Frank Wilczek: Physics of Quarks, Dark Matter, Complexity, Life & Aliens | Lex Fridman Podcast

Frank Wilczek is a Nobel Prize winning physicist at MIT. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Frank's Twitter: / frankwilczek
Frank's Website: www.frankawilczek.com/
Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality (book): amzn.to/3vLPyQB
PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: lexfridman.com/podcast
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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
1:07 - Are there limits to what physics can understand?
9:39 - Beautiful ideas in physics
18:08 - Space and time are really big
21:56 - There are billions of thoughts in a human life
29:17 - Big bang
37:39 - How life emerged in the universe
43:42 - Aliens
53:34 - Consciousness
1:01:01 - Limits of physics
1:06:38 - Complimentary principle
1:15:42 - Free will
1:21:56 - Particles
1:27:19 - Nobel Prize in Physics
1:40:33 - Axions and dark matter
1:55:58 - Time crystals
2:00:51 - Theory of everything
2:10:18 - Advice for young people
2:16:01 - Meaning of life
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[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - The Information: theinformation.com/lex to get 75% off first month - NetSuite: netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free - Blinkist: blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium - Eight Sleep: www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get special savings 1:07 - Are there limits to what physics can understand? 9:39 - Beautiful ideas in physics 18:08 - Space and time are really big 21:56 - There are billions of thoughts in a human life 29:17 - Big bang 37:39 - How life emerged in the universe 43:42 - Aliens 53:34 - Consciousness 1:01:01 - Limits of physics 1:06:38 - Complimentary principle 1:15:42 - Free will 1:21:56 - Particles 1:27:19 - Nobel Prize in Physics 1:40:33 - Axions and dark matter 1:55:58 - Time crystals 2:00:51 - Theory of everything 2:10:18 - Advice for young people 2:16:01 - Meaning of life

[@dalar2]

I love that you take time to post timestamps unlike many other podcast authors. Of course I listen to your podcasts in full anyway but it's nice to see what's coming up!

[@kylejamescromwell4742]

@@dalar2 totally agree bud

[@victorygarden556]

What is that box on the desk that reacts to noise?

[@mgenthbjpafa6413]

Physics. At the edge of the field, about almost all "fields" ... Very well oriented questions. It was a pleasure, a sum of those "open problems", thank you for your time. Best Regards. I am near the end, surely facing something even more appealing than space time crystals...

[@pat325ci]

Video not playing for many viewers for some reason

[@nickm7529]

I'm a simple man. I see a dude with 6 pens in his pocket, I like and subscribe.

[@codythompson3323]

@Lex fridman Scam

[@0neIntangible]

Before I read yours, I was gonna same, ha!...👍

[@bigpickles]

I agree ;)

[@nickm7529]

@@bigpickles cool name dude

[@AL_Capone_MMA]

Fair rule to live by sir

[@Moviesrule2011]

Pens in the shirt pocket is the science equivalent of military ribbons.

[@jeremiahmacclure]

Nobel Prizes work as well.

[@goergelucas1232]

I never thought of that one , can I use that one ¿??????

[@slayerfam2]

Yep ...and he's a 6 pen general ..

[@channelwarhorse3367]

Did any of the pens 🖊 ✍ g = G Me/r^2 (1e -/- Ef/Eo ), G sub c LIGO moment 😀 that's the Einstein INCH equation published. Neutrinos curve to event horizon, the math, water molecule has one too .. complete Einstein Elevator Control to definition of the Singularity.

[@crittjudge985]

!

[@paarugsethi5292]

“How many pens do you need?” Frank: “Yes”

[@jerrybatsford9689]

Very cool comment meme man. I enjoyed it very much.

[@tealc6218]

Pretty sure there's a pocket protector holding all those pens. My dude is just trying to maintain his nerd cred.

[@jyjjy7]

I read this comment just as they were talking about "pockets of complexity". Frank just likes to have one of his own.

[@FOWST]

I made the same joke and instantly deleted it. Hats off to you good sir.

[@Plowmanplow11]

Hahaha fantastic comment

[@TheBtmfdr]

This guy loves science so much. He gets so excited talking about it, he sometimes forgets to breathe! friggin awesomeness!

