Getting Philosophical with Neil deGrasse Tyson | Podcast Highlights

Why are we here? Who are we? What is the meaning of life? We revisit an episode where Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries on topics that stem from the deepest thoughts, ideas, and feelings we share about our place in the universe.
You’ll learn about the differences between human and chimpanzee DNA and what that could mean for humans in comparison to highly intelligent aliens. Do we have the intelligence of an alien toddler? Is the universe out of reach of the human brain? We debate how long humanity will last and you’ll hear why Neil has confidence humanity will last given the collective nature of our intelligence.
Then, we dive into the big question: what is the meaning of life? Neil shares his thoughts on how he finds meaning in his own life. Discover more about the “vacuum” of space. How far behind or ahead we’d be if we didn’t have moon? Lastly, you’ll learn about higher dimensions and if they’re bleeding into our own universe.
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson
00:00 - Humans & Chimps
4:30 - Accumulating Human Knowledge
5:24 - How Long Will Humans Survive?
8:46 - What is the Meaning of Human Existence?
11:58 - How is Space a Vacuum?
13:45 - If Earth Didn’t Have Moon
15:44 - 4D Matter

[@StarTalk]

What do you think the study of astronomy would be like if the Earth didn't have a moon?

[@sahinyasar9119]

Most likely there would be no humanity rather dinosors that looking to stars

[@osyrisdc]

Assuming evolution on earth still occurs and spawns humans absent ocean tides, likely it would be imperceptibly stunted as it would lack a nearby celestial neighbor to use as an analogy. This would most likely inhibit study of solar system formation from accretion disks as direct evidence of other body composition would be much more difficult to obtain.

[@tomdewispelaere4727]

No solar eclipses. Many cultures studied them, science surely did and does. Love the show, greetings from Spain!

[@dimitri1515]

I think the moon was important because it gave us more ideas of what could be out there. It also encouraged us to explore because it was reachable so it's existence rapidly advanced our desire to get into space.

[@AnalogX64]

No more questions like is the Moon made out of cheese.

[@Acirno]

I hated school, but now that I am older, I find that I strive to learn more and more, on all subjects I can.

[@81Treez]

“You have the power to manufacture meaning”. That gave me goose bumps.

[@hojo70]

It's not novel, its long been said that the meaning of life is finding what gives your life meaning.

[@deucefoAM206]

Our whole existence is a reality show on interdimensional cable.

[@MrLinguist88]

I somehow suspect, we are not that interesting that someone would pay to watch us 😅

[@Synathidy]

It doesn't have a coherent enough plot to get an audience.

[@leonardarola]

That was totally Ricky and Morty. Lmao

[@denisemcdougal6445]

I don’t doubt it

[@denisemcdougal6445]

@@Synathidyit’s a reality show

[@TEJR69]

Watching Neil while high as a kite sure brings a whole another DIMENSION to the table ... I love this

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

I honestly can't get enough of this. I find myself checking youtube througout the day seeing if they have a show out yet...

[@David-gr8rh]

That's smart, or you could wait until youtube tells you.

[@jake8915]

hey, just a quick tip - turn on you notifications maybe

[@disclaimer.imjokin]

There's a bell up in the corner..

[@chrisrussell1318]

It is just a joy to have you guys on the tube to share our thoughts on the universe with! Thank you😇

[@geraldcrews6779]

My favorite quote is "Be the change that you wish to see in the world". And that sir is exactly what you do. Much respect for you Neil. I love to learn because knowledge is a treasure or a wealth that nobody can take away from you.

[@wahn10]

Dr. Tyson and Sir Chuck in the same room is a mood. A very good mood.

[@amogelangamg3766]

How does the brain remember that it forgot something but can’t remember what that thing is😭😭

[@user-tt5tz6nc1u]

Memory lapse I guess, 😊 my stepfather used to say, I forgot more than what you know

[@joewindsor1119]

It didn’t really forget it, the information just isn’t accessible (either forever or temporarily, like waking up at 2am remembering) 😂

[@Aarshiu]

True even I got money in my pocket but still don't know how did it get there or if I had money how the tf did I don't remember it 😂

[@Aarshiu]

True even I got money in my pocket but still don't know how did it get there or if I had money how the tf did I don't remember it 😂

[@fredriqueqybett6501]

It is paradoxical

[@jean-pierrerobert9327]

Great episode! Learning and helping, I love these life principles. I've added one for myself: protect nature and do as little harm as possible to it.

