Dealing with Negative Comments | AMA #3 - Ask Me Anything with Lex Fridman

New Ask Me Anything (AMA) video every week. Ask questions for future AMAs as a reply to the pinned comment or on Patreon (which take priority): / lexfridman Nothing is off limits: personal, math, science, tech, philosophy, art, music. Also, please click like on other people's questions that you would like to see answered.
Lex AMA playlist: • Ask Me Anything (AMA) ...

[@lexfridman]

Ask questions for future AMAs as a reply to this comment or on Patreon (which take priority): patreon.com/lexfridman Nothing is off limits: personal, math, science, AI, tech, philosophy, art, music. Also, please click like on other people's questions that you would like to see answered. I keep track of questions previous asked. Thank you for the kind words on previous AMA questions. I'll keep doing these as long as it's of some value to people. This one is a bit longer and it feels like 15-20 minutes is often the right length to answer a question. Let me know if you prefer shorter, longer, this duration, or it doesn't matter. By the way, I'll answer technical questions as well (e.g., about AI, autonomous vehicles, physics, math, etc).

[@TylerValendza]

Mad love Lex. Love your brain and the podcast. You're easily becoming one of the best podcasters. I would really love to get your opinion on the work of Thomas Campbell PhD from the Monroe Institute. www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00788R001700210016-5.pdf

[@Lipanj92]

What are your three favourite and best books you have read, and why?

[@itayshtainberg7408]

What are your views on religion? Do you believe in God? You said you are Jewish in one of the podcasts, and as a rather atheist Jew I have a hard time with those definitions. Can one be atheist but still call themselves Jewish/Christian/Muslim etc. because they feel connected to the people/nation/past/heritage of their religion?

[@JFkingW]

Please do a Book recommendation video

[@goonrock789]

What’s going on Lex, What are your thoughts on the new standard for “content”? And How we process the blurred line between quality work and content? Always love the wisdom, Great insights

[@johnchristopher3032]

When there is underlying respect, we can accomplish a great deal. That's why I listen to your podcasts Lex. You always maintain respect. Even when Joe is clowning you for being a romantic fool, you never lose your footing. Keep going.

[@johnnymeringues987]

Gayest comment I've read

[@johnchristopher3032]

@Johnny Meringues you noticed the light hearted carefree attitude. Thanks.

[@shred337]

Impressed by your humility and particularly the way you imagine meeting negative commenters and having a positive meeting. Sounds like about the most healthy way you could deal with the comments and maintaining a positive outlook. Definitely can tell you do have a passion for psychology and this sounds like a great technique you have picked up. Thanks for all the videos and thoughtfulness that goes into every aspect of them.

[@0rphaneye]

I don't know if you get comments saying you seem to get distracted or confused, but I admire your dedication to thinking about what you're saying and expressing how deeply you concentrate on expressing your thoughts in a clear, articulate way. You are brilliant, and famous in my mind.

[@nickandersonco]

The length is great. I like hearing more from you rather than less. Also, I think you're an incredible interviewer, and it's obvious that you're brilliant, even when asking the "dumb" questions.

[@brunosemedo1998]

"I let go of my ego and let the other person shine"... Indeed, almost all the hype of an episode comes from the guest, but in the end, all the credits are attributed to Lex for making the incredible content together and sharing it.

[@kobiromano6115]

Dude almost 300k subs for such a niche, intellectual channel? You are famous.

[@jasonrepa]

There are different levels of fame. There is Lex Fridman famous, then there is Joe Rogan famous, then there is justin Bieber famous! Bieber Fever Baby!!

[@AyanTheChosenOne]

over a million now :)

[@jaechanlee290]

mainly cause of increasing popularity in AI

[@bakob3731]

This aged very well

[@mattyb5290]

Nothing but respect for both you and Joe Rogan for being the men of a new generation. Both of you think deeply, love immensely, show emotion and fear and both stand up for what you believe in. You are the voices people so desperately need to hear.