[@adamjpd]

I love how much he loves it

[@krackNsmackk]

You mean how it sounds like he's been holding his breath and breathing in loudly like he's been underwater holding his breath, yea it's annoying

[@pomodorostudyclub]

Le friggin awesome science man! Okay redditor

[@mr.toolbox684]

you are brain dead

[@bean5618]

This was the first thing on my algorithm and I knew I didn’t even have to scroll anymore. We love you, Lex. These podcasts are amazing.

[@sionea1189]

Taking 6 pens to a podcast. Okay Frank, I see you.

[@richkrupansky1339]

🤣

[@jmfp21jp]

Hahahaha I just commented on that epic pocket protector lol good eye!

[@georgepusmaz]

😀

[@IndefiniteMark]

the intellectuals choice of bling

[@fredsplinter9614]

Do you have any idea how many hats he wears ? I bet he is responsible for signing his name in a dozen or more important groups.

[@jithwheels]

It’s a rare opportunity to glean insights on the nature of reality from a Nobel laureate. I am in awe of Dr. Wilczek. One of the most engaging podcasts from this channel.

[@Mukawakadoodoo]

Just as I’m getting frustrated with my chemistry and math this semester, this podcast pops up. Perfect timing Lex, it’s time to get my fight back.

[@pau11yify]

fight the good fight! google it, if necessary. the world is understandable

[@Mukawakadoodoo]

@@pau11yify yeah! It kinda sucks cause my professor is highly qualified, but really not good at instructing.

[@Mukawakadoodoo]

If anyone’s interested, I did pass my chemistry class. Barely, but I did pass. My math class on the other hand, I won’t be able to make it. But it’s ok. I’ll take chemistry 1 instead next semester to take a break from the math and return to it with a vengeance.

[@robbiewalsh6965]

We need more cultural icons like Wilczek and Lex! The assumption shouldn't just be that smart people are born that way, every single guest Lex has had on has seemingly worked themselves to the bone in pursuit of something more. That message needs to be trumpeted from the rooftops of every school on this planet, genius is just the first step in the intellectual pursuit of anything.

[@robbiewalsh6965]

@pinned by Lex Fridman does anyone actually fall for this? I can't imagine it's very productive.

[@mbaske7114]

I met Frank at a conference once. He asked me if he could borrow my pen. I politely refused.

[@eoeo92i2b2bx]

😉👍

[@cloudymccloud00]

First rule in life: never, ever, lend a pen.

[@mikeyferris]

Rofl. I was just staring at his pocket when this reply popped up 😂

[@tenrsounds]

That was so f-c-I-g good. Any time you can listen to Frank Wilczek just talk at length and not be interrupted is amazing. Profess.

[@joshuahenry7482]

When I think of a physicist this is the person I see in my head.

[@I_AM_G_FORCE]

Sitting on a bench near a river after dark having a cigarette and listening to this on a blue tooth speaker looking at the sky

[@eoinbyrne9068]

Put on "intro" by the XX, that song will fit the mood

[@vaahtobileet]

@@kevyt3095 are time zones that interesting? It's three AM in Finland

[@I_AM_G_FORCE]

@@kevyt3095 01:03

[@grantblazer7565]

With a name like that, I expect nothing less

[@dakotadad8835]

That sounds like the perfect way to listen to a podcast like this one

[@roycechun5630]

What goes on the internet, stays on the internet. Your videos will teach kids and adults alike for generations to come. Keep being you!

[@truthseeker2275]

"I have a dopamine system and I am happy to use it" - My new favourite quote.

[@ericdelisle1]

Do you have a time stamp for that...?! I missed it I guess :-/

[@truthseeker2275]

@@ericdelisle1 2:19:53 - the very last question.

[@El_Diablo_12]

Great quote lol, now I gotta watch until the end

[@CockworkOrange]

What a nice man and genius he is. Love the compassion. Really interesting person and topic.

[@bigboicreme]

Very good

[@mohegyux4072]

if you read his book "A Beautiful Question: Finding Nature's Deep Design" you can't help but love the man, he's a genius

[@SAAARC]

The question is when will they publish the Princeton companion to physics? it's been years since it should have come out. What is Frank up to?!

