Neil Gershenfeld: Self-Replicating Robots and the Future of Fabrication | Lex Fridman Podcast

Neil Gershenfeld is the director of the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
- LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free sample pack
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EPISODE LINKS:
Neil's Website: ng.cba.mit.edu/
MIT Center for Bits and Atoms: cba.mit.edu/
Fab Foundation: fabfoundation.org/
Fab Lab community: fablabs.io/
Fab Academy: fabacademy.org/
Fab City: fab.city/
PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: lexfridman.com/podcast
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2lwqZIr
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
1:29 - What Turing got wrong
6:53 - MIT Center for Bits and Atoms
20:00 - Digital logic
26:36 - Self-assembling robots
37:04 - Digital fabrication
47:59 - Self-reproducing machine
55:45 - Trash and fabrication
1:00:41 - Lab-made bioweapons
1:04:56 - Genome
1:16:48 - Quantum computing
1:21:19 - Microfluidic bubble computation
1:26:41 - Maxwell's demon
1:35:27 - Consciousness
1:42:27 - Cellular automata
1:46:59 - Universe is a computer
1:51:45 - Advice for young people
2:01:02 - Meaning of life
SOCIAL:
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- Support on Patreon: / lexfridman

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free sample pack - NetSuite: netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off 1:29 - What Turing got wrong 6:53 - MIT Center for Bits and Atoms 20:00 - Digital logic 26:36 - Self-assembling robots 37:04 - Digital fabrication 47:59 - Self-reproducing machine 55:45 - Trash and fabrication 1:00:41 - Lab-made bioweapons 1:04:56 - Genome 1:16:48 - Quantum computing 1:21:19 - Microfluidic bubble computation 1:26:41 - Maxwell's demon 1:35:27 - Consciousness 1:42:27 - Cellular automata 1:46:59 - Universe is a computer 1:51:45 - Advice for young people 2:01:02 - Meaning of life

[@cameronvincent]

U need to interview Alex karp

[@nask0]

​@@cameronvincent This is done already, but I will welcome second part tho

[@johncassell3362]

RFK 2024!

[@coder_extreme6389]

My small observation is that you involve yourself to understand but just not to understand. And dont worry its almost with all of us.

[@fenrirwalker7083]

Lex the Distractor, thank you, you are an important human. This guy is something else, but even I can endure for the greater glory of AI training.

[@happydan20]

Many times it takes me a while to get why your guest is important. This guy had me from the start, and I felt like he was so good at explaining very complex topics and knowing when he needed to back up, to create understanding. It's rare to see someone be so brilliant and also be a good educator.

[@v1kt0u5]

Many guests like that, actually...

[@obanjespirit2895]

@@v1kt0u5 it's just an obvious comment in a sea of obvious comments. At least he doesn't write he knows Fridman personally and is directly talking to him. That level of cringe is lethal.

[@RoxanneAlexisHenry]

@V1KT0U5 I couldn't agree more. I quite like buckling up at the beginning of a Lex podcast, ready to be confused, than amazed, than grateful for what they taught my little brainbox. 🙏 very humbling, sometimes frustrating, always a good ride! 👍 thank you, Lex and guests, et al. 😘

[@DeathValleyDazed]

@@RoxanneAlexisHenry “my little brain box” I relate to your description so well put.

[@voodooranger1]

He wanted to learn welding and auto shop trades and make stuff. That's practical manual life skills, he applies that approach to complex information.

[@wisertomorrowpodcast]

This quickly became one of my favorite episodes. This man is bursting with knowledge and insight, and the topic couldn't be more interesting. Incredible.

[@solarnaut]

He had me @ "Legos" B-)

[@cgaumerd]

Indeed.. Will listen to this episode more than once.

