Christmas Lectures: Waking Up In The Universe | Episode 01

[@isatousarr7044]

Waking Up in the Universe touches on the profound realization that consciousness and self-awareness are not just biological phenomena but also part of the larger cosmic tapestry. From an evolutionary perspective, the emergence of consciousness is one of the most remarkable adaptations in the history of life. It has allowed humans to develop complex social structures, language, and the ability to reflect on our place in the universe. This consciousness is the product of millions of years of evolutionary processes, where natural selection favored traits that improved survival and reproductive success. But it also represents a significant leap: the ability to contemplate existence itself, question the nature of reality, and seek knowledge beyond immediate survival needs. It has propelled us to explore space, study the cosmos, and develop theories about our origins and future. Yet, this "waking up" is not without its challenges. With consciousness comes the awareness of our mortality, the potential for existential angst, and the ethical responsibility we hold as intelligent beings. Evolutionary biology provides the backdrop to understand how we reached this point, but it is the interplay between our evolved minds and the universe around us that continues to shape how we perceive and respond to our existence.

[@paulmaloney2383]

I was surprised to see rather young Richard Dawkins, I have never heard of these videos before, it was delight watching them

[@mikokoltart5058]

These children are lucky to be present in such inspiring lucture presented by such a great man.

[@user-heeyu4heeyu]

생명과학은 물리보다 재미가 없습니다.

[@cherylween4973]

Seeing Richard hold that baby was beautiful ❤

[@debbiem.3128]

Sharing the joy and wonder of science with eloquence, integrity and grace. What a beautiful gift and precious legacy. Fascinating!

[@mobeltass]

I watched this series a couple of years ago, and apart from some details (like asking "have you ever used a computer with a mouse before?") it didn't really feel dated at all despite being almost as old as I am. This is science communication at its finest.

[@lynnebester321]

@richard dawkins... I can literally not thank you enough, for all your hard work, and your life. I have no words, except thank you.

[@alicetheatheist]

I am going to start off by stating the obvious: Richard is incredibly handsome in this discourse! His smile when he is thanking the two lads folding the paper for their help was so precious! I find myself ensnared in a quandary regarding what renders greater delight: the sheer enlightenment procured from the discourse on the facts of evolution or the privilege of feasting my eyes upon one of its most splendid manifestations (in the person of Richard, himself).

[@DarkMatter1919]

Are you, by any chance, his mom?

[@mallrat77]

Not too bad yourself Mrs.

[@davidstaffell]

​@@mallrat77don't be a moron

[@louisehaley5105]

Agreed - Dawkins was handsome then and is handsome now, even as an octogenarian - Natural Selection at its finest ! Hopefully the Professor has inherited his parents’ genes for longevity, as well as for high intelligence, altruism and attractiveness, and will be with us for many years to come.

[@alicetheatheist]

​@@louisehaley5105 I agree with you. I remember watching the other day the infamous "Love letters" (aka hate mail) video and couldn't believe he was well into his 70s and still so good looking! In case you're not familiar with the video, I totally recommend it. There is something oddly satisfying about hearing such a distinguished gentleman using words such as "biatch". He is such a treasure! We must protect this man at all costs!

[@sharkamov]

*Professor Richard Dawkins is a veritable **_gift_** to our species - no less! . . .*

[@NamvarYeganeh]

These series has changed my life in 90s

[@decimustv4257]

So does being in a major car accident! If it is actually the case that when you die everything about you (apart from your atoms) ceases to exist then I would rather not know that. I prefer to believe in something more comforting like spirits, higher purposes etc, even if such beliefs are totally false. Sometimes it's better not to know. From this perspective, Dawkins has done a lot of damage. Not everybody agrees with his opinion that knowing the truth is positive.

[@Lycaerix]

@@decimustv4257 Nonsense. If anything you've just demonstrated what's wrong with being groomed and conditioned into believing 'comforting' lies. Specifically that it destroys your capacity to build healthy coping strategies and mechanisms to dealing with, as you say "the cold hard truth" AKA reality.