[@SAAARC]

@@Abhishek-hy8xe Hopefully it will come in the next few years

[@kevinfaltin4856]

@@rickandelon9374 that's not lex, click his channel.

[@nolanstdenis9044]

@@user-ft1xi4rk6l SPAM!! DO NOT REPLY

[@shekfeh]

Beautiful book by beautiful genius

[@DDechoes87]

My man looks like Mr. Lahey if he never touched the booze and got real deep into Physics

[@machinegun333]

😂😂😂 so true

[@dakotadad8835]

Lol, The shit spark led to the shit Big Bang and now the shit universe

[@Nexus-6]

'I am the physics, Randy.'

[@vincentmiller420]

👍

[@vincentmiller420]

@@dakotadad8835 *shitiverse

[@lifeisamitch]

I love how excited Frank gets while speaking

[@routex1]

I love how Lex wraps up interviews so elegantly

[@viewer3091]

Lex has got the best out out Frank Wilczek in this interview = Probably the best interview with Frank I have ever seen.

[@jeremiahmacclure]

I'm always amazed at how Lex can get the best out of each interview. The man has a wide range of interests in which he has some expertise or understanding.

[@daisyxfaith]

Thank you for giving us the gift of hearing from these brilliant minds. 🙏🏻

[@maggoli67]

I LOVE how much love this man has for his subject matter.

[@ajames1654]

Loving being on this journey with you Lex !

[@landoishisname]

wilczek seems so present and switched on for a 70 year old man, I hope I'm that cognizant and articulate at his age

[@closinginonclosure]

Present? Switched on? Yet he's a literal human whose spent 70 years on the planet, primarily speaking English and can't even say the name of what he is correctly. 😂 11:56 "Youman"? Says it again a few seconds later. Says a bunch of other weird stuff too. Yeah, dude is really switched on. Lol

[@jjbecerra1119]

@@closinginonclosure ayee go to sleep fu

[@jojokabo78]

70 is not that old :)

[@jojokabo78]

@@closinginonclosurehe is smarter then you. Now and forever.

[@closinginonclosure]

@@jojokabo78 Not even close.

[@grayaj23]

One of your best, Lex. If you want to listen to Frank Wilczek, you first must create the universe. One of the A-List of my nerd crushes.

[@benjaminperry7438]

For some reason this is not playing, every other episode works perfect but I can’t listen to this one it just keeps loading 🤔

[@Boog_masskway]

Yes same here

[@t.j.s.2913]

Same here

[@benjaminperry7438]

It’s working now 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@HelloWorld-xc4xd]

His smirk tell me he has it all figured out and goes to the casino only to take what is his

[@jasonpfister5723]

I don’t think you need to say that you talked about Aliens in your description anymore... I think your fan base assumes you talked about aliens 😀...love your content!!!!

[@TheHumanSystem]

The number of pens in his pocket is like military stripes. He is a high ranking scientist.

[@dizbeliefdanbackhouse5807]

Such a good conversation! Amazing thanks!

[@davidmckayii752]

Frank's the kind of man I'd want to speak at the United Nations. His articulate, and thought provoking responses, make me think of new ideas. Wonderful podcast, keep up the good work.

[@pilotrserra]

OMG, I love the professionalism of Lex Fridman’s interview quality. The quality of conversation is the best on the internet. We don’t have to listen to foul language or drug-related cultures. Real problem-solving discussions to address real issues are always the focus…thank you sooo much!!

[@O0kala]

Lex, I just wanna give you thanks for this interview and as always providing time stamps of topics in your description. 👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿

[@mariuszuszek1350]

👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽💩💩

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

Is it just me that can’t get this episode to play ?

[@tmjmccormack]

same. just spinning away

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

@@StrongerThanBigfoot strange , your not in the U.K. by any chance ?

[@tmjmccormack]

won’t play in usa

[@vorador4365]

Not working in Canada, I assume secrets were revealed and the feds moved in

[@aendoh]

Still not working in Germany

[@DWJCESQ]

Two of my fave Humans helping me to continuously learn and grow… Invaluable. Best, DCM

[@ikust007]

Such high splendide quality guests ! This channel is becoming my top favourite one. Bravo !