[@unclefreddy2009]

Somehow I skipped this and just listened, I totally agree. He is incredible and while I am no where near his level of understanding of everything I had a lot of similar feelings early on in life. The physical world/trades/creating things has tremendous overlap with my other passion of computer science. I just never had the balls to dig in and instead accepted that there is “thinking work” and “doing work”. WRONG

[@jmarty1000]

Up until Neal said "If you make a dot on a white page of paper, There's infinite information ... then I had to rewind

[@BR-hi6yt]

Bubble-logic as the origin of DNA

[@phenomagator]

This is one of the most information dense podcasts I've heard yet. Awesome.

[@gustavgans9082]

Check out the one with Joscha Bach (the first one in particular, although the second one is good too). That's the pinnacle of information density for me

[@lunakid12]

​@@gustavgans9082Woahh, exactly! He came to my mind too. These two are possibly the best YT videos I've ever seen. And I've seen them all. (I have a few dozen thematic playlists, used as tags/labels (waiting in vain for YT to finally implement support for that), and I've saved this one and Josha B.'s to just about every single one of them. :) )

[@alexmarfleet9223]

Took me 3 days to finish listening and listening again. This guy makes me want to switch careers, even at this late-ish stage. Thanks Lex and Prof Niel! …and Lex, even if you stopped this thing now, your body of work here would continue to contribute long into the future. You’ve done plenty for others, treat yourself kindly and go be inspired!

[@mattgraves3709]

Me also, I absolutely love software engineering but I have heard there is a big future in fabrication

[@fog01752]

You will never reach his level of intelligence your a peon

[@frankspage]

I’m on day two currently, I’m pretty sure I need to revisit a few more times tho 😅

[@VuLamDang]

I have met him years ago, he is as impressive in real life as in video

[@lunakid12]

​@@VuLamDangWow, even seeing a YT comment from someone else who met him feels inspiring! :) That's how strong the magic of this guy is.

[@jonathanlivingston7358]

Please interview him again soon and make the next interview last 10h. I can’t get enough of his mind.

[@gwedielwch]

❤

[@Levisavolent]

Also respect for him to bring up the work of other students and their projects…

[@deep_fried_analysis]

+

[@dakota5532]

like farting into a box so you can smell it later?

[@TomasDiez]

Honored to have Prof Neil as a mentor for the last 15 years or so... incredible to see him here! Thanks Lex

[@KingofKingsWorshipCenter]

Hard to imagine fifteen years of this kind of influence - you must be very grateful.

[@JoeyVol]

My major influence showed me how to safely buy "hard drugs" in bulk and safely network in the non-taxable economy if I wanted to live an amazing life. And yet there are those like Tomas and Lex who grew up in a totally different world from my own - even if we grew up near each other geographically and even within the same city. That is one of the main issues I see in the modern American experience, the extreme diaspora of life styles that those who live even in the same city grow up around and the extreme lack of understanding of those who blame humans for acting in the manner in which they were raised. The first time I dated a young woman in academia who came from extreme wealth I instantly realized she had even less of an idea of the world I lived in than I understood about the world she lived in. If we want to change the outlook for children and young adults that grew up in "my world", than they need to experience their peers making it big by doing more than moving up from buying grams of fentanyl to buying 200g packs to cartel stamped kilo's - and that means an economy where the "under educated" can make a great life for themselves via entry level employment. Until that happens young males, like myself, who are driven most strongly by the urge to attract mates and be respected by your peer group will never "change our ways". This issue is paramount.

[@TomasDiez]

@@JoeyVol I have something for you: I grew up in Venezuela in a middle class family who went in bankruptcy a couple of times, under the control of your America (i guess you mean United States). Flew the country because of the devastation of the pseudo-socialist government, and found opportunities in Spain, swallowing hard xenophobic attitudes from my own bosses. Now i live in Indonesia, felt the need to be out of the European bubble and build opportunities around the work that professor Neil mentions, and we are on the way of opening a fab lab here run by locals, and which will make possible to access world class knowledge to any kid. I left a full paid PhD position paid by intel at UCL London, academia is a bubble. I am strongly convinced that fab labs can be an interface for what it sounds far away in the future and the present. At least we have something to try. Ah and btw... The first fab lab ever created was at south end Boston, led by Mel King, one of the African American heroes of the civic rights movement, and thanks to his vision joining Neil's, now there are thousands of us deployed in different corners in the world trying to make a difference

[@donquixoteupinhere]

Incredibly jealous! Thanks for sharing that story, sincerely hope it is genuine… and will likely make strides to find out for myself since you gave a decent amount of info. Cheers!