[@mescellaneous]

as a long time pessimist, you really convinced me to try to stay positive of every single aspect of life. maybe pessimist isn't the right word, but i have a lot of self doubt, and just doubt in general. your whole channel and being shows how your positive mindset is able to flourish, and it's amazing. awesome work!

[@tedtufte2158]

Your humility is appreciated Lex, don't change a thing. The main thing that stands out to me, is your wonderful ability to objectively listen to your guests. You've succeeded on so many levels just being who you really are, keep up the good work.

[@SetTheCurve]

When I first discovered lex, I thought his way of talking was not great. But I’ve come to appreciate the unique quality of it. It is a style, and we should all wish we had a style. It is comforting to return to something familiar and stimulating in the way it is different from the rest of the noise in our lives.

[@telejim2238]

Lex, you inspire me. Really, I’m turning 30 this year and haven’t accomplished as much as yourself but you inspire me to push the limits of what I think I’m capable of. Thank you, for all the conversations you have with such interesting people, and for the work you do for science and humanity at large and the new upcoming humanity, AGI!

[@francescos7361]

Yes

[@namdang540]

I don't think these questions are necessarily dumb. For a certain group of viewers, whom have very limited knowledge on the subject, may find these questions extremely useful to help them get a gasp of what is going on. You're doing great at controlling biases. Great work! Love from Vietnam

[@ahcat2685]

You’re an old soul, your humility n empathy is comforting to people

[@madri0929]

Your approach is guided by an amazingly on-point focus, and founded in a necessary, and beautiful, spirit. And to see this from someone in your field, of your calibre/education/intelligence, and with your interests, is so refreshing.

[@contrastprinciple4389]

Do not listen to the haters, I love your show. I myself am a technical guy, and I like your concise manner of communication. I generally favor the Richard Feynman"explain it too me like I am 5 years old." Keep up the great work.

[@lukezhang3715]

Jim Kelly interview is my favorite one. First I watched the short clip about autonomous driving, and I wanted to know more about this guy. Then I found the whole session, and I watched the whole session without a single break. I think you asked really good questions, and I also feel Jim enjoyed that conversation as well. Thanks again for the great content.

[@graalinvestment]

You are not cold or emotionless you just need to wear some color ties and done! Keep the good work Lex you are giving us access to the most brilliant minds alive including yourself, just looking in your eyes is enough to recognize your sensible heart

[@OddisProductions]

It's a pure joy and intellectually fulfilling to listen to you podcast Lex, been here for about 30 days and creeping up on 10 hours. The honest approach from a growth mindset is so refreshing, you ask many important core question, witch is the kind of questions we need to ask more. The important onces. Born in the mid 80s I have increasingly noticed that young people "these days" more and more have become unable to keep two perspectives at once, being easily offended and unsubbing for just a minor thing they disagree about, leaving any chance of further learning in that environment. I have a theory that the abundance of choice these days have made young people develop a debilitating high and unsustainable standard for content. They need to start reading books on psychology, it will help them decode and understand why we react the way we do and just how bad our brain/perception is on seeking out objective information and not jumping to conclusion. I will recommend two books on this matter. Daniel Kahneman - Thinking fast and Slow and Hans Rosling - Factfullness. These are great perspectives on the human mind, and it's evolutionary flaws. Including the ramification on modern society (Roslings book).

[@matasuki]

For a professor you're pretty famous. As more of us begin learning AI, Data Science, and ML we will all end up listening to podcasts like these. You're so ng great. #IgnoreTheHaters.

[@mkballer4502]

he is NOT a professor!

[@samuelvilz]

I love listening to you, Lex. Thank you for being vulnerable and making people shine 😊

[@AgentOfLogos]

I love your mindset on these questions here. I 100% agree with you about the disagreement and playing devil's advocate.

[@obsoleteboomermobileobsole2043]

You rock Lex. My favorite podcaster because you have fantastic guests, and always ask such fantastic questions. Thanks for all your hard work

[@mkbbk7722]

which fantastic questions? What is love?

[@staticinteger]

I very much align with your philosophy. You are such a great person Lex!

[@powerpig99]

I for one love your mumble and “stupid” questions. Beautiful!

