it. More on it latter.

[@quantumcat7673]

Perhaps that the panspermia hypothesis could be worthy of considerations here.

[@peterginsburg2465]

There's ad interruption every 3-4 minutes or so. Very unwatchable, unfortunately.

[@suspiria9607]

Dr. Krauss, have you observed "nothing"? Has any observer observed nothing? Could an observer observe "nothing"? And if not, can nothing exist? If it's observable, doesn't that mean it isn't "nothing"?

[@suspiria9607]

@@schmetterling4477 If you can observe it then it's something not nothing.

[@suspiria9607]

@@schmetterling4477 If you can see it, then it's there. If you couldn't see it, you couldn't describe it. But you have described it. It's black. It's above your head. You collapsed the wave function by observing it.