[@billiejowhite3638]

That there are people in this world as outstanding & brilliant as prof Neal & his team members like you… gives me hope for our future! I am truly inspired for first time in decades! Thank y’all!

[@kinghassy334]

This man is the best guest you've ever had

[@tomasgarcia2218]

This podcast is a historical document. I hope it gets archived as such.

[@eirref]

Absolutely..! I agree a 100 percent..!!

[@ThePartarar]

Recently wrecked my bike, been bedridden for a month, so I started watching more of your videos. I’ve learned more new things and opened myself up to more ideas and philosophies listening in a month than I had in the last year, and this is another great example. There’re so many things to go research after every podcast, topics to return to, the way each video is labeled and time stamped perfectly… you’re doing great work Lex, thank you.

[@Levisavolent]

Thank God we have a long weekend here in the US. I would need to listen to this Professor a few times to understand 25%. Thank you Lex

[@lindsaykimbrough8260]

On second run already.

[@DeathValleyDazed]

@@lindsaykimbrough8260 same here.

[@aprilzhao360]

omg, thanks for posting. Thought I was the only one that have problem understanding this.

[@gazels11]

I'm right there with you. 🤣

[@BrothaBluu]

This is my favourite episode so far. Neil has a unique way to explain complex systems in a way that is easy to digest. Thank you for everything you do Lex. Much love

[@Dead_Goat]

I dunno he strikes me as someone who has no understanding about what he was lucky enough to witness from actually intelligent people who understand the concepts that he attaches these odd stories and fanciful ideas to that have little to do with the topic at hand other than to overwhelm the listener with information and details so that they do not realise that he does not actually know anything and is just repeating what he was told from someone else in much more fanciful and numerous words. His memory is impeccable though.

[@pauls3075]

When your opening line is "I learned where Turing and von Neumann made fundamental mistakes" you better have something good to back that up, and Gershenfeld does not disappoint! Wow.

[@gabrielgracenathanana1713]

I do not believe so. He is basically a fake. Tell me what he really invented? Give me a break. A fake who cannot compete and therefore create a new field.😂😅

[@dunzek943]

@@gabrielgracenathanana1713 Not gonna lie, this shit falls flat lmao You'd be mocked at if you said that in a real crowd listening to the interview

[@dunzek943]

​​@@gabrielgracenathanana1713Mf missed out on all the initiatives he coordinated, all the people he's mentored, influenced, and collaborated with, a whole ass lab in MIT he founded, all the connections he's made from multiple disciplines of science and engineering, all of the inferrences and criticisms he has on major ideas by BIG people, and so on. It's you who is blinded by your dumb ass LMAO 😂😂

[@funginimp]

It was insightful. However, constructive criticism -- I think he could have gotten the same information across in a more humble way. I would have still listened.

[@paulnam4488]

​@@gabrielgracenathanana1713 The professor used a rhetorical device in a pedagogical manner. It succeeded in grabbing our attention. I'll stop there.

[@jennifers6560]

This is, singlehandedly, one of the best interviews I have ever seen. It answers SO MANY of the questions about the nature of reality I've had since I was a kid. I feel like this is sacred knowledge that everyone should know. My boyfriend won't watch it because he is afraid he won't understand it, but I will convince him to give it a shot.

[@natekwebb]

Thhis was by far one the most intellectually stimulating discussions on the physics of compute and assembly I've ever heard. Loved this

[@samplastik13]

It gives me some hope in humanity when i can see that there are over 3 million of people interested in topics discussed by Lex

[@sahiljaiswal2141]

Lex Fridman is a gift.

[@martinladley]

Grift.

[@Reichstaubenminister]

​@@martinladley That's actually what I first read in the original comment.

