Make Disadvantage Your Superpower | Lex Fridman | AMA #6

New Ask Me Anything (AMA) video. 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. 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.

[@maxyakovlev505]

Thanks Lex. I feel like I can relate to you so much and I just love how you're so open to talk and share what you've been through and at the same time you're staying true and real to yourself and to who you are. I love watching your interviews because I can see that you love what you're doing so much and every question has a purpose and a deep thought behind it ( Which I think lacks so much these days) I'm 23 years old from Israel and I've been a computer science high school teacher for 2 years while doing my bs.c in computer science but I've felt that it wasn't really my calling so I've decided to leave ( Although I really enjoyed working with kids and helping them grow and have a good influence on them). Now I work as a tutor with a professor in 2 colleges ( nothing serious just a couple of hours per week) And I also worked in a project in a Fintech incubator where we developed a financial robot "advisor" that creates optimal investment portfolios ( based on past data with Yahoo finance) nothing too complicated just 100 lines of code with python lol. Although it took me a while to figure it out and set up the server, I'll be so happy if you check it out here. ( We also ended up pitching it in 2 startup competitions without winning ) flask-env.eba-fwkp8jui.us-east-2.elasticbeanstalk.com/robot_developer/ And now I honestly am not sure about what I want, I feel like I am really worried about making enough money to move out of my parents house so I am choosing to do things that will just bring me wealth ( I started a dropshipping business) at the same time I want to do things that I enjoy and that I care about. I think that my main disadvantage is that I am afraid to do great things and I am afraid to take the risks that are essential for doing great things. So because you've been so open and true I felt that I want to be open and true as well and share this with you and everyone that enjoys your channel. Love you guys so much and I hope we all manage to find that one thing that we care so much about so that we don't have to wake up to an alarm clock in the morning Peace and love, Maxim from Israel

[@thomasking4791]

Work hard, be kind'. i love that. Lots of luck Zachariah! Question for future AMA: How can I improve my musical ear / develop a sense of pitch?. I work hard at guitar and would regard myself as reasonably proficient. I can even sing. What I cannot do is develop a sense of pitch, without reference to another note. I can barely tell a A chord from a cat's meow by ear if I'm honest, even though I work on it ALL the time. I think it could add whole new dimensions to my playing if only I could have a better ear. Any feedback appreciated. Is musical ear one of those few subtle skills that you cannot improve with a brute force approach? Thanks Lex!

[@lucasprovencher7451]

What do you think is more important, happiness or intelligence?

[@mihirkavishwar6393]

Hey Lex! Do you get the feeling that there is too much hype around AI/ML and some other important disciplines where there is lot of scope for innovation are getting neglected in the process? I love your podcasts because they are never restricted to one particular field, you always bring in people from different disciplines.

[@adwaitkulkarni3567]

Hello, Lex. First & foremost, much love for doing the podcasts & AMAs; they're pure fountains of wisdom for us who're parched for such content. Could you please enlist your favourite books, the reasons, & how they've shaped your life? Would love to know more about this topic, thanks:)

[@zakariaibrahim6781]

Thanks a lot for replying this is surreal😮 I never thought that you'll see the comment. I don't even know what to say, I haven't watched the video yet, will edit comment after.

[@dudeshamus1451]

I'm routing for you, Zakariya. Good luck!

[@elianevdb]

Zakariya Alboosh Routing for you, Zakariya! Can’t wait to read about all the great things you will accomplish! And watch the video: it is pure gold - great advices and a lot of wisdom!

[@daniel4647]

Best of luck man, stay awesome

[@Ali-bf4en]

We are in a new era, Zakariya! you do have access to all the information in world, it is just one click away from you. We are the first generation who have such a great privilege. Just keep going, don't give up. remind yourself the only person you compete against is yourself.

[@namesurname-fq9qt]

good luck with your endeavours!

[@thetensordude]

"Rock bottom has made more warriors than privilege ever did!" -Eminem

[@HannesRadke]

Also, privilege made more rich people than rock bottom ever did. Being passionate about a craft (cognitive or otherwise) is the true way to wellbeing. You won't need much money to live life to the fullest.