[@dylanndzero]

Neil makes me want to live my life and discover the world

[@kariannecrysler640]

I find an endless pursuit for understanding of our existence a great joy. To be honest about our ignorance offers a checks & balance to our hubris. To know each day lived is unique, each person met is unique & that no matter what was or will be, Now is unique in time. It is a beautiful existence in which every person is a part of with me. Obviously we all have different perspectives, but that is why it is so special. People assume perfection isn’t messy, when in reality it’s chaos in balance. Two sides to every coin, but it’s still all the same coin. One for all & all for one! ✌️💗

[@shineyourlight39]

Mann, I appreciate conversations like these. It would've been amazing to have had talks like these in grade school. Maybe there would have been more people interested to learn.

[@BirdYoumans]

Enjoyed you two! Have always liked to hear Neil talk about "stuff". Usually thought provoking. I too am addicted to learning. I have been a life long, fortunately working lol, musician. Why? I love to make people happy. I loved it when you said in essence that it's your meaning of life. Mine too my friend. At 78, I can't believe I got to live to see the internet that we have today. When I was young, the internet was a set of encyclopedias. I grew up in a family where we had what we needed but not much else. But my dad came from a farm family of 11 kids and he was the first that got to go to college, and may have been the only one in his family. But he wanted us to be educated above all else. So he saw to it on his limited income that we had that set of encyclopedias. I spent MANY hours devouring whatever I had an interest in that was in those books. But even tho he got the "update" every year, just the nature of having to put it together and get it out, by the time we got it, it was already somewhat dated. Today? Almost instant updates on any thing you can think of. And when you start to ask google a question, it will finish your question before you get to the end of it, and it's amazing how often it is exactly what you were about to ask. You can talk to it, and it wall answer you. Star trek stuff lol. Then there's KZbin "university" lol again. In my retirement I now create music and philosophy vids. He passed in 2004 and never really got to understand or know the power of computing or the net. The net and computers are light years ahead of that now. But if he were back now he would be pleasantly astonished. I will always thank God for him. He was the best. And so was my mom. They implanted that thirst for knowledge that I have to this day and I will always be grateful to and for them.

[@waschukd]

i enjoyed this... thank you for sharing!

[@harrietjohnson1930]

I know your parents appreciate your curiosity and are deeply proud of you. 💞

[@jean-claudetjitamunisa2297]

This is why I love using "we" and "us" when referring to human advancements because we're genuinely one organism just separated but the concept "race" by skin colour. We're all the human race, and we everything we do contributes to our advancement.

[@paschan]

I titally agree with you. Sadly communists/socialists and the M cult work hard everyday to create imaginary enemies to fulfill their agenda.

[@jamesgreenler8225]

Neil should be on the top of the list in the event any visiting galactic neighbors try to communicate. He has a great knowledge of things and won't get aggressive towards or try to harm them .

[@carolspencer6915]

Good evening to you both Again.... Yip Yip and YIP. Nearly fifty years young and loving learning. Thankyou for you two. Most grateful. 😀 💜

[@CraddyMusic]

Feels like I could talk with Neil until the end of time about these.

[@David-gr8rh]

In another universe you have

[@nasferon3520]

I wish the school systems could find a way to capture the excitement and wonder that Chuck has every show.

[@wildfoodietours6702]

Neil Tyson never ceases to blow my mind.

[@KingChrystopher-]

Same bro

[@michaeltorrest7810]

He hasn’t published a scientific paper in over 10!years

[@KingChrystopher-]

@@michaeltorrest7810 okay how many have you published?