[@decimustv4257]

But the flaw in your argument is this. If I'm unaware of the truth then why do I need to deal with it? Of course I will still suffer the practical consequences in the end whether I know it or not just like everyone else, but until then, I will live in ignorant bliss. Consider this example. You are going to die in 4 weeks. Do you want to know that? I wouldn't. Also, do you actually understand evolution and it's terrible implications? If you don't then I envy you. Even Darwin himself was gutted about the consequences of evolution, and not just because it killed the idea of a creator. For instance, he knew of insects that literally implanted their larvae into the live bodies of insects, and after their offspring hatched they would feed on the insides of the host while it's still alive!. There is no reason for this kind of terror, except that it's successful for survival so it happens, and what is the point of survival?. There is none. Nature is heartless and pointless. It's just a product of atoms following the rules of the universe. Even when you walk in a park and admire the trees, fish, ducks, etc, remember that what you are really seeing is a war between competing species, a bitter struggle for survival. Thank you Dawkins for making me aware of that! I would rather think Disney and believe that animals are cute and fluffy like I used to do when I was a kid. That's just me. But because I have read a few of his books, that perspective is completely destroyed. I prefer peace and tranquillity over the cold hard truth. @@Lycaerix​

[@drestarman]

​@@decimustv4257that's called putting your head in the sand and indulging in fantasies. If you know then you can't deny it's reality. And in this case Disney is the one who has done more damage by creating false hope and fantasies. Having said all that I too do enjoy entertainment arts made up content. And there's no need to ignore the realities. Live in the beauty of what u do see and find solitude in how things work. For our visual reality is a forced perception.

[@garyk1334]

What you say is true that ignorance can be bliss & comforting what amazes me is some people's ability to know all about the harsh reality of nature & the universe & still pull off believing in an all loving creator that they'll bow & scrape to in the hope of living forever. Totally baffles me , I just can't make myself believe in something that everything i know tells me is the biggest con ever perpetrated on our species namely religion ​@@decimustv4257

[@varaa1]

I saw these XMas lectures in 1991 and it opened up my mind about evolution and the life on earth. Thank you Richard. I believe, these lectures should be made mandatory in schools' biology lessons.

[@Raydensheraj]

With Carl Sagan, Thomas Henry Huxley and Richard Feyman...the absolute greatest science communicator in history. Dawkins is the reason thousands got their degree in the life sciences....

[@Durzo1259]

I'm so glad Richard is one of the mature atheists who can still call it "Christmas". The name and the way we practice it is rooted in Christian tradition that's 1,687 years old. It's part of our cultural heritage and we don't need to deny its' religious origins just because we don't celebrate it religiously. The roots are religious, but it evolved in a holiday spirit for all. Merry Christmas to all my fellow atheists and Christians alike.

[@DavidMyrickPlus]

Well said!

[@EpicLemonMusic]

You mean Pagan Holiday, Christmas was historically documented as being coopted by Romans who slaughtered pagan followers by sword until extinct. But it is the christmas holidays, marketed in the early 1900s and a fantastic tradition to celebrate the days being short.

[@maboleth]

@@EpicLemonMusic Also a nice way to earn large $$$ and quite a big business. But yes, I like people gatherings, decorations and fairs, that's nice.

[@kotgc7987]

Happy pagan debauchery December solstice 🙂

[@jonaas3432]

Its called Jul in Scandinavia and have been celebrated long before Christians hijacked it.

[@neilchhibber2946]

This has to be one of the most important lectures I have seen. Thank you, dear Richard!

[@kambojarian]

Thanks!

[@NunoPereira.]

Fantastic lecture. If it could be presented worldwide in every classroom certainly the world would become a more rational, enlightened and better place.

[@nicholasmassey6941]

yes, i was thinking the exact same thing, but that these lectures should be shown once every year so it really gets driven home.

[@ankurpriyadarshan]

I doubt...

[@mitchellhedden1978]

What makes you so sure of that result?

[@ziaedin]

What biologists, such as Richard Dawkins, consider as science is, in fact, grounded in David Hume's unscientific philosophy adorned by just-so stories. Please see "Science in the Shadow of Metaphysics - Part One - Gods of Science. The file is uploaded to ResearchGate.