[@hjembrentkent6181]

Sounds like Marx.

[@alphaomega6023]

@@hjembrentkent6181 Lol what?

[@NoName-de1fn]

@Michael David There is something to this

[@crystalbradley9804]

That is so true. Being at the bottom an entire lifetime, i was able to dream about everything.

[@MyNameIssaSimon]

The internet is the biggest equalizer in human history.

[@gabrielahimsa4387]

but can also be the biggest matrix , leveling down not just up

[@MyNameIssaSimon]

@Gabriel Email That depends entirely on how you use it. I assume that you're referring to online bullying and such. If you're not ready to take the hate, don't play the game and stay away from public profiles.

[@zakariaibrahim6781]

Confirmed

[@dapdizzy]

Equalizer is not something that makes life more just and beautiful.

[@danielrodriguesperazzo7980]

Only if you have access to it. If not, it can further inequality. In my country 28% of the population don't have access to it.

[@tjdoss]

"Being kind to people, working hard and putting things you love, out there"

[@skinzocm5221]

for people who don't know there is a war in libya going on since 2011 so respect to you zakaria keep going my friend

[@sw333n3y]

Massive respect Zakaria - you've got this ;)

[@zakariaibrahim6781]

Thank you

[@MagruderSpoots]

And an actual slave market.

[@gregor-samsa]

@@zakariaibrahim6781 read above in water and Sun Have you heard of the (failed or paused) project desert tec?

[@linseyhorton3336]

Thank you for answering him.

[@begging4music]

I'm sorry Lex but you're simply a beautiful being.

[@swclar99]

Here here!!👋👋

[@NoName-nq8vc]

@@swclar99 There there!

[@johnogden5051]

You nailed it sir

[@JasonSantos21]

'I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent - no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you.' ~ Seneca Godspeed

[@johnburnham6239]

What work of his is this quote from?

[@JasonSantos21]

John Burnham De Providentia

[@johnburnham6239]

J Santini thx mate

[@timurnakhipov2399]

Stoics always nail it 💯

[@timurnakhipov2399]

​@@johnburnham6239Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium

[@robertus55]

Quick Summary: We live in a world where there's a lot of injustice. A world where we don't all start from the same place. How to make a more just world? Focus on what you can do. Your disadvantage is your superpower. Use it as fuel. • If you are living in a place that is not optimal for your passion (Artificial Intelligence) - take your education online. This way you can overcome your physical constraints. • Build things and use the internet to show them to the world. Learn how to program. Build something new. • Start by reimplementing things that other people have done. • Then find something specific that you are curious, something that gives you a spark of joy. Do not lose track of that joy. • Finish building something small, something not too ambitious at first, but something cool. • Share your work with people. Share everywhere. Be kind. Work hard. Put yourself out there.

[@ai-ur5uv]

Thank you

[@S489_20mg]

Not all knowledge can be gained through online artificial intelligence like other sciences require experimentation and cooperation along side scholarly debates. The modern world is stripping ever more that from people like me chemistry majors through laws and policies that have nothing to do with science. Learning isn’t something you just watch a video and get, the process of learning is very much a human experience that involves human interactions. So not all disadvantages can be made into an advantage. To say that is naively optimistic.

[@amabamo5769]

@@JonesDTaylor you just proved his words

[@daniel_960_]

Definitely. Use your disadvantage as a motivation. I myself have everything. Living in Germany, great parents, really smart. I never had a disadvantage. But that makes one so comfortable, bringing your ass up to do something becomes really hard.

[@markopolo958]

Never had a disadvantage? That’s bullshit. Everyone does. It’s great you are gracious about your life but you have flaws that you can use to help motivate you and things to improve on. But don’t get me wrong, I’m Canadian and feel the same way. How successful I want to be is all up to me because it’s not essential for my survival. Bringing yourself to do something can be hard I agree. Thank you, your comment made me think haha

[@wondersam12]

My dream is to have Lex as my therapist.