[@mainakbiswas2584]

Its a joy listening to you. The things you said about learning align with me so well. Exactly, that's the meaning of life to me. Learn and teach. Be someone that lessens the sadness in the world that extra bit. That's the only reason I wanted to do a PhD. To be a perpetual learner and a teacher to change the lives of many.

[@kimkristiansen9787]

Great episode indeed. Love hearing Neil talk about his thoughts on just about anything 🙂.

[@justinholbrook4810]

I could listen to this man talk forever. He makes everything sound so interesting

[@TheMaolin13]

Every Saturday morning. I can’t get enough of this unlimited learning. Thank you.

[@apolonioramon6838]

You should do the right thing all the time, and you be an example for the next generation, coming up.

[@taylorclayton7890]

Neil inspires us all to be perpetual learners 📚

[@stormdest92]

facts he just makes it enjoyable

[@jagster59]

The world is a better place because of Neil deGrasse Tyson!! ☝️🙂

[@dominiquedoeslife]

There’s this wonderful quote from the critically acclaimed Buffy The Vampire Slayer spinoff, “Angel,” and it goes a little something like this: ‘If nothing we do matters, if there is no great, glorious end to all this…then all that matters is what we do, right now, today…because the smallest act of kindness can be the greatest thing in the world.’ That quote was written by screenwriter Tim Minear, under the supervision of Joss Whedon, and it was delivered by actor David Boreanaz. Create your own meaning in life.

[@torquer9669]

Finally, Someone explaining the exact thing I have been pondering for my whole life. Is there just a little more, and how would it look. Nice episode.

[@oneloveal]

I'm a fan of this format

[@David-gr8rh]

Format 16:9 ha

[@Miles_Hoffman]

Thank you again for yet another interesting chat- Neal, you always help me get my learn on! Thanks! I’m also loving the editing, keep up the amazing work ✨🫷😊🫸 💫

[@homer6527]

was at your show today in Melbourne, It was amazing! thank you so much for coming to Melbourne! Please come back next year.

[@danb8863]

Put more Love Joy 💖 ☮️ in the world. Less the suffering of others...Yes. Neil is Beyond Smart

[@hank1475]

Damn Neil, you get an A+, you finally said something that's profound; "whether the universe has complexities in it that are out of the reach of the neural synapses of the human brain."

[@RyanD2558]

When you consider the comparison he mentioned of a 1% difference in DNA is the difference between a chimp stacking boxes to humans traveling through space, it seems almost certain that there are things we cannot comprehend enough to even ask the question.

[@Amradye]

I am always curious, but Mr. Tyson is right about our education system. I was never allowed to be curious in school, unless I had time in the library.

[@stephensorensen4477]

Thank you for always being informative and interesting!

[@GroovyGrov]

Wow, Neil! We’re close to the same age and I could be a student still! I could’ve lived in college forever. Seeing new discoveries fascinates me!

[@peggynulsen1365]

If I hadn't needed to get a job to support myself I would have been a perpetual college student, going from one major to another every few years. Still love learning almost anything new, no matter the subject. Cannot imagine not loving school!!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Always a pleasure to listen and learn. Thank you!

[@jaredgalarza]

Idk why but i always am interested in what Neil is talking about

[@TheMcrico84]

It awesome to listen to people that reason and not just relate everything to a magical being and a book

[@user-xg6vz3kk8f]

Thanks Neil and Chuck for your amazing vibe . You put curiosity and helpful to a lot of person just by who you are. Thanks you . Have nice day:)

[@ZigZagKid_AZ]

Im so content that your still doing this. It's been a long heart aching 5 years so thank you, chuck and all your speakers for bringing something back to me that I lost a long time ago.

[@bettyhouk8727]

Mr. Tyson , You teach us so much about our world 🌎 and the universe we live in ! 🫡 Thank you so very much ! I am nearing 90 years old and have always tried to learn something new each day ! “An open mind is a mind that learns “ 🙏❤️✌️🖖👽👵🏻🙀😎

[@kubek]

That meaning of life thing reminded me of a guy at work who lost soo much weight that people believe he's sick or something. He said he was looking for a slim parter but couldn't find one so he decided to forge his own happiness by becoming one himself. I hope I translated it right.