[@garyk1334]

It may certainly help but there are those who will deny it all no matter how strong the evidence lest it tears down their delusions

[@narenderpal1534]

Humanity needs you like. Thanks Richard DAWKINS ❤

[@keep-ukraine-free]

A fantastic journey through evolutionary time, and then through much of our recent 3 decades of scientific inquiry. Prof. Dawkins estimated @4:58 that "if we ever do succeed in making a computer with the performance of the human brain, I would guess that the R&D costs would be in the range of 1000s of million of pounds." His estimate is correct, since the GPT-4 AI system's total R&D cost is thought to be approx. $1-3 Billion. *_Right on the money,_* from 32 yrs ago!

[@thulyblu5486]

That's also what I thought at that point. But it's kind of controversial to say that ChatGPT has the power of a human brain, when you ask it, it keeps insisting that it doesn't have consciousness or feelings or desires etc which are all significant parts of what a human brain does. In other areas like general knowledge it outclasses every human brain on the planet since it's basically all the knowledge on the internet. So it's missing some features but supersedes others. Does that count? Who knows... I'll ask ChatGPT ;) ... aaaand I already know it won't answer anything useful because it doesn't have its own opinions and there's nothing on the internet giving a definitive answer on that one... I'm sure I could get to an opinion if I thought about it more, ChatGPT probably can't... which makes me think the answer is no, it's not comparable... yet... but seems very very close.

[@everything_ste]

Excellent! Thanks Richard!

[@n3k0lein]

I watch these few episodes every year. I wish there were more

[@pierren___]

This man legacy must be carried on.

[@Raydensheraj]

His first three books alone will survive generations....The Selfish Gene, The extended phenotype and The Blind Watchmaker....

[@thebandplayedon..6145]

Right thru the end that room FULL of kids didn't speak, joke with their friends, wiggle around in their seats, damn near silence, there was nothing but interest curiosity & and RESPECT for the Presenter of the lecture... which to them at the time was basically just "some random guy" taking about some pretty wild ideas -for the times, I suspect. My respect to the parents & teachers, and of course to Mr. Dawkins for an ingaging style and enthusiasm for teaching. .... something most of my teachers lacked nearly entirely. Both History & Geography teachers sed no visual aids, just pointed to the map and read from the course book word for word in utterly monotone voices. I actually hatted ALL things Political, News related, Histor and Worl anything , just had zero interest untill about when I turned 30 if I recall. Too bad I missed this or any such quality information in high-school I feel my life would have been much broader earlier. Oh well, I'm making up for it in the last 20 - it's been a trip, things get more wild & fascinating with each passing year. Very much looking forward to the second half of this episode. Thank you for making this available to everyone Mr. Dawkins.

[@Jay-ft3xh]

Attention is a skill. Most parents do not have the aptitude or experience to teach their offspring this skill.

[@aveliciobanu1355]

This is so cool! I wish I had access to a program like this growing up.

[@junaidjaved5687]

It's like a theatrical performance..what a lecture 🙌

[@kushalgokhale9114]

I had become a fan of Carl Sagan after watching cosmos. And I had become a fan of Richard Dawkins after watching this.

[@garyk1334]

Hail Sagan

[@meahoola]

"Here it is that we are born, bread and live" ... and then the baby supports him 😀

[@mbproductions4511]

I was that crying baby at the start of the lecture!

[@user-heeyu4heeyu]

과학자세요?

[@tdvcyt2534]

Did you enjoy it?

[@mbproductions4511]

Yes, I’m an evolutionary biologist now

[@cherylween4973]

​@@mbproductions4511😮

[@cosmosatrosanguineus3171]

For real??

[@Nidhin.T.Thomas]

Thank you professor ❤

[@1971caap]

Love it!

[@priyabratadash381]

❤ It is so pleasant to listen Richard Dawkins....

[@kasperadamson4654]

Looking back we can clearly see how much the mankind has evolved over the past 30+ years. Perhaps the biggest positive change: We have stopped dragging infants to events like that.

[@vtbn53]

Merry Newtonmas!

[@dugs2366]

Old but gold, the video is okay too ;)

[@stones3977]

Him and his smile is so handsome, and a great lecture!