[@Shakazuloeman]

No he's not, you never noticed he just cannot ask the right questions? The difference with Joe Rogan is immense. There are so many terms thrown around and he never asks the guest to explain them. How can the viewer then know what the guest is talking about?

[@keanorobinson3730]

​@@Shakazuloeman I see where you are coming from. I have a background in science, and when I read the comments I often wonder if people really understand the topic -- how could they? -- or just feel like they understand. On the other hand, I'm sure this podcast has inspired many people to attempt great things and exposed many others to topics that they wouldn't otherwise come across. To give credit where it's due, this is definitely a top teir podcast.

[@Shakazuloeman]

@@keanorobinson3730 Even if there are topics that are too complicated for the average listener the way Lex steers the conversation is just strange. There is no structure or chronology, often times Lex starts to talk about philosophical things during a technic explanation and many times he fills the answer in for the guest. It's just not fun to listen to even though i am a science person and understand most of the things that are talked about. It's just a waste because the guests are very interesting.

[@GDMartin]

Lex has such a lovely tone of voice. He cracks me up with how it looks like he is totally zoned out while asking super specific follow-up questions, meaning he is 100% focused. It always seems like He's bored or losing attention, but he never is. Quirky aspect that makes him Even more wholesome lol

[@willjames7119]

Holy cow this guy is smart and creative. Our country needs to learn to appreciate the level guys like this are on.

[@suveertatineni3464]

We have people that think the earth is flat, bro

[@jamesonbarna906]

Lex, from someone that has sever depression... it does feels good to hear that people like this guy are working on great things ... it gives me hope that tomorrow will be better. He really brought me peace today. As stupid as that might sound. Thank you both for doing what you do. I hope life gives you what you want, but you both always have what you truly need.

[@maltezz]

It does get better. Cling to Hope.

[@ran_domness]

He's so eclectic in his references and ideas. It takes some work to follow him, but it is worth it.

[@Kobe29261]

Very well put - its like learning to tie a bow - he always knows which piece to pull on to unravel the entire complex structure he's built. Several times I'm thinking he's too far off the ground to ever land and then by the magic of reason the earth follows him to grace his landing! What a mind!

[@BL-tr2ug]

Man, I had a rough as guts upbringing and fell out of the education system. I’ve always regretted that. It’s wonderous to hear the creative opportunities that exist to create.. that I didn’t know existed, but it’s a little bitter sweet. As always, an amazing podcast filled with lots of thinking material.

[@TheLeftCulprit]

Lex, you make the best interviews, period. There are some that come close, but your choice in guests and ability to keep the conversation flowing and engaging is unmatched. Everytime i listen to one i feel as if i leveled up as a human being. I remember seeing a clip from one of the large media outlets some weeks ago that clipped your interview with Sam Altman and simply referenced this podcast as "a podcast" and not "The Lex Fridman Podcast." I thought that was embarrassing on their part as your podcast is much more prestigious and acclaimed than that of something as outdated and irrelevant as CNN and MSNBC and the like. For them not to consider you worthy of naming gave me second hand embarrassment. You have many very loyal supporters that love what you do here. You are simply the best and it feels like you're not even trying. Spectacular.

[@nikolai1714]

Lex is the best interviewer i have seen, he is never too slow to understand complex things - he can always ask the most relevant questions right after being explained a new concept.

[@Jm-wt1fs]

He really has gotten so good at it right? I feel like he’s been hitting a sort of new level recently where it feels like he only prepares like the first 3 questions and the rest is just a perfectly flowing conversation lol which is the goal I’m sure

[@chase7439]

This was absolutely captivating from beginning to end and my new favorite episode. Would love to see follow-up interviews in the future where he updates some of the most fascinating projects coming out of the Fablab network.. GREAT WORK LEX!

[@robynchloe222]

Lex lights up the hearts of millions! Professor of the people! Thanks for consistently sharing such inspiring content

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Professor of the people, love that tag!