[@falcodarkzz]

“You have to finish” - nice line.

[@dansken610]

This is one of the most inspiring videos I've watched and I'm not kidding. It really spoke to me, especially the part about passion and how it always returns. That has always been true my whole life, you temporarily lose interest in stuff that excites you but it almost always has come back to you at a later point.

[@kungmatte7]

"Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you." I know it may not be the same message, but after reading the title my mind instantly went to this quote

[@carduchi5881]

Said Lord Tyrion Lanister, well said :)

[@aiaudiosecrets]

All the motivation speakers out there may be very strong in their body and face language. Lex does it just with words. Fantastic and very deep speech, because of its purity. Thank you!

[@adeline7980]

Watched this again recently. Thank you for this. I have an idea for something which I think would be new and useful to me and others, but I'm currently stuck living with my parents who are very difficult to cope with. I've had a lot of trauma and I'm starting to realise the extent of it. Tonight I felt myself losing hope but watching this really helped. I think my trauma can inform my idea and make it better. I'm going to spend my next year at university getting a team together and building what I imagined during this difficult time, and i'll hold onto the hope that it may be difficult but no matter what it is not impossible. Thank you. Sending love to you, love to the people who have commented, and love to all who watch your content.

[@andylee3633]

Lex Fridman, thank you so much for putting yourself out on the internet. You have been one of the most inspiring people I have ever seen.

[@Ivakkk]

Lex we need more Q&A! Thanks for everything

[@TNTsundar]

This is a great video. Honestly there’s tons of motivation and direction packed in. Thanks for this video Lex.

[@dolphinwhale6210]

thanks lex, you are inspiration, you're the kind of person I want to become

[@quadq6598]

Well done for answering this, good constructive useful answer.

[@zerberus1097]

Goosebumps! Lex, you are a motivator and a great human being.

[@deidrat8799]

"Overcoming hardship is kinda the fun part in life." Lex, you're kinda crazy haha but on a serious note, I needed to be reminded of this. I'm human and I get tired too. I look back on the last 10 years of my life (I'm 26) and I can literally see how my hardship has helped shape the person I am today. I've learned to embrace the struggle and embrace any outcome as long as I am doing my best, loving those around me and contributing to society in the best way possible. A lot of my success and accomplishments are because of the discipline and resilience I've learned through those struggles. I've learned more about who I am and I am excited about the person I am becoming. I am beyond proud of myself. As I continue to grow, I'm ready for whatever life may throw at me next, bring it on! Thank you, Lex! :)

[@enriquemartinez5647]

One of your best talks, Lex. You have inspired me in starting part of my life project: to study online psychoanalisis theory and find ways to overcome the challange to get to implement with excellence. I am 53, an inmigrant with to years of industrial physics engineering courses who works as a pipefitter, pipe Welder in EEUU. I subscribed to your channel because of the interviews and your intelligent hunble engaging. Lets keep the fire for the duration of the life adventure and the persueing of beauty while we transverse thru natural and social rrealms.

[@kgmillerdev]

It warms my heart to know that there are people out there like yourself, Lex, holding down Love's position on the intellectual plane with true brilliance, so clearly visible. Never stop being you. And Zakaria - if you can see it in your mind's eye, and you can hold it there - burning - it is already done. That's the work.

[@timtootytits5430]

Lovely message Lex. It gets difficult to hold on to the hope in the short term but let's hope Zak gets to flourish in his endeavours

[@weaselbox6746]

This is what my dad has always told me make your disadvantage your strength...work on strengthening your weakness. as a little girl , being hard of hearing , half deaf I struggled alot . I will never forget the day he sat me down when i came home crying from school , because i was made fun of for being deaf. He said to me that IAM NO DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS INSIDE and to have compassion because they did not understand yet. it was up to me to teach them that. he showed me tricks to help me understand people better in language ---took me to the library and got me a library card and a stack of books , and signed me up for gymnastics to help with my balance. Now as adult i am so thankful for those things he imparted on me . also that saying the struggle is part of the path. it may be difficult but not impossible. bekind to others. support whom love. all these words come to mind when i face things on the daily, and when i see friends having a hard time i say these things to cheerlead others on. my superpower now as an adult is being able to read body language. I help when i can when i see others suffering . Also thank you lex for all your videos (and that YOU INCLUDE CC : o )

[@elianevdb]

Such a perfect answer: thoughtful and full of wisdom!