[@cherylween4973]

Didn't you mean lecturer?

[@toni4729]

Solid gold history.

[@johnpettit1951]

Still waiting on dawkins to explain to me where those two rocks 🪨 came from that every thing evolved from?

[@draoi99]

Am I going la la? Was this not uploaded yesterday?

[@jagadishchandra3142]

Awesome narration

[@lauraj8429]

When are we getting the Q&A?

[@seatopiascuba3540]

Thank you for truth telling!

[@ALavin-en1kr]

Material science has plenty to say, and that is the problem. Explain consciousness is it fundamental, and what about mind? Does it emerge with quantum events? The forces what role exactly do they play? And magnetism, what exactly is it? Materialism, life based on the elemental doesn’t cut it and never will.

[@offshoretomorrow3346]

The opening salvo of the W*ke revolution against science and rationality for me was when the vile Owen Jones of The Guardian denounced Dawkins as "an Islamophobic bigot". Sinister in the extreme.

[@abdurrasheed9476]

Universe with earth planet is more complex than we think. In the universe order is identified by disorder. Every thing has its opposite to identify it from other. Is a Human product of randomness and nothingness ? What is discussed in lecture more is other.

[@yt_hatescrime_data4301]

So the nerve impulses in our brains are way slower than electricity flowing through a wire? I would have thought they would be somewhat comparable in speed? He said it would take 6 years to send the signal from one end around the earth 25 times to the other end but electricity can easily do that in probably a couple of minutes or less?

[@cherylween4973]

Richard makes so much sense but I didn’t understand the coin experiment, because how can you prove what those people were thinking?

[@kasperadamson4654]

Ahaa, I stand corrected. The baby was a prop. Now it makes a complete sense.

[@lycanblud]

this brings back alot of memories from my university days

[@user-heeyu4heeyu]

Which university are you?

[@lycanblud]

Delhi University, i use to watch alot of his videos @@user-heeyu4heeyu

[@cherylween4973]

No such word as "alot". I hope you didn't pass English.

[@joohara1985]

wonderful 🩵

[@justacherryontop6538]

If any parents is not exposing their children to scientific method first i don't what the heck they are doing. Respecting science and truth doesn't always have to end with a higher degree in it, Go a head, be an artist but at least learn to face the truth..

[@liadovolys8611]

❤❤❤

[@seasyrenn]

that baby is so lucky

[@lachlanbrown3112]

Great vid

[@treefrog3349]

I absolutely HATE the fact that a presentation like this begins with a "commercial announcement". I understand that it is an "economic necessity", but that is what I hate. It should be considered a "public service announcement", a presentation that is beneficial to humanity itself.

[@GravityJWST]

🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤ “What if you’re wrong about the great juju at the bottom of the sea?” #GETEM 😂🎉❤

[@cherylween4973]

What year was this lecture?

[@DarkMatter1919]

Where can I find part 2?

[@seasyrenn]

it will be uploaded during this month

[@ziaedin]

What biologists, such as Richard Dawkins, consider as science is, in fact, grounded in David Hume's unscientific philosophy adorned by just-so stories.

[@cherylween4973]

Technology has advanced so much since that old electron microscope and humanoids have too.

[@djetinjstvo_u_boji]

Why was this taken down two days ago?

[@NICE-NG163]

We must never forget when they coerced the children for use as shields to temporarily and marginally "protect" adults.

[@honahwikeepa2115]

Something from Nothing and someone from no one. 🤔

[@user-heeyu4heeyu]

리처드 도킨스 박사님의 책을 읽다가 잠을 잤더니 크리스토퍼 히친스의 목소리가 들렸습니다.이것은 뇌파에서 나는 오류가 아닐까요?그러나 저는 무서워서 그 책을 버리고 소금을 뿌렸습니다.

[@KatarinaDinnar]

They don't make people like that any longer

[@tomashultgren4117]

The big problem for Dawkins, something that he by now must be fully aware of and is having trouble to cope with, is the fact that the simplistic dogma that has made him famous is now being compehensively debunked by sound scientific facts. The post-Darwinist dictum is that spontaneous mutations in DNA create some individuals with superior adaptability who then dominate through selective pressure. This mechanism works beautifully within a given species, but cannot explain speciation. Speciation is a mystery and Dawkins must know this, and yet he keeps pushing his theory because his entire fame is based on it.

