Quantum Physics for 7 Year Olds | Dominic Walliman | TEDxEastVan

In this lighthearted talk Dominic Walliman gives us four guiding principles for easy science communication and unravels the myth that quantum physics is difficult to understand, it’s all in how it’s explained.
Dominic Walliman is a physicist, and award-winning science writer. He received his PhD in quantum device physics from the University of Birmingham and currently works at D-Wave Systems Inc., a quantum computing company in Vancouver. Dominic grew up reading science books and remembers vividly the excitement of discovering the mind-boggling explanations that science gives us about the Universe. If he can pass on this wonder and enjoyment to the next generation, he will consider it a job well done.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@redwingsfan3621]

After watching this I realize I’m only six years old.

[@elfb144]

Redwingsfan 😂

[@zhuming3731]

LOL

[@JBSD84]

🤣🤣

[@rickyfrost3372]

Ha, classic comment!

[@ITSME-nd4xy]

Don't blame yourself. He was a bad explainer. He also set an unrealistic goal (or a click-bait title). And he was wrong about things. He seems more an entertainer.

[@PedramNG]

"Science should not be about whether you are good at it or not, it should only be about whether you are interested."

[@florincoter1988]

Science is about neither. It is about describing the world. Describing, not explaining.

[@prathamsinha8266]

@@florincoter1988 yes

[@patvanwie4059]

Yes.

[@1nfinity77]

You can't be interested in a thing that you don't understand. At some point you will give up. But within the period of trying if you understand you should love it.

[@magicmysticman]

is math related to science

[@NoodleMcnoodle]

It also helps that the person explaining science has a soothing English accent.

[@sueprator9314]

Meh. Its still a complicated subject. If he were explaining British History I would prefer it immensely.

[@zoenightshade3053]

Actually, I think it is an English-Irish mix

[@followtheboat]

@@zoenightshade3053 eh? No such thing. It's a southern-English accent.

[@renatoalcides5104]

Diction, tone, body language...

[@harryedwards4080]

@@zoenightshade3053 lol what? This guy is clearly from the South Of England.. Do you know what an English - Irish mixed accent sounds like? Well it sounds absolutely nothing like how this guy is speaking. Have you ever heard of the word 'Scouse' it's another word for a Liverpudlian and is the name for them as a people and the name of the accent they speak if not think The Beatles. Now that's an English Irish mixed accent, as it were where the vast majority of Irish migrants first stepped foot onto English soil and where many then settled down to live, either working on the docks or building the huge Canal which would link Liverpool and Manchester. Its a similar situation in the City of Glasgow in Scotland, except obviously there they have a Scottish Irish mixed accent.

[@JustBreatheEverybody]

This talk was very healing for me. I had some difficult experiences with science as a middle schooler. I was placed in advanced english and science classes, but I never really got science. I was made fun of by my teacher. From that experience I came to believe that me and science don't mix. But now that I'm older I realize I do love science when its explained well and when it relates to something I care about. I really do want to learn about Quantum physics, but have been intimidated about where to start. Your simple little explanations opened a door for me Dominic. I send you love and appreciation across the quantum waves.

[@raysnmysoul]

Beautiful

[@dboothpublic]

I'm so sorry about the way your school and teacher treated you. I was misunderstood by my schools and teachers too until I moved to a science high school. I've found that interest in science and mathematics tends to grow or disappear because of good/bad teachers. I hope you find videos and articles online that help you come to love science.

[@erikhoryza9068]

Start small and go smaller is my recommendation. If you grasp the broader (more relatable) concepts of biology (living organisms and how they function)vs inorganic materials and work down from there, I've found it to be a good road map. Organisms -> organ systems -> organs -> tissues -> (could start here) cells -> molecules -> atoms -> atomic particles -> subatomic/quantum particles -> quantum theories/behaviors. This order worked well for me to begin wrapping my head around it! Hope it helps! I also recommend to ease into anything chemistry if math is tough though. Aka seek resources that can break it down in lemans terms.

[@bubbudubbu5515]

The book "Reality is not what it seems like" might be of interest and help to you!

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

I can't relate.

[@paulpeterson4216]

This guy must know some really smart 7-year olds.

[@redwingsfan3621]

Paul Peterson Underrated comment..

[@dubcarchick]

Feeling like a dummy. I'm 39 and if a 7 year old understands this better than me then I have no hope!