[@newenglandbarbell4647]

Lex you inspire a better future, kudos ✊🙌

[@Misanthrope84]

You're a true inspiration to us all. So humble, yet so equally gifted.

[@maximil770]

Your podcasts get me through the day bro, much respect. I hope to meet you one day and have a talk, i got some ideas 💡

[@hectorrivero2173]

Lex is so genuine! It’s so nice to see that he actually cares

[@andrew5734]

Lex, what an amazing question and answer. There is so much value in this 8 min conversation. I am struck by the opening minute of this video and a point you recently made when speaking with J.Bach - Social media, youtube, and the internet has created a modern Guttenberg Press that allows for the sharing and input of ideas that is unparalleled. Thank you for your podcast and conversation.

[@apexpredator9489]

This is pure gold, it helps just to listen to you, man. Thanks. So much wisdom here.

[@fedor755]

Damn Mr. Fridman, every time I stumble over your content you lift me up in a way I believe only a brother could! Thank you, keep pushing through your fitness challenge! Much love and respect brother

[@nova2577]

Quite inspiring during these hard times.

[@my_saswata_mishra]

Man, you just outspoken many of the professional motivational speakers. Thank you for uploading the video. :)

[@gresach]

This is great advice at any age - you can tell Lex's kindness from his voice right away

[@gabecodina]

Thanks for sharing Lex, I'm really glad that you emphasised that luck helped you get where you are. So many say that hard work and good choices will get you where you want to be but in my opinion that is not enough.

[@abrhamgebremedhin5285]

i am your fan from Ethiopia and i like the things you do. i want to say thank you for doing this video it is great to have a mindset that considers your disadvantages as superpower.

[@lovelesshylic3751]

Thank you very much for trying to give me a positive outlook on enduring hardships in life. I hope we both make it to our 80's.

[@gemmamccabekelly4629]

This is brilliant. I could listen to this type of content form you Lex, all day. Thank you!

[@wasilijcerkasow9738]

Powerfull ... thank you for taking the time to encourage so many people !

[@YvanDaSilva]

Absolutely love that you speak about the differences in "success". Success as defined by VC's, Politics and Journals is mostly just money and market share based. But that's just one view!

[@takeeverythingin]

following your podcast, i somehow only just discovered these 'ask me anything' segments. they are so good. so useful to people.. this one here, i can't imagine anything but a positive outcome for the young Libyan who you responded to. i'm surely he is truly inspired. you're doing a truly good thing here Lex. please do more..

[@JoeLeasure]

This is some seriously great advice. Thanks Lex. You're a good guy!

[@AngelaMarais]

Thanks Lex, that was most encouraging!

[@goldenblessing2335]

Thank you for this response, it motivated me as well...although I am not as young, but I still somehow have that fire or dream, so this was really a reminder of that dream and to keep pushing...thank you again

[@mchapman2424]

What a beautiful video. Thank you Lex, terrific advice for everyone

[@fayazrahman731]

Being a 12th grader from India (don't know how the educational system relate to that of Libya's) but I can relate to this. I really feel like this system of 'learn everything just in case you use it in the future' is such a wrong way of educating people and I think I could accelerate my pursuit of deep learning by great amounts if I could channel more time into it. But I am quite happy with what I've learnt so far and will continue to learn more and get good at deep learning. And thank you for making these videos Dr.Lex. They're really informative and deep and helps us all a lot. You're awesome 👊

[@ai-ur5uv]

You are an amazing human being 💙 thank you so much from Turkey

[@vikashdenzil]

Right in time, thank you Lex.