[@johnpettit1951]

Praying 🙏 for him.

[@davidD3968-dd]

I wonder if Donny the psychic is still in business. 😁

[@mogambo4565]

Re-upload?

[@yoshtg]

i love how dawkins finds every opportunity to keep arguing against faith, against superstition, against religion LOL sometimes i honestly believe that people who worship gods or have superstitious faith must have some sort of a brain defect that traps them inside a childish way of thinking and they can't get out of that even if you tell them 1000 times

[@avieus]

Someone call the babysitter

[@sebolddaniel]

Oh no! I am a week delayed in my science news. What am I going to do?.

[@drewbulbuloglu9234]

Christmas Lectures

[@drewbulbuloglu9234]

where did bedbugs come from? Purpose of existence? Were they created so a specific population can get to know them personally? Can you be 100% clean, tidy and neat while cohabitating with bedbugs? Yes

[@mcmg-museudacriacao.melind405]

This vídeo is old .

[@IIVVBlues]

Humbug! There's a time for science and a time for Christmas. Christmas is for experiencing the, as yet not understood, magic of the season, the magic of giving and the magic of receiving, the magic of loving and of being loved. It's a time of social celebration and experience. The rest of the year leaves plenty of time for science and plumbing the depths of biological and physical mysteries. It may be a "western" tradition, but it is a grand time for kindness and thanksgiving. Keep Christmas and you will be a better person for it.

[@cherylween4973]

Christmas was never a pleasant time with my family and I was brought up to be a Christian.

[@monkeysezbegood]

Here comes Tesla bot with AGI

[@anonofish576]

[@الحان-س9ش]

ولماذا الكذب في العلم ليس لاحد نفس كود الحمض النووي... ربما عليك ان تقطع شجرتك الخياليه وتقر ان كل نوع لم يتغير ولم يتداخل هو هو من الزمن الماضي الى الزمن الحاضر والى الزمن المستقبلي سيبقى هو هو ...النوع نفسه يتكيف ولكنه لا يصبح نوع آخر!!!!الملاحظه فوق الارض لا تدعم نظرية داروين الغبيه والملاحظه داخل الارض لم تدعمها ...ولو خرجتم خارج الارض لن تدعموها ....ولماذا كل هذا التكبر؟!!!!لماذا لا تعترف ان العلم يؤدي لنتيجه واحده فقط هءه النتيجه هي وجود خالق واحد مبدع.

[@Irene-m9n8b]

Sir,it is not necessary to reject God or its existence in view of scientific discoveries inventions and achievments. They are parts of the same domain of human consciousness. God and its existence serves a purpose which is not provided by science namely ethics,making right decisions in human life. In short God its existence and science are not exclusive and are complimentary in human life.

[@PartridgeAves]

Bro that's human weakness isn't it? Why should we giva f about imaginary beings which we created??

[@AprilJMoon]

"Life's a piece of shit, then you die". Either that statement is true (subject to personal variation) or it scares you into following with the belief of a great creator who has prepared an eternal paradise for you. I love Dawkins and his intellect, but he went from the 1st priciple of entropy to belief in a creator (one who is REALLY imperfect as he switches from loving creator to psychopathic destroyer in a heartbeat)

[@user-heeyu4heeyu]

생명과학이 극도로 혐오스럽습니다.왜냐하면 좌심방,우심방,좌심실,우심실의 위치를 외울 줄 알아야 하고 재미없는 해부 관련 내용을 암기해야 하기 때문입니다.그러나 열팽창이나 해수의 특성은 흥미롭습니다.왜냐하면 제가 궁금한 것을 다 알려주기 때문입니다.

[@Saurabh00646]

मुझे लगता है कि जो लोग चीजों को याद रखना पसंद नहीं करते हैं उन्हें कभी भी जीव विज्ञान, रसायन विज्ञान नहीं चुनना चाहिए क्योंकि यह ज्यादातर याद रखने के बारे में है, जो लोग तार्किक चीजें पसंद करते हैं उन्हें गणित या भौतिकी चुनना चाहिए

[@arunramji]

Believe me . He was 50 year old when this video was taken !!