[@ReginaldPoyau]

This is the best interview you have had so far in how you just listened. It is just wonderful how you let the interviewee Neil talk and spin his story. Even the humorous parts were absolutely precious. I enjoyed this so much. Thank you good sir.

[@ThatBoyTweek]

CONGRATS on the 3 Million on KZbin Lex! Well Deserved!

[@jh9496]

Lex finally releases his origin story.

[@taly4life]

He will be making a bunch of little baby Lex’s now?? Who will be the “embodiment”? Lol

[@nudgesmate2286]

Lexnet becomes self aware

[@johncassell3362]

RFK 2024!

[@jeramizzle666]

😂 nice

[@daphne4983]

You mean it explains his demeanor lol

[@StephenPribut]

Wendy Carlos, worked with Moog, years before David Borden. She started some work in 1964. Had her first commercial release in 1967 and the well known “Switched on Bach” in 1968.

[@Multidimensionaltravel]

I remember! We bought and listened to that album, very interesting and good.

[@ryanmkeisling9089]

Lex bro you never cease to amaze me, it just gets better and better! This is one of the best podcasts yet. Your podcast never fatigue like so many others. Listening to this I see how robots helping agriculture will be a reality eventually when people start to see what I see as a farmer, chef and technologist.... It all makes sense now!Well done sirs!

[@OverlandTravelAdventures]

Always dreamed of MIT and you have access to this content for free is mind blowing! Thanks Lex!

[@PHUKU]

I rarely watch a podcast twice.. there’s so much good information in this episode I’ve watched it 3 times now

[@Parvenu90]

This is one of those ones I'ma need to watch/listen to 3 or 4 times fam. It's THAT deep. Thanks Lex and Neil ❤

[@grahamcolclough3965]

Ronnie Corbett was a brilliant British comedian. He'd sit - all 5'2" of him - in a huge chair and tell a story that'd meander into all sorts of parallel directions - all fascinating and humorous; then after 10 minutes he'd bring them all together to make sense. A superb entertainer. Neil is the Ronnie of science, and more. The first long video I've watched for ages at regular speed. Deep deep fascinating however stuff.

[@CADclassOfficial]

Amazing to see a fellow maker on your pod, Lex. Love fab labs and love the idea that we should ALL have access and training to be able to use these machines. I’ve run thousands of kids and adults through programs and training and have seen nothing less than a transformation in many of their lives. 🎉

[@LamboKing21]

This is the most fascinating interview you’ve had Lex.

[@v1kt0u5]

Have you listened to ALL of them? 🤔

[@MelissaJean143]

​@@v1kt0u5 lol

[@idatong976]

Wow, I agree, it's totally fascinating! You're both really in your element. I'm inspired now and ready to play like a child, never want to grow old... Thank you so much Lex.

[@NabilThaGoat]

What a discussion. Neil is an absolute genius…

[@vangeest]

One of the best interviews ever on the internet. Incredible incredible

[@nancypulley]

Tonight I had a two hour sit down dinner with Lex & Neil - what charming 😍guests - what a conversation. . . biology successes mapping onto techniques for technology - this needs a sequel Thank you Lex ! You bring value to my mind … and everyone else, that’s for certain Cheers, Nancy ~ ( binary Machine Code & Fortran programmer UMich ‘64 😵‍💫)

[@Dowdyguy]

Delightfull to watch Mr. Gershenfeld explain such varying and vast ideas. Every few sentences he says something that would take me years to really comprehend, if I even could.

[@Rafi2002M]

Brilliant guest, fascinating interview. One of my top 3: 1. Joscha Back 2. Stephen Wolfram 3. Neil Gershenfeld Thank you, Lex.

[@doodle6004]

This may be my favorite podcast ever. Amazingly engaging …..profound…….good God.

[@lnebres]

Prof. Gershenfeld, you had me at “Phil Glass…” … And Lex, you continue to be a treasure to, well, all of us. All of it. Much aloha to you, “dear friend.”