[@ataelbizanti9998]

This brought me to tears, and I would have loved to hear those words when I was a high school young girl myself. Like Zakaria, I am also Libyan and during high school was motivated to become a great neuroscientist, but all odds were against me (muslim ban, visa rejections, termination of govermental scholarships which I worked hard to get the grades for) But now, 6 years later, I have since obtained a scholarship to study psychology at the No.1 ranked university in the MENA region, a scholarship to do a semester at an ivy league, and another scholarship to do my masters in neuroscience with a thesis project in molecular neuroscience and a world leading scientist as my supervisor at the No.2 ranked neuroscience institute in the world. The journey has not been easy, in fact it's been full of challenges, turmoil, sadness, and a lot of self doubt regarding competencies. I had to take gap years because of the political situation in Libya, I had to work harder than the students around me and gain work experience to obtain those scholarships, but all of this imparted to me a valuable lesson and that is to not look left and right to see the advantages of others, and to just focus on my own path, no matter how unconventional it is or disadvantageous compared to all my colleagues and classmates and role models, I learned it's best to make my focus on how to make myself the best version for myself. My journey is not over yet, and there's still my PhD to come. Lex your words truly made me feel like I am at the beginning of my race all over again and with a fresh mindset. Thank you so much. زكرياء ربي يوفقك اني عندي ثقة كبيرة فيك

[@limbslap1917]

Wow your journey is very inspiring i wish you all th best for your phd and never stop ! you did great so far and you have one final step to go. Inchaallah you will reach your goal

[@ruhruhruhruhruheisjsij]

Lex you are the most wholesome and inspiring person I've ever watched on this platform. Thank you

[@weis1869]

Lex, your words here are bright, an intricate architecture of great inspiration. Precise step-by-step advice that the mind's hand can grasp, wide vision that can take the mind's eye from horizon to horizon. They lift me up, and I hope so much more so, they will inspire Zechariah.

[@locdout80sqt26]

I love this so much ,you are such a super hero to so many young one's out there ,and adults aswell . I know you inspire me for sure 👍 ty lex fridman for being you 😘

[@indiansoftwareengineer4899]

Hello sir, you are my mentor, from the day I subscribed you. Great personality, combination of tech with excercise, with self pushing attitude. One day would like to come on your podcast and on Lunch/Dinner too. Love from India.

[@teatimee]

This was great. Also try to be aware of imposer syndrome. If everyone gets it then its just part of a normal learning process.

[@GurtTarctor]

Your relative disadvantage puts you in an alternate context, that difference between you and the 'normal' allows you to see and think about things differently. This can be incredibly liberating and can lead to truly unique ideas.

[@thecolonyengineer]

I am from Zimbabwe and this speaks to me too!

[@oaktownjerk]

That was a wonderfully inspiring message/response to your young listener:)

[@UnarmingGnat]

Thank you for doing these videos Lex, keep going with it because it has profound value for humanity May the force be with you

[@yeastinchampagne440]

Simply, Thnk you.That was what I needed myself.

[@ZenJenZ]

Lex, you are an exemplary human being. Thank you ❤

[@camillacalhoun1089]

That was simply beautiful Lex! I’m a non scientist devotee of your podcast. So interesting, thoughtful and kind. You give me hope! Thank you!

[@Obbyishere]

Zakariya I assume this is what your name. You may have disadvantages like me and others but you’ve your own advantages too which makes you unique. Today we heard your name listened your passion and enthusiasm. Now I will name you in my prays bro. You are young, have the energy and the internet to reach to the world so form the bottom of my heart I wish you all the best. Stay strong! And Lex, I love you. The first time I listened your podcast I thought you were just a cool researcher and that was all. And then I get to know how kind hearted, strong soul and lively man you are. I look up to you, I respect you and I want to see you doing well. Whether you are a successful engineer or a mere human being I’m glad to know your existence :) I hope to meet you one day, hopefully we can have a cup of coffee and talk about the art of God.

[@Dontbustthecrust]

That was really great advice. I'm glad i found you.

[@c.l.369]

thank you for your motivating words mr. Fridman

[@duxoroxor]

That is a beautiful question and the openness with which is received is equaled.