[@Karin-vf4qq]

They know what we teach them

[@knumbugs]

The point is, you have to explain it without going into details too deeply, and perhaps use an analogy which is not strictly accurate but good enough to get the message across at a simple level. But also, the audience has to at least be interested/curious, otherwise they won't want to understand, and therefore will never understand.

[@beverlygail9169]

That's exactly what I was thinking after reading title of video. Lol

[@mehulimishra3769]

he's so humble. wish my teachers were like him.

[@romanfox5368]

lol, guy saying he could *explain Quantum physics to a 7 year old is humble. Wut? *(am bed grammarian)

[@fiz7276]

Roman Fox he’s saying anyone can explain anything to anybody, you just have to go about it the right way.

[@romanfox5368]

Meldoramatic, you want me to explain my comment to you, or do you want to take another guess at what I'm saying?

[@mehname8597]

Yeah and look at that chest oooooooooof

[@SirThreepio]

Get a life

[@ashokbakthavathsalam]

Four principles of technical communication: 1. Start at the right point (From Known to Unknown) - "show of hands" - err on the side of caution 2. Don't go too far into the rabbit hole - explain 3 things that pique interest rather than a whole load of information 3. Clarity is better than Accuracy - iron out the finer details later 4. Explain why it is "cool" - enthusiasm is key Most importantly, convey "It is not about whether you are good or bad at it, it is all about being interested in it!"

[@mary-jospanswick7147]

Thanks- very useful!

[@DaveBuildsThings]

Saved that for when I need to explain microprocessor programing to someone. 👍

[@sanelaimamovic2621]

So clear! Thank you 😊

[@PhycatainmentMusic]

5:09: This is when the quantum physics stuff starts...

[@JonClash]

ST Entertainment my hero

[@mynameisgleeriplaypiano4620]

ahh thx you

[@PhycatainmentMusic]

@@mynameisgleeriplaypiano4620 :)

[@PhycatainmentMusic]

@@JonClash :)

[@PhycatainmentMusic]

@N K :)

[@elrojoJazz]

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. - Einstein

[@rezaassadi595]

if you don't know what are you talking about you can not deliver your message to others

[@MicrophoneHell-ec3bm]

@Rion DeRoc This is not true. Sometimes people understand things in a way that they can't explain it to others i.e. "they just know it." Also, people can be poor communicators. Effective communication is a skill that can be improved on with practice.

[@Rusvi1]

It's like you did not listen to what he said. "We can understand it well enough to use it in nuclear reactors, MRI machines, how Sun produces light / energy". I think he meant "What we can't imagine it with our brains." But mathematics does the job.

[@Novarcharesk]

To a degree, yes. But sometimes there are words and phrases and concepts that you simply have to know in order to grasp the fundamentals of a conversation.

[@safiyyah113]

Einstein didn’t say that, but the message stands

[@vlazurah789]

I could listen to this dude for hours

[@deniseblu297]

Aliop what is his channel

[@redblade43]

You must be brain dead!

[@maditheloser1485]

Zeke Krahlin Lmao

[@peaveawwii1]

Riksta 09 I wish I could fart all the time

[@ArtNScience]

Riksta 09 Me too.

[@zhengminxu5661]

I clicked on this ted talk because I was curious about quantum physics, but I ended up learning more about good scientific communication and I'm not complaining about it!

[@antonyt2345]

I am an MBA graduate working in sales. Never been exposed to any other theory about gravity other than Newton's for most of my life and at 36 during COVID, stuck at home with nothing worthwhile to do, I just thought I'd like to see what the fuss about Einstein's theory of special and general relativity was all about. I never imagined the sort of interesting and exciting journey that curiosity would take me along. Today, I understand relativity and many other theories of physics at a basic level ( not mathematical), simply by being interested in knowing and following my curiosity. It's not because I was good at physics or science. It's just because I was curious and interested enough. Loved this talk show.

[@aidaroosalsery6435]

science is not about if if you are good in .. it's about if you are interested in .. i loved this sentence , I've been feeling depressed all the time , untill i heard it from you :')

[@Tamaraalkhateeb]

um

[@MCAwesomeSlime]

Yea that's probably the strongest line in the speech and we should really share this sentiment with people

[@account618]

that's really inspire :)

[@xx7850]

Tf u good

[@clivewells7090]

Aidaroos Alsery; your's is the top comment and it's displayed as a comment about a dodgy archaeology vid, calling b.s. on the narrator, until you click on the view reply's icon!