[@and_I_am_Life_the_fixer_of_all]

I just realized that lex could be using whisper and gpt4-32k for questions. Brilliant podcast. One of the best I've heard. Made me feel like I'm not alone thinking about the world the way this professor does. Thank you lex and everyone involved in pushing understanding of universe further.

[@KigenEkeson]

About "not aiming" One of my favorite passages in all of literature. From "Seymour, an Introduction", by J.D. Salinger, talking about pitching marbles: "The bubbly, bright lights had just gone on under the canopy of our house. Seymour was standing on the curb edge before it, facing us, balanced on his arches, his hands in the/pockets of his sheep-lined coat. With the canopy lights behind him, his face was shadowed, dimmed out. He was 10. From the way he was balanced on the curb edge, from the position of his hands, from - well, the quality X itself, I knew as well then as I know now that he was immensely conscious himself of the magic hour of the day. “Could you try not aiming so much?” he asked me, still standing there. If you hit him when you aim, it'll just be luck.” He was speaking, communicating, and yet not breaking the spell. I then broke it. Quite deliberately. “How can it be luck if I aim?” I said back to him, not loud but with rather more irritation in my voice than I was actually feeling. He didn't say anything for a moment but simply stood balanced on the curb, looking at me, I knew perfectly well, with love. “Because it will be,” he said. “You'll be glad if you hit his marble - Ira’s marble - won’t you? Won’t you be glad? And if you're glad when you hit somebody's marble then you sort of secretly didn't expect too much to do it. So there have to be some luck in it, there’d have to be slightly quite a lot of accident in it.” He stepped down off the curb, his hands still in the slash pockets of his coat, and he came over to us. But a thinking Seymour didn't cross a twilit street quickly, or surely didn't seem too. In that light he came towards us much like a sailboat. Pride on the other hand is one of the fastest moving things in the world and before he got within 5 feet of us I said to Ira, “It's getting dark anyway,” effectively breaking up the game."

[@mikefrey07]

I had to pause this every few ideas just to look up background information to follow the conversation or to better understand the concepts discussed. That is the best kind of video. Thank you both.

[@JumpingCow]

Lex, this was fascinating! It touched on all the things I am interested in: math, physics, biology, computation, intelligence, cosmology, creation...a whirlwind of ideas, swirling, percolating. This is our future!

[@ashutoshnirala2565]

Lex, sorry to hear you are going through some difficult stuff in personal life. I send love your way. You are awesome. May we all (humans of this world) step into radical abundance and achieve enlightenment together.

[@maccanby9049]

Ditto on that. Reach out, man, when you need to. We all do.

[@zamokwakhesishi6528]

This is the most intelligent man I've ever listened to speaking and telling you about something you have no clue about in a manner that you can understand ❤

[@soulepurpose94]

This guy is absolutely fascinating, and your questions in an attempt to fully understand are inspired and bring forth such a clearer dimension of the discussions. Thank you so much for sharing with us how your mind ticks as well as probing the minds of your guests. I am super grateful for you taking the time to do this podcast and sharing with all of us!!!!

[@CodexPermutatio]

Amazing interview. This gets to the core of biology, information theory, and physics.

[@discoverneweyes]

this is a compliment: OMG finally someone who can communicate simple matter and energy.! after 61 years I found my 7th or 10 grade science teacher I've been trying to fill with myself in that role as a child!

[@echolude]

This is what drew me to Lex prior to all the fame. As someone who has very little competence in this subject matter, I was hooked from the start. The man is a wonderful communicator.

[@hseinb]

Such an uplifting and optimistic conversation, thank you Lex.

[@stephaneberrebi7106]

Every time I watch a Lex video, I feel I come from the middle ages and I have somehow traveled in time to a distant future, like in the french movie, the Visitors 😉

[@TheBehnjamin]

That was absolutely beautiful. Thankyou Neil and Lex for making our world a more intelligent, interesting and beautiful place!

[@snjsilvan]

Thank you, Lex Fridman. Hope what you're going through is getting better. This is one of my favorite talks in a long time. Thanks again.