[@rs5352]

The video has trouble loading, so I just see Lex staring at the camera. He looks like an FBI agent from Twin Peaks is about to announce an invasion. 😎

[@SomeSortaPro]

Im very sad. I cannot watch the podcast either no matter how many times I reload or how long I wait. I have a bong and panda express in front of me rn im so happy but disappointed

[@donald_duck2768]

Having the same issue

[@808huntingfever]

Same thing for me

[@SomeSortaPro]

@@808huntingfever ive found if you open the link in safari/Twitter it works fine. KZbin app must be glitching

[@808huntingfever]

@@SomeSortaPro that helped, thanks

[@petermacdonald2606]

Video not playing...

[@kylegushue]

Weekly episodes with Frank please!

[@Mufassahehe]

Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation. Frank is a truly inspiring human with an obvious passion for knowledge. Thank you 🙏 Lex!

[@redriver6541]

Look at all of them pens in his pocket...... Super Nerd Level Achieved...... I love this guy. Such a great episode.

[@andyjame3262]

This CD is absolutely wonderful! kzbin.infoUgkxzpa8CIfZcihW4Z0F_ja0QF3W9KIatrsq I liked it so much that I bought a copy for my sister who also liked it. It is very well done. I like the fact that there is nothing in the background to disturb - no music. I am able to concentrate on the various steps of meditation. The pauses are perfect, and him's voice is soothing and encouraging. I would highly recommend this, especially for beginners. I think I will always be a beginner.

[@TheHumanSystem]

"As a side note, let me say a word about asymptotic freedom..." This is why we love Lex Fridman.

[@noble_experiment]

why?

[@jan-olofharnvall8760]

You are so sweet Lex. That smile when you say ”and that is where all the funn is”🥰

[@donpeterson9282]

A wonderful guest and a fine interview. As good as it gets. I'll listen to this several times.

[@nativealien1859]

Turned this day around for me thanks Lex!

[@thewholesomegrail6722]

Hope it stays better. God bless you.

[@n.richardanoliefo3950]

@@thewholesomegrail6722 username checks out

[@nativealien1859]

@@thewholesomegrail6722 thank you! Same to you

[@SlimNateKC]

Can tell before watching this is gonna be great. My favorite notification to get is always from Lex!

[@SlimNateKC]

Nice try, fake Lex

[@wepritz84]

This is closest to Gordon Freeman meeting Walter.

[@christiannussbaum2786]

Such an enjoyable talk. Thank you for making it possible: A window into a great mind, which is again a window into many ither minds etc.

[@mattman8685]

Frank to me is a rockstar of physics! He is in my mind bigger than the Beatles!

[@BidenIsKing]

This guy is one of the most brilliant dudes I have ever heard.

[@KaleOrton]

Wow you got Frank on your show!!! Thank you Lex, I'm looking forward to this one - he's incredible.

[@zeemo7751]

Love his explanation of time and space for a layman like myself. Thanks doc.

[@bluekarnage1985]

True wisdom is being able to explain elegant ideas to a layperson.

[@ricksspeedshop]

Super cool interview! Really down to earth human being. Thank you!

[@ronan8228]

One of the most impressive men currently alive today. Kudos Lex!

[@mbabcock111]

I could watch this over and over.

[@oldnepalihippie]

Brilliant discussion! I like the spookiness of the complimentary principle. Explains a lot in my life, and space-time-plasma crystals just blow me away. Yet still, I feel we might be missing something...

[@anoopramakrishna]

Really nice talk, Lex really challenged him on several points and it made the conversation much better. He really does a good job communicating his ideas, loved seeing his childlike enthusiasm.

[@nbvw3]

Great talk!! (It also explains why I couldn't get a pen at the shop the other day)

[@visavou]

Thank you both of you for doing this. :)

[@thezzach]

I love that such a smart guy still combs what little hair he has over his mostly bald head.

[@categoryerror7]

What a wonderful and inspiring man.

[@TheHigherSpace]

I'm ready for all the axion talk lol let's go!

[@kalaoaflowerpower]

@Lex Fridman get this imposter out of here

[@ghidfg]

great guest, really enjoyed listening to him speak.