[@MojoFilter]

"We can go back to the simplest of life forms, bacterium" So "simple" we have no clue how it came to be let alone how it works. Hubris at it's peak. This man single-handedly turned many towards the idea of intelligent design not least attributable to the grotesque disrespect he demonstrably harbours for his own species..

[@keep-ukraine-free]

@MojoFilter If only you could understand even a fraction of what he & other scientists say. It's better than a fear-filled superstitious existence, beholden to a magical fairy intent on punishing all who don't obey or cater to "Him". If you learn evolutionary biology, you'll know we know how proto-bacteria originated. We understand their self-replicating pre-DNA origins. We know how modern bacteria stay alive, reproduces, etc. - taught in graduate courses.

[@mattpierce5009]

No, hubris at its peak is saying "I know how all of creation started, I know everything about morality, and I know that if you disagree with me you'll suffer for EVER".

[@johnpettit1951]

He can’t explain where life came from because he doesn’t know? Everything he says he made up in his mind because he hates God and refuses to take responsibility for his sins.

[@Permadose]

This is the funniest comment I’ve ever read whether intentional or not, thanks for the laugh

[@mitchellhedden1978]

This is one of the weirdest religions.

[@timothymontes2049]

Not as weird as ancient religions that rely on gods.

[@mitchellhedden1978]

@@timothymontes2049 Rely on gods for what?

[@Jennifer_150]

I’m sorry, 😂 it looks like Richard is auditioning for Jurassic Park, at a zoo. It’s a testament to Dawkins that he can present such insightful, important information so compellingly, on the cheesiest set since The Flintstones. 🦕🦖😅

[@الحان-س9ش]

لماذا تطرح فكرة التطور(نظرية داروين)كانها حقيقه مع انها ليست كذلك لا يوجد حتى دليل واحد يدعمها...ولا يوجد حتى كائنات بيننا تمارس التطور ..لا نرى ذلك...السمكه سمكه والقرد قرد والانسان انسان....نحن نرى دليل مادي يومي على ثبات الانواع وعدم تداخلها...فلماذا نترك الحقيقه ونلاحق الخيالات ونسقطها على الواقع!!!!واذا علمنا ان المخلوقات لم تتطور وانما صنعت بشكلها ابتداءا فعند ذلك سيتواجه الانسان مع فكرة الصانع المبدع وهذا ما لا يريدونههم يؤمنون بالتطور مع انهم لا يرونه ولا يؤمنون بالخالق لانهم لا يرونه!!!!!!!!

[@الحان-س9ش]

كل الحفريات تثبت كذب نظرية التطور

[@markonikof]

Anesthetic of familiarity 🫡

[@matthewstokes1608]

God - you, of course, own the Poetry of Reality. The Beauty of Everything good. All that Dawkins claims for paltry Science and mankind is nothing but Yours. Science is Yours. One day this man will stand before you and then he will kneel as we all must - and his insignificant “career” will suddenly for the first time be put into perspective for him and he will think back to those of us whom he constantly ridiculed for our faith in You and Your Beauty - the “Poetry of Reality” - and Your perfect justice will then be done. In the meanwhile we must listen to his prattle… and the applause for the flagrant ugliness of his ludicrous “theories”.

[@golandamato4701]

My thoughts exactly, Dawkins gets boring. Atheism doesn't have the appeal it had 20 years ago.

[@davidlamb7524]

You sound hateful. Is that what your religion taught you ?

[@lestervinghail5654]

You're god is a joke with too much contradiction to be called poetry or jazz. He's weak for needing you to defend his poor positions and arguments. I'll take Dawkins over Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed all day, every day.

[@DavidMyrickPlus]

Sounds like some flagrant bullshit, good luck in life!

[@mattpierce5009]

They aren't "his" theories. Nobody's forcing you to listen. You sound very bitter and unhappy.

[@Intimatycal]

Why would women bring baby here wtf