[@mannythedj2023]

Protect This Man At All COSTS …. So Much Information…. 🙏🏼💡🙏🏼

[@thebookstopshere500]

Ohhh, that was sooo good! Thank you Lex and Dr. G. Brought so many loose ends together I've heard from Minsky and others in interviews as a layperson re: physics and math that linked for me. Not to mention Von Neumann and Shannon. Had a cursory dip in the pool with with an intro to digital logic way back in electronic tech school. Phenomenally bright these scientists were.

[@crossfitbilly]

Thanks Lex, I would have never bumped into this brilliant, wonderful mind if it was not for your podcast. That, as usual, was amazing.

[@sirousmohseni4]

I have listened to this conversation two times already and I am going to listen to it once more. Lex, please invite Neil again.

[@EvanAndHell]

This podcast teaches you how complicated and unique life is and just how impossibly lucky we are to even be here. Thank you Lex, you are an invaluable human cyborg and I am grateful to exist in the same instant of space time to share the experience. What a time to be alive!!

[@Kyzyl_Tuva]

Great interview Lex. All of these ideas were in Minsky back in the late 1980’s. Thank you.

[@sfgabc2402]

This is fantastic, we need to hear more about this man and his work in MIT.

[@ixaeon]

What an amazing podcast! The meeting of two very brilliant minds!

[@jeffreyknutson]

FANTASTIC!!! As a "simple thinker", I was really happy that I was able to watch this program and be able to follow along with it. You two are both great communicators and teachers!! Thank you!!!!!!

[@ggvilleman1]

Lex is Back with a banger!

[@JimBarry-nr2pj]

You have to say one thing about those kids at MIT they know what they're talking about. The future just keeps sounding better and better I wish I could live to be 200 🥳

[@aoeu256]

Those replicators can be injected in you and repair damage in you caused by aging, and deliver drugs straight to the disease to reduce side effects. You can also use the replicators to turn sahara or Antarctica to solar energy harvesters, allowing you to have massive amounts of energy: enough to cryofreeze you until the tech is advanced enough to live forever.

[@Tacos27182]

Every time I heard cellular automata I thought of Stephen Wolfram. It feels very adjacent to the topics Neil is discussing. I was surprised a question relating Neil’s topics to Stephen’s wasn’t asked. I hope the personal matters you referred to at the end taper off and reverse towards a more positive direction asap. This channel has been an insane source of inspiration for me, and many others. Thank you for everything Lex.

[@777ouivous]

Thanks for introducing us to Neil, he is a beautiful and intelligent soul, prolific as a discoverer and builder. Love, love learning about "microfuidic bubble logic". Wow ) Keep em comin' Lex, much gratitude.

[@ArtworkAnon]

Woah this is good. I’m going to listen to everything I can find on this man.

[@Horaczkocom]

The most fascinating information I think in last 40 years for me .

[@clintedwards8389]

This is by far my favorite LF podcast even though I’m gonna have to revisit it probably 1000x

[@garryjones1847]

This dude really blew my mind. The parts he discussed that I sort of understand were deeply fascinating!

[@riazr88]

I think i just developed a wrinkle on my brain. Thanks Lex!

[@josephinehenry8236]

It sucks a bit not being the sharpest knife in the drawer; I’m not even going to pretend I truly understand all of this, but damn it was interesting. I’ll listen a few times and absorb as best I can 😅

[@TheJoshestWhite]

That's how sharpen your mind! Not shouting just wanting to encourage

[@jesterflint9404]

It's been really long since I heard a smart guy talk. I cannot be more glad that I spent my two hours in this podcast. Thanks Lex for the interview.

[@andrewwalker8985]

This could be your most amazing conversation yet

[@mattieuleveille]

This was truly an incredible listen!! Thanks for sharing Lex and team! ❤

[@JWRB6]

1:14:34 Excellent interview! One fact check - MIT Rad Lab most certainly did not invent Radar, Rad Lab was established in 1940 by which time Britain already had an operational RADAR early warning system covering the entire East and South coasts.