[@sgt01yoshi]

Lex, it's admirable to see how humble and hungry for growth you are. I enjoy your genuine and vulnerable way. Your conversations are always thought-provoking and intriguing. Thank you.

[@ericprincen3345]

Your work shows your thoughtfulness, which I appreciate. Combine that with the caliber of guests you have makes this one of my favorite channels. I hold you up as an example of the humility I'm trying to cultivate in myself. Thanks for sharing this.

[@darnokjarud9975]

I just love how honest you are, don't ever change your attitude to life, science and people ! All the best and keep up the good work !

[@toddbrous_untwist]

Thank you! I have learned more from you, your lectures, and videos than I can fully express in words. Just a couple of thoughts. 1. You _are_ famous. 2. Good advice about not touching a stove to see if it is hot. Again, thank you for your teaching, leadership, and knowledge!

[@godspeed133]

2. There's actually a metaphor here which perhaps Lex was subtly transmitting - Touching the stove = taking those personal insults too personally, to heart. But you need only hover your hand over the stove = you take an insult more philosophically, like Lex, don't take it straight to heart and get consumed in it.

[@dawnsellitti7968]

I think you’re a wonderful young man. So intelligent, respectful and humble. Thank you 🌈

[@CancelledPhilosopher]

Very inspirational approach to interacting and communicating with people.

[@consumer1843]

Tango is an excellent pair activity. Ex Mechina could've replaced the Disco scene with tango for deeper emotional impact... I think when you are over 100 years old and tangoing with your love at St. Petersburg in a world of AGI you've built. You will remember with nostalgia of what you have said today. Cheers!

[@paclassen]

As a psychologist and great appreciator of your focus, Lex, on the riches of dialogue, vulnerability, honesty, kindness and respect, I wanted to say how much I appreciate your podcast and approach being human and learning from diverse conversations with an extraordinarily diverse range of guests (Though I have only listened to/watched maybe 10 or so of your interviews, your values and vision of respect and elevation of the value of dialogue and conversation have come through powerfully and beautifully)… Respect for people who you have been criticized by, and respect for people with whom you have been confronted with something that you disagree about. Thank you for your excellent and inspiring work (And I haven’t even acknowledged your computer, A.I., robotics research and teaching, other than that I know that you have already had an accomplished career in the aforementioned fields/disciplines - and continue to invest in - on top of your deep and rich podcast work). With respect and admiration, Phil Classen

[@sarahwall603]

"to try (a different viewpoint) on for size" I used to do this a lot, especially with those viewpoints that were far away from my own thinking and what ended up happening was, that i felt like I was preparing myself for a acting role, their viewpoint creeped up on me automatically. but you develop a lot of empathy this way.

[@obsoleteboomermobileobsole2043]

As humans we have irrational preferences for own viewpoints and explanations. Its a form of cognitive bias called Anchoring where we prefer an idea simply because we heard it first. A perfectly rational AI would have no preferences like this. It would immediately drop all of its best and longest held beliefs the very second it found a belief that was more predictive or equally predictive with less complexity.

[@Virrba]

it is not often people open up about their ways of thinking, so I think there is a lot of value in videos as this one

[@kylegushue]

These are a great addition to the channel!

[@S4Leagueism]

"Ability to endure contradiction is a high sign of culture."

[@peacerespect98]

Have great compassion for those negative people. ❤️ Sorry for their stupidity. Love your interview style, you are calm and asking intelligent questions. 👍👍👍

[@keshavnarera1764]

Hey lex, this feels the best length for these AMAs and I really enjoy watching your content, keep up the great work!!

[@haydenmacfarlane7194]

I really do hope you read all these comments. For some people (like me) you are deeply respected. Your ideology is so positive and constructive that it’s really infectious.

[@LTF-uj1yc]

You're great, thanks for the podcast. I listen to it almost everyday on my commute to uni. Other than that I really like Disagreements, too, since they help me to think in ways I would not have if no one had challenged my thoughts.

[@mladenstoychev8254]

Already an elite philosopher and couldn't like it more! You're incredible and genuine, thank you.