[@sweetpeasbackyardgarden1236]

Another great conversation. Really interesting questions as well.

[@LightDiodeNeal]

Wish I'd seen this show before. Entertaining, informative and thought provoking, with a laugh too, thanks N and C NEAL 🙂

[@leowoodwind7723]

You're seeing it now, that's what counts! :) I'm new to it as well.

[@alannamcmanamon2471]

Somebody finally asked the question thats constantly on my mind, made me so happy!

[@Floridagirl_life]

I love this conversation 🥰

[@korn7809]

I love learning hence why I'm here but hated school.

[@arshaddurrani3885]

Wish had a teacher like him in school,to understand science,and,possibly, to reach out to space.

[@monty510]

Gosh I love Neil, he’s such a gift

[@robertlanders5723]

Entertaining and enlightening at the same time….. What’s not to like. Thanks Dr. Tyson. Thanks Lord Nice. (By the way Chuck, did I pronounce your name right)

[@Onestringpuppet]

Comment on the intro: I first heard this anecdote from you, Neil, on the Carl Sagan memorial debate years ago. Great analogy, stuck with me

[@waitselljones8068]

YES! More of this please!

[@witchblade100377]

I learned a lot in this video. Thanks for giving me meaning Neil deGrasse Tyson.

[@baali9097]

Also chuck we love your comedy you bring to the show. Love the shows ,you two

[@AlexanderXtcSlayin]

Idk about chimps, but I honestly believe there are other animals that are probably closer than 1%. Plenty of animals that understand a lot in a very intelligent way, like survival, territory, mating, family, fighting / defensive tactics, and even love and friendship/teaming up. Can they do math & science? probably not because of the language barrier. But then again we have never understood a word another animal has tried to say to us… How many Americans could solve a sophisticated problem asked to them by a Chinese person?

[@foellerd]

Holy crap, this just made me think, could we use Ai to learn the language of animals? I bet there’s a way.

[@christinet638]

Especially birds

[@AlexanderXtcSlayin]

@@christinet638 I have always felt birds (especially the larger ones) are extremely smart. I think it has something to do with their evolution going all the way back to dinosaurs

[@christinet638]

@@AlexanderXtcSlayin yeah and the fact that they can and do talk to us; They understand our language. That’s amazing.

[@theloner6063]

The Lost Book of Enki. We are the product of genetic engineering.

[@amandatyler4324]

10:49 100% true. When I was in school, I thought science class was really boring. Now I think it’s absolutely fascinating and I watch science videos on KZbin all the time. I don’t think this is because my personality changed, but rather how the information was presented has changed. And I had some excellent science teachers too! It’s really the curriculum, imo.

[@YousufAhmad0]

Oh I remember this! Great trip down memory lane, thank you!

[@dominiquedoeslife]

This is absolutely right! The one caveat I would have about the chimp comparison, and I realize it was an off the cuff comparison, and it was certainly a good one, is that chimps have been found to be incapable of inferential reasoning, which humans develop quite early. Even dogs and cats have the capability for inferential reasoning. Just a little well, actually. Love the show!!

[@peakingmantis5331]

I really want to know what humans will look like in millions of years from now

[@jimmyzhao2673]

👽

[@zig_zag____1265]

AI will take over long before that. Maybe even in our lifetime. 🧠💥

[@brucenator]

Extinct

[@dibzydaddy]

You two work so good together.

[@Skymannot6939]

Every time I have chance to listen TAR TALK, I get a bit more smarter, thank you Dr. Tyson and Mr. Nice.

[@emilyknowlton8602]

Neil doesn't get much sleep.

[@clvyboipvrti8523]

He should talk to matt walker more often😂

[@wolff_tk9421]

our whole universe is just a game of ROY

[@user-xg6vz3kk8f]

Thanks Neil and Chuck for your amazing vibe . You put curiosity and helpful to a lot of person just by who you are. Thanks you . Have nice days:)

[@mikesheehan5946]

It's incredible enough how much more intelligent our best minds are compared to the general population with almost identical DNA! Maybe the DNA plays a small part in this. I can imagine some monkeys outsmarting some people I know...