[@kkushman3787]

Video will not load; have been trying for a day and a half or so. Excited to watch this one though!

[@physicsisawesome4205]

Physics is the most fascinating subject and physicist are gods!

[@ultimoguerreiro82]

The man is basically a curious child poking the fabric of reality and having fun. Cool mate to have around.

[@das_it_mane]

Best description of Frank!

[@Solutionist88]

Don't grow up, it's a trap

[@Psionetics]

Great interview, you guys had an excellent interaction

[@sch9100]

This is my fav episode up to date

[@benjaminperry7438]

I can’t get this episode to play

[@Fallahh]

Really appreciate you bringing aliens up in these conversations.

[@jimbo4576]

This was amazing, doesn’t get much better than this 👍

[@BinKillEthical]

Everytime I want to suggest someone to have on your show, I look, and sure enough you've already done an interview with them! Ray Kurzweil, Nick Lane, and Frank Wilczek. Awesome!

[@rainbowGZUS7]

I had twelve cents in my shirt pocket and it was bothering me, but he's got like 6 super pens in his and he's chillin.

[@jonnykopp]

What kind of a maniac has coins in their shirt pockets? What if you have to do army rolls and cartwheels?

[@Miko80]

"Wilczek" in Polish means "Young Wolf"

[@Miko80]

@@lexfridman414 haha, nice try 🤣

[@leonorrivera6379]

when asked about the meaning of life, his answer geared towards achieving more great things. Great perspective!

[@cynthiaparker5661]

I have spent my entire day watching Lex. Not a waste of time.

[@dk-ib8ok]

Here we go again! Today's run is gonna be a good one :)

[@matthewfrazier8886]

Exceptional content. The universe is coincidental, because this is exactly what I was looking for and your video appeared with that thought.

[@aaron6787]

What an amazing interview

[@NyquistLP]

fascinating conversation

[@richardgordon7123]

Lex, you are at the top of your game in this interview. Good prep! Wished I could have heard him discuss decoherence, recoherence, his take on quantum consciousness, the multiverse, and how everyone can exploit this knowledge in their daily lives to achieve deeper compassion and joy. He almost got there with the bits about humility. I also wish he hadn't held back when he waded into deeper waters. We like pictures of the bottom turtle. Why didn't you ask Katherine de Kleer about the meaning of life? Just needling. Peace & love.

[@meatfractals3380]

Beautiful conversation. Some of it very deep, some of it quite poetic, at at its core.. the Mysterious Universe in which we live

[@professorpancakes6545]

Liiiiiiive

[@freedomwatches2454]

Great interview! Great job Lex!

[@matthewdufty606]

I really enjoyed this podcast. I listen to all of it. It made me smile and it made me think. Thank you both

[@DeuceGenius]

love ya frank keep up the good work

[@KingcoleIIV]

That is such a beautiful thing he said at the end. "Life is a gift I didn't earn"

[@18_rabbit]

and yet, in a basic sense, he probably did earn it, cuz of what can be called the burden of genius, which has several aspects. I''m not brilliant, and yet dealing w/ ppl who think poorly, is sooo sooo incredibly difficult these days, and wow, ppl i've known for years who aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer, are acting extra extra illogical, etc, thanks to the effects of politics. Sickening, truly

[@truenavybluez_1173]

The best interview I've heard today

[@PK-ot7zo]

Viewing us, and/or myself as nothing but pockets of complexity is a profund thought. Thanks for offering this perspective!

[@domingoalvarez3984]

This video is not loading

[@wenger828]

Same

[@xnow1936]

great talk! More theoretical physicists please.

[@arnaudfickinger]

Thanks for this video Lex. I think a conversation with David Krakauer would be very interesting as well.

[@_bryanblaze_]

Why won’t this video play?

[@dakotadad8835]

I can’t get this damn podcast to play?? What gives, the other ones play this one just sits and buffers **edit 6 days later it finally plays for me lol

[@TheBigcowie]

Frank has the same laugh as Seth Rogen pre smoke

[@ainternet239]

This a great Discussion. I still have a great interest in physics many years after university, although life took me off in another direction.

[@cfdgurgel]

Awesome interview! Thank you very much Lex!