[@quaterni0]

Love this message, Lex. We need more people who are willing to turn the other cheek in the face of conflict in the comments sections. Really appreciated your vulnerability here. I can assure that you ARE helping people when make videos like these. Also, really liked the longer format that you tried here.

[@trumpforpres211]

When u described yourself I got chills. The eye contact, stupid questions and mumbling really hit me. I am the same and hear the same. I love debating and good conversation. It’s just my family does not. So it’s discouraging sometimes. But busting chops with friends is how I show love as well. When someone can laugh at themselves over something stupid, life in general gets easier. Just found the channel recently and looking forward to checking out you’re interviews. Have heard good things.

[@rodneysmith1750]

Recently I have watched many of your videos and I have developed a sincere enjoyment of watching you work, you are an excellent interviewer you are well prepared and gracious, you're a very philosophical person that seems to emphasize very well with your guests, and in my opinion, you are a success.

[@lynno1974]

"I believe disagreement is an art" this tells me so much about you, and makes me want to know so much more about you. One of the most exciting conversations is when someone can change my mind about something. A passionate discussion can change your life.

[@corentintiti49]

I agree his voice his monotonous but at the same time he seems calm and collected almost stoic. This makes him unique in a way. Also in my opinion the Jim Keller podcast was phenomenal very interesting.

[@paultoensing2370]

Dear Lex, let me convey my admiration and respect. I see that you’re a sensitive and entirely thoughtful gentleman. I’ve listened to you for what seems like years now (and that was a long episode (joke)), and I’ve always been so entirely impressed with you, even whenever your reach seemingly exceeds your grasp. I come to think of you as a Renaissance man, in many respects (intellectual, athlete, musician, fully engaged and insightful interviewer, etc). Honestly, in the arenas of contemplation in which you dwell I can’t even imagine anyone giving you disrespect! Indeed all of the personal grips you’ve mentioned as communicated by others seem entirely trite and largely inconsequential. I sense that you’re one hell of good guy, multifaceted and constantly evolving. I find your take on those who criticise you very constructive. For those who might simply be trolling you or who are thoughtless assholes, I have this perspective: imagine them living to the ripe age of a healthy 200 year old and having an opportunity to self reflect on their negative conduct. They’re going to bifurcate into one of two groups. Ether those who’ve evolved and now regrettably see themselves as the former thoughtless assholes they were so long ago; or as what Leonardo da Vinci once described as mere funnels for food. He went on to describe them in far less flattering terms, but that’s the gist of it. Keep up the great work!

[@yanlea9102]

I’ve got to know about you from the latest Joe Rogan podcast. And I was really impressed by how genuine and humble you sounded, on top of all your knowledge and intelligence. What I like most about you is that, being a scientist, you are also very into music, history and literature, and have this sort of “soft” part on you. And oh man, you are also a fan of martial arts! You are a fascinating person, Lex, a real human being. Please always be you.

[@seeyanexttuesday23]

I love the "soft" part of Lex, too!

[@KrishnaYadav-kz5ed]

I like your channel because it is pure technical podcast channel. And big fan, lex sir .

[@amiparkerson337]

Your content, your heart, your vulnerability, your whole approach - such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing so openly. You are the real deal, Lex. Looking forward to watching you and this work bloom well into the future!

[@TangoCat303]

That was so beautiful Lex, thank you. Inspiring and heartwarming

[@josephwong2832]

Love your interviews Lex. Your a great guy and I hope you continue

[@ecatcheshire9741]

You were already my favourite interviewer of any age and it is your uniqueness and quiet reflective presentation that I value. I also like the ‘dumb’ questions, some of us need them. Perfect to find you love tango🤗 - that fits. Perhaps it’s because the tango ‘connection’ can transcend strangers and cultures and communication is not dependant on spoken language. Tango succeeds with absolute attention to meeting respectfully and giving and receiving in the moment since the body cannot lie. I love your individuality, you will of course change thro time and I trust you will remain true to you, however you grow.