[@annnoble7181]

We're being farmed by aliens

[@Ken-rq9xr]

Till the barbeque sauce gets here where safe.😅🤓😽🦜

[@JoyceMartincream]

Thank you starman Love your teachings ❤

[@mireillelebeau2513]

I like mr.deGrasse Tyson explanations of astronomy and I also like his values.

[@manns4]

Neill has serious sleep issues😅

[@deolihp]

He looks like he doesn’t sleep well

[@ayakwalker]

@@deolihpthe theory of relativity keeps him up at night he says

[@xanderblaze]

​@@deolihp he don't need no sleep cus. He the galactic badboy

[@m4dec3nt31]

this is the most eloquent explanation of this concept that I've ever heard. I've had this question on my mind since I was a teenager. The best way I could ever explain this was equating it to our brains being the first apple computers trying to run an advanced modern video game.

[@smk62684]

Amazing conversation 🎉🎉🎉I love them

[@dontactlikeUdonkno]

Great editing on the video! Loved it as always

[@SavageDarknessGames]

This is a great recap!

[@YvonneMobley-uq1tl]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@jamesmarze9850]

Great content I look forward to these topics of conversation thank you

[@Garrett0329]

I wish I knew you Neil. Your the definition of a great person on this beautiful planet 😊

[@Mrmrnobodymr]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels on here

[@travisstump3785]

Great edit. Love this show.

[@BenjySparky]

Niel and Chuck y'all rock! Peace

[@williamm8069]

My favorite YT channel never disappoints!

[@chromenewt1691]

I love listening to you Mr. Tyson. I wish I could know a fraction of the things you’ve forgotten about!

[@dgonsoulin]

❤ Another great one! Loved that explosion clap special effect at the end! ❤

[@firedchiefpaul]

Crazy ending, loved it!

[@michaelspiano2022]

This is the best episode ever.

[@chrisdom2010]

I'm 40 and been saying since I was a teen how different the world could be if we moved away from the past and the entire world work together to better humanity...do you know how fast we could evolve in every department if the entire world and everyone in it had a specific job dedicated to the betterment of civilization. Where we are today is not where we could be or where we are supposed to be as a civilization we are so behind and it's because we cant get over ourselves.

[@mikeunconfirmed1489]

Is that because of greed? freedom?

[@munkeeboi1982]

To move away from the past would also mean that all of this would not have happened any other way and now is spontaneous. These are our cards and "what if" can't play them.

[@gasaholic47]

Two Joseph Campbell quotes. Both resonate to me deeply. “Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.” “People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.”

[@themareo2771]

I love this format so much! Still getting used to see other angles of your heads tho

[@markdzwonkiewicz2937]

Wonderful, thank you. OK, we find a way to access this new information. Inject the Allegory of the Cave into the interpretation. then its education/ distribution to others. and down the rabbit hole, we go. Thank you again.

[@jessmakesamess5382]

I enjoy thinking this way. My grandfather lived in a time before the information we have now. It was a lot of fun to sit and speculate with him about the universe. He used to think we were some alien's 'ant farm' science project. I wish he were alive to see the new JWST and be given the chance to hear the next pieces to the puzzle.

[@prashant9108]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one

[@thesimplicitylifestyle]

You guys rock! Keep on keeping on!

[@perhermann5976]

I love this!

[@TheTimski5000]

You should

[@heroblok6]

Great answer to "what's the meaning of our existence"

[@BensTechTube]

Neil is sooooo AWESOME! "DON'T LOOK FOR MEANING MAKE MEANING" THAT IS MY NEW OUTLOOK!!

[@jimmyhobbs7354]

Thank you sir

[@AngelYZ125]

Wheres the Kai Lenny interview? I heard the podcast to that one, but it seemed a little over edited to me, I'd like to see how the YT video of it will turn out. THanks for the content CHUCK IS THE BEST!!!

[@fernbobbio]

I love Neil, and Chuck brings the right amount of funny into the table (which is not a small thing).