[@davidthorley5259]

I absolutely loved how he ended that. I'm in grade 12 and studying physics and I'm barely scraping a pass mark but I love science and maths and I have a huge interest in it. I've read articles, and watched videos from general relatively to helicopter physics and I've always been completely encapsulated by all of it

[@erikwallander8240]

It's all about studiyng; if you're interested in it then barely scraping the pass mark is no excuse. You love it, but you're never gonna be able to do it!

[@deniseblu297]

David Thorley you get a A then from me

[@jenniferfreedberg8687]

David Thorley I was in your shoes when I started studying physics in high school (I recently graduated college with very high marks). What I learned (and wished I knew when I started college) was that being "good" at physics is overrated. Physics is not something people tend to be naturally good at: all of the people I know who are strong in physics are strong because they made a tremendous effort to understand the material. Physicists think about the world in a very unique way, and it takes a lot of time and training to think like that. But believe me, it is possible. The singular most important factor is your love for the subject and how hard you are willing to work to understand it. So many people came to my school deciding to major in physics because they were "good" at it in high school (not because they loved learning about the universe). Most of those people dropped the major by the end of the first year. People like me (sorry I hope this doesn't sound too pretentious) who worked our asses off to understand the material and think like a physicist started getting better at physics-ing (or at least getting used to the effort it took to understand things). You are capable of being successful, it just might take some time (maybe more time than you hoped), but you've got this :) . This is true of any field (I think... I've only done physics). Good luck (and if you've finished your first year in college, congrats)!

[@ceryscooper8597]

Jennifer Freedberg this wasn't directed at me but wow, your comment made me really happy and really encouraged me to go after studying physics even though i'm not amazing at it - i just love it too much to give it up. thank you!! :D

[@SirThreepio]

You are more of a scientist than many professors I've meet. More than your actual level your rate of enlightment is much more important and even more than that is your attitude and resolve.

[@snaps4kappu]

Everyone: he's humble, clear, knowledgeable. My inner voice the whole time: that physicist sowww hawt!

[@kritika8213]

😂

[@izzzy14]

I was looking for this comment 😜😂😂

[@janvysatya6595]

Soww true

[@kennethsizer6217]

So jealous ~ every physics dork, myself included

[@mwilson7842]

smart AND handsome 👌👕

[@binny413]

Quantum physics 5:10 quantum physics: the description of the smallest particles in life and how they interact with light 5:53 particle-wave duality; Ex1) bouncy ball drops into water and creates ripples; ripples reach a stick and fade out; bouncy ball suddenly pops out again from nearby the stick 6:50 quantum tunneling; Ex1) bouncy ball on a window Ex2) Hydrogen tunneling releases sunlight 8:02 superposition; Ex1) Spinning in both directions Ex2) MRI machine spins our hydrogen atoms in both directions Silicone chip, lasers, nuclear powerplants 4 principles of teaching: 1) start off in the right place: explain the info in the terms that they already understand; start with an explanation and ask if it makes sense 2) don't go too far down the rabbit hole: it's better to explain a small amount that they will understand than make everything confusing 3) clarity beats accuracy: a simpler explanation gets the point across 4) explain why you think it's cool: show your enthusiasm for the subject or give examples of how its relevant to their lives

[@zhulia]

thank you

[@nebica3]

Thanks for ClaireLeefying this

[@fantasy-music-shorts]

Thank you. I was getting soooo bored.

[@paralysekid]

It's a 15 minute video, did people really need a shortened version of it lol

[@theloraks]

@@nebica3 this was such a good one, you need more credit for it

[@sarahuduebho6058]

I wish my physics teacher was like him. It doesn’t matter if you’re good at it, all that matters is that you have interest

[@PeaceLoveHappy]

I love what he said about feeling guilty when you stop understanding. It should be the “teacher’s” responsibility to explain in such a way as to be understood. I think that sometimes people explain things in a much more difficult way than is necessary because either they don’t fully understand the subject or they like to feel superior. I believe that when you can explain something in a simple manner, maybe even in a way that a child can understand, the better understanding you have of that subject.

[@dodatroda]

And it’s your responsibility not to feel guilty about the failure of others to communicate.

[@jeenius5882]

When I was 7 year old I learnt that there's something called science

[@rythemfn5731]

Learned*

[@jeenius5882]

@@rythemfn5731 Where are u from

[@jeenius5882]

@@rythemfn5731 I guess you are from America.

[@rythemfn5731]

Yeah

[@sila1909]

@@rythemfn5731 it can be both

[@justachilldude4356]

"Science shouldn't be about whether you're good, but about whether you're interested"

[@adithyannayak5179]

Very true man....