[@sethmende9773]

I'm so glad for the first time in years everyone in a comment section are really nice

[@crypticnomad]

I think your user base is considerably different than Rogan's. Although many of us are also fans of Joe Rogan the type of person who would be attracted to your content will most likely end up being at least cordial even if we disagree with a point. I'm sure it does happen in comments on your content but I'd be willing to bet the rate is much lower than on Rogan's content. I'm extremely unlikely to be overly rude with anyone regardless of online or irl. I think something we see more often online is people's shadow coming to the forefront. This comes from the animinity that is really only available online. There are social consequences that come from being overly rude in a real life conversation that don't exist online.

[@iliagofman]

Thanks for the amazing, fascinating, educational and inspiring videos Lex Fridman. My mum also touched the hot stove a few weeks ago, had a little nasty hand burn and I offered her some cold water at first on her hand, then Aloe Vera gel, then also Tea tree toner from The Body Shop and vitamin C serum and a few other things, that I tried on myself first earlier. Her hand burn is almost completely healed now that there is just a little pinkish dot left where there was a burn at first and I think those things really helped

[@Ayra_Is_Cool_lol]

Please please never EVER let the hate you receive online get to you, or worse, turn you into a bitter person. The positivity and respect you show towards other people is a beacon of light in an otherwise dark and spiteful cyberspace.

[@sysadmin9396]

Love this man. I’ve been trying to apply a stoic practice in my life.. if someone says something negative to me and there is actual truth the comment, I listen (In a healthy way for me). If someone says something negative and there is no truth to their comment I ignore as it is in truth their problem.

[@andypetrie1890]

Love that you give props to joe ! Keep doing you bro , thanks for all the great content

[@_etranger9500]

As someone who gets anxious leaving positive or neutral comments sometimes, I think it takes a lot of mental courage to do what you do, to put yourself out there in this format; to not just be cerebral and highly technical but also to show genuine curiosity and vulnerability, to be truly human (people who make robot comments surely are just teasing you right?). I think this is also the big appeal of your content to so many, even beyond the engineering/math type which I partially am myself. Regarding negative comments, particularly the mean sort, the more I observe it the more I think people who leave them are lashing out at something but it isn't you, it is about something else in their lives, they are angry or anxious or unhappy. The medium itself also has limitations conveying tone is hard, lack of visual feedback too, and on Twitter nuance is often lost in the brevity. I often wonder if I come off mean because I get too analytical. I think taking constructive criticism and disagreement to evolve is a very bayesian mature approach but don't change yourself too much either. For the record, and I know I am an n of 1, but I don't think your voice is monotone or boring, or that you mumble, it's clear, articulate and a joy to listen to. There is no such thing as stupid questions, personally I think it's great you ask for explanations of concepts, it makes your content more accessible to a broader audience; love when things get philosophical too; It's actually great watching/listening how different guests expand to these extra dimensions when you throw in a deeper question at them, not all are willing to but that's ok too. P.s. I watched Scent of a Woman because of you over Xmas, it was great. If I may recommend a film, I think you might enjoy Before Sunrise for it's conversational style and topic.

[@crazyfrisbee23]

thank you for talking really relaxed and casual and cool about important stuff.

[@stevenmusielski5224]

5:23 - Busting chops without a relationship is "mockery". That is powerful.

[@OlafurJonBjornsson]

You are doing great work, you let the other person view shine, and put yours aside, think thats harder than many people realize.

[@Goodtimes4100]

Thanks for all the great content!

[@goonrock789]

This format is great.

[@RoverT65536]

Very nice, I think i will find some of this personally helpful.

[@b33Felix]

you are awesome dude, thanks for sharing your way of thinking to the world.

[@wigleboy]

It seems the comp sci, AI/Machine Learning vids have very interesting comments and are more of a discussion than other youtube categories.

[@fburton8]

Good thoughts there, Dr Fridman.

[@Fanofjambi]

I really like your somewhat awkward approach to interviews. It's clear you only care about what is true not who sounds smarter, etc.