[@shawnfaison5118]

Amazing video Lex. I think this message needs to be spread more nowadays. I came across this message precisely when I needed it.

[@lemonadejesus5485]

True story! I’m cheering for you too! For all of us, I’m cheering for you. Go get em Z 🤘❤️🤘

[@vetiarvind]

Hey Zacharia, if you're reading this, don't lose hope man. I have personally worked with colleagues from Morocco (his name is also Zak), Algeria and Egypt here in a great company in Bangkok and some of them are in Singapore now. While Libya (maybe) is a worse spot, I don't think it matters. If you're talented and passionate you'll be able to get places. I think you underestimate how much demand there is for talented people. You are not disadvantaged. I come from India, and while it's not as remote as Libya from the center of things, I didn't have a lot of money growing up but it didn't stop me from pursuing a masters in CS from a top University in the US and getting jobs across the world where i got to work on all kinds of software including Machine Learning, etc. (now heading off to Dubai in a few months), although looking back I think I could have skipped the university. Be patient and don't expect it all to fit in immediately.

[@ivanbarbosa81]

Great advice.Very touching.Good Luck Zaccaria. Great men eventually get a change.The universe must certainly have something in store for you.Do your best and touch the lives of those around you like Lex does.You already inspired me and I am twice your age.

[@tabi5550]

What a beautiful human being. Things like this convince me that good is still here and that it'll eventually overtake evil.

[@AnastasiInTech]

Beautiful train of thoughts

[@santiagomarruffo9611]

Thank you Lex, really. I needed those words. It spoke to me. And guess what, I cried, it was powerful. IYou are an inspiration to me, and I'm sure to many others. Keep up the good work. I hope to someday to meet you in person to thank you. I will. Godspeed

[@pineslibrary]

"I think what you should be focused on is what you can do for your life." Yes.

[@mikeg9b]

I needed to hear this message too.

[@androidcool1]

Like you said...its always easy to start something but finishing it is important and putting it out there

[@aldentevelo3916]

I searched "Lex Fridman motivation" this was the first to come up. It helped! Thanks Dr. Lex ;)

[@johnchristopherlayton1325]

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! GOD BLESS YOU! 👑

[@gabrielahimsa4387]

thats me on vegan diet

[@atithi8]

That's exactly what I was uttering while listening , people do respond in similar ways

[@user-ch2lp9er6p]

Beautiful support and advice! Love it!

[@lpp7487]

I love you lex, biggest fan! Keep the great Cast coming....Thank you, Loo , Western North Carolina.....

[@rjbeatz]

Thank You for the motivation!

[@drinkmorewater232]

This means so much, thankyou so much Lex for you kind words and advice.

[@mjonausk]

"Re-implementing things people have already done" this is gold. This is my most favored way of learning.

[@JD..........]

Perfect video for me to find right now. Thanks very much. I'll reflect on this going forward.

[@osmara1042]

This was a very inspiring video. Thanks, Mr. Fridman.

[@PrinceoftheAirJr]

'Remember, Lex... We are the... 'Accumulative' of our experiences... 'Not only our experiences, but the experiences of our ancestors contained within our DNA. 'Stay humble, just as you do. You are doing a Noble Thing.

[@TheRafaBStudio]

Just subscribed. What a speech...thank you, Lex!

[@MiaMaven]

Rooting for you zachariah! Never lose hope or lose your drive to reach what you wish to attain.

[@whatsthedealoneill1]

This stands out as one of the best of the best videos on youtube.

[@Oliver.Edward]

Lex.... You cannot put a price on what you're bringing. Keep up the work. From the UK.

[@JojoJojo-qr5ye]

Greatness recognizes greatness LEX ! You are awesome !

[@jaredcorreafitness9666]

Awesome stuff right here. Thanks for sharing

[@sankofaa3000]

Great message here, very inspiring!

[@luclessard5400]

This is a video that must be share. Thank you Lex.

[@cookiekhai465]

you sir, are the reason i keep going. thank you kind sir

[@samiswilf]

Thanks Lex for the inspiration.