[@pennymachines2385]

Yes, that was a shocker. Radar was very effectively deployed in the Battle of Britain and patented by Robert Watson-Watt before he took his work to America in 1941 to help their defence following Pearl Harbor.

[@imsweetleaf]

...'love the bubble logic molecular intelligence breaking laws of thermodynamics'... 'exquisite molecules making exquisite machines'... Thank you for this brilliantly beautiful interview and guest Lex. I humbly remain eternally grateful to you, for where you take me. Sexiest show on the internet.

[@Dronezone101]

He's an amazing guest and Lex you are one of a kind I appreciate what you bring me brother.

[@JuanUys]

What a fascinating ep. The most I've heard Lex say "can we just linger on that..." 😅

[@colleenann772]

This man is so fascinating. I enjoyed his interview.

[@TheCroxford]

Wow! No one is more impressed with Neil Gershenfeld than Neil Gershenfeld.

[@TheJoshestWhite]

For good reason.

[@Tomo-wg2iq]

Most interesting interview and guest I've heard in a long time. I hope to see more of Neil in the future.

[@chrisshepard0099]

Lex! This one was so amazing! Mind blowing !! I hope what ever has been weighing on you leaves with grace. Thank you for your podcast !

[@cryan9376]

His knowledge of the history of his fields is amazing, he just reals it off. I think that ability to understand is what makes him so smart.

[@glennscott8622]

🤯🤯🤯 must watch Tuesday for my entire team.

[@jcraigk]

Another great interview, really got me thinking. I hope you are doing well Lex, the rocky times will end.

[@d00bied00]

Thanks, Lex, for all you do and for spreading love throughout the world. ❤

[@pklimbic]

Love Neil. Took his how to make almost anything class. He once explained how LEDs, diodes and solar panels work in about 90 seconds. If you were half a syllable behind, you couldn’t keep up. But if you could, it was the best explanation ever.

[@colinmcintyre1769]

One of the few videos i watvh on repeat and learn more evertime. Both men are great men. I truly love what they do.

[@arturcuryllo5832]

I love Lex to death for his genius in so many areas. I worry, at the same time, that when he openly reveals "going through some difficult time personally", I presume from being an extremely sensitive and perceptive person. I would hate to see the day Lex decides he has done enough for humanity, which he most certainly has, and just calls it a day, if you know what I mean. This world is really rough on good people. Really rough.

[@paulward2333]

That statement is what brought me to this comment section, also. Lex, if you read these, know that you are both only loved and respected by more of us than you're likely to ever know about. I hope you are bombarded with an absurd quantity of messges like this one and that you are able to experience a subjective feeling of being loved and embraced as a result. Namaste, brother, and maybe keep in your conscious mind an awareness of the fleeting, temporal nature of all experience. We wish you well.

[@armin3057]

its alll because he doesn't find a hot wife

[@arturcuryllo5832]

@@armin3057 I have a similar feeling - a good partner for life. Doesn't have to be hot. Just a good, loving partner. I come from Eastern Europe and I am his age. I was blessed with finding that woman back at home 25 years ago. World of difference.

[@armin3057]

@@arturcuryllo5832 I say hot because I suspect that he had options but just not hot ones and he flees into romanticism and complication as to why he is lonely lol

[@jakeh2049]

Well if Lex can’t find someone then I’m f*cked lol

[@mattcauth]

WHAT? I was literally just thinking two days ago that my #1 request for your podcast would be Neil, and here we are. Brilliant. I can't wait to listen to this.

[@stevecrawfordpianodreams5167]

Dear Lex, I have never listened to an interview that touched on so many diverse topics and at the same time presented them in a way that showed the innerconnectivity of all of them. It was fascinating and also hopeful. I don't know what stuff you are going through but know that you are loved not only for these interviews but also for simply being a wonderful human being in the family of humanity.

[@SgtMantis]

This conversation is the most profound and intellectually stimulating I've ever listened to. I studied biology and computer science at different parts of my life. This somehow elequently connects the two on a level I've understood but never considered until now.