[@ivanlat3rrible39]

thank you for your open, frank and intuitive streams and think your style reminds me of journalism sir o7

[@NairodTheBeast]

Keep doing you and getting better every day Lex. I use your podcast to further my understanding of the world and to ultimately try to be a better, more understanding person

[@alexelbogen5274]

Just want to point out I enjoy the monotone voice, and overly philosophical questions. So maybe some people criticize somethings but I literally tune in over and over because of those things, so In the end it’s mainly preference. Keep it up!

[@coscorrodrift]

I like these. Love listening to what you say without you "playing dumb". Lately I've been enjoying the podcasts a bit less, maybe it's because I have them in the background and I drift off, but these shorter videos that aren't clips are welcome. i think these 15-20 min lenghts are perfect. they're under 10min when watched at 2x, and they're pretty cohesive, unlike the podcasts, so it's harder to drift off and lose the main ideas

[@federicodigi]

Amazing podcasts Lex, keep up the good work

[@paul4105]

Your work in artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles is incredible. Both in your demonstrations and lectures at MIT. And the research posted on your website. Thanks for being such an incredible learning resource!

[@TheMechanic204]

Excellent work Lex, I enjoy your podcasts very much. I also saw Scent of a Woman - great movie!

[@leonjorgh]

You had me at "Scent of a Woman"... I found you through Whitney's podcast and I just love the range of topics and your insights!

[@MrInvestwise]

Thank you. 20 min is a good length

[@TG-zy5oc]

I feel so connected to you Lex !

[@khhanthology8696]

My man. How old are you? I continue to be impressed with every video. You're one of the few young up and coming philosophers of our time. Please continue to do what you do....

[@thomasmcgill6918]

I am glad I found this channel. You seem to be a decent - caring person.

[@mkballer4502]

dig deeper and you will find out who he really is.

[@TRXSTA38]

I've seen these comments before on other videos and feel compelled to leave it on this one: I'm genuinely baffled by the dislikes.

[@CrossTrainedMind]

I hope that one day I get to meet you in person and shake your hand. Talks like this give me a lot of respect for you.

[@christinedantas]

I enjoy your podcasts. Suggestion: interview Lee Smolin and Chris Hadfield!

[@BreauxSegreto]

Big fan Lex! May your amazement and honesty continue to move us beadles in a better direction in life. Be yourself and remember everything in the kitchen is hot.

[@jlvandat69]

Excellent video and thoughts. Regarding "civil disagreements", I agree, that quality is conspicuously absent in the majority of online exchanges. Conversely, the developers of the US Constitution argued for months and countless hours as they debated what was to become the greatest government structuring document ever written. The debates were intense but nearly void of disrespect. There's very few ways to better produce an optimal result when multiple people are involved.....respect for differing perspectives/opinions.

[@monicalatvenas1348]

I discovered loving disagreement when I discussed politics with my dad. Mutual realization that we were on opposite sides of the moat caused sadness, very careful and loving discourse and reluctant stubborness. Hard.

[@elrhyesseyhrle8958]

There is a great opportunity when one states "Change my mind". P.S. i prefer for you to do you. There is no one else like you and i hope to see you, become more you, as the years progress. Thanks for not getting distracted from the pursuit of knowledge.

[@robertahoffmann8820]

Lex…compassion is the highest form of intelligence… TRUTH

[@nikkimak8187]

Haaa i love all of it!!! Great job keep going

[@warsin8641]

On the Internet, nothing is right or wrong Lex read all the comments, read some or none at all.

[@tmjmccormack]

You’re not famous? If you’ve ever signed an autograph for someone you don’t know you’ve entered that realm. I have huge respect for you btw

[@rc5989]

I have learned to appreciate the low key introspective personality of Lex. While this may not be ideal for energetic bombastic discourse, it is genuine and has it’s own positives. Overall, a plus imho.

[@Onlinesully]

I wish I'd had a piece of that insight to life and awareness that you seem to have. Just a fraction of it would have helped me a lot.

[@kittenchxb8206]

Lex, i come to this video when i get attacked. I have enough moti now! thank you

[@singularity844]

Keep up the great work Lex

[@asiddiqi123]

The next AMA should be about your favorite books and reasons to like them. Thanks

[@adelinaquijano1083]

I'm a grateful understanding and respect