[@kenmendeja5068]

Attitude is 100%

[@bethbartlett5692]

Science is Science, it is neither bad nor good, it just is. Bad or Good has to do with Individuals "Judging it or the Messenger". Even Scientists whom may get it wrong, don't change the facts of it, they merely may mislead the listener. Logic always applies to Science, it is the interpreter whom may judge it illogical. Quantum Physics requires both sides of the brain working in tandem, for clarity in understanding. Thus: both Logic and Philosophy are 🔑

[@justachilldude4356]

@@bethbartlett5692 I'm pretty sure I meant to say "Good at it", I intended to quote the video and I'm pretty sure that was what was said, but take that with a grain of salt cause I haven't watched the video in a while. But yeah, I think past me was talking about being "Good at it" as in being able to easily understand the concepts and connect all the pieces together, if that makes sense.

[@eatchocolateandsmile]

As someone who is considering going into science- more specifically physics- I found this video extremely helpful! I feel motivated and I wish other people could talk and teach with this level of levelheadedness.

[@achintyabiswas5388]

Rachel Sparks Not audible

[@tawfeezshah2236]

What does he ask to drop in water ?

[@jamieg2427]

How's physics coming along? Did things turn out as expected?

[@adrianbiber5340]

His channel is helpful, and so is the website Khan Academy

[@mano97e]

@@tawfeezshah2236 Eletrons, Protons or Neutrons.

[@phishfearme2]

"If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't understand quantum mechanics." - Feynman

[@kenmendeja5068]

Exactly, we have to burn out energy to understand something that is counter-intuitive in the first place, we think classically not quantum mechanically.

[@tobiasv4693]

I hate that quote. We understand quantum mechanics as well as electrodynamics, thermodynamics or classical mechanics. It is just difficult to talk about quantum mechanics without using a lot of math and thus almost impossible to explain to someone without the mathematical background. When you can't explain something to someone who doesn't speak your language, it doesn't mean you don't understand the subject.

[@Drewteam88]

It's a misquote from what I understand

[@marssinclair2644]

because of my wonderful ADHD i’ve gotten used to stopping people and saying “you totally lost me, repeat that last bit” better to learn than to sit there confused because you don’t want to speak up

[@sreejagv901]

Ikrrrrr

[@sreejagv901]

I do this to every single conversations I have

[@artsmart]

Teachers should teach as though all their students have ADHD. It's my belief that most people don't grasp the content 1st time round, but are ashamed to ask.

[@dboothpublic]

Same! I was always the one asking all the questions in school too

[@mbocpe]

I came here for my own quantum physics curiosity and left with great guides on how to technical communicate with other people. Time well spent.

[@shama_k2604]

7:47 my heart just stopped for a second !! I couldn't believe my ears!! I'm 18 year old and today i learnt that quantum tunnelling​ is responsible for nuclear fusion on sun!!! Thank you so much man you were awesome I just loved the 4 principles

[@jadynvieira2547]

when you are practically 15 but you watch a lecture for 7 year olds cause you dont understand the subject for your own age

[@grungecrunge]

Try being 28 bud

[@tearoabrown2269]

I'm 36 and still dont get it.

[@jadynvieira2547]

OH MA NO word

[@MsMRkv]

I'm 90102937192 and still don't get it.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

Richard Feynman said, " I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics." I have watched endless hour of physicists debating each other on the true nature of reality so my conclusion is that Richard Feynman was correct and in your case there is no need to feel badly about not understanding physics.

[@Schall-und-Rauch]

Dominic Walliman thank you so much for this sentence: "We should never feel bad about not knowing sth. and we should never feel bad about asking questions." It may seem trivial, but it's not. There is such a powerful truth in this, it seems to me.

[@karinlijnes5776]

This is inspiring for me, I'm an artist and i totally love the way atoms behave so differently, unseen from the ordinary reality and yet so much part of our reality.

[@shahir1395]

exactly. and although hard to believe, quantum physics is currently the closest thing to explaining the nature of reality. something great art and artists have tried to do over the history of mankind. and something tells me that ancient interpretations like how the reality of the world is not only dependent on the physicality of it, but also on our consciousness or maybe things like quantum entanglement will confirm how everything is dependent on everything else.

[@ShadowVXMaster]

Quantum physics is so mind boggling, Einstein rejected this theory as he could not believe that there was an uncertainly, we could not just calculate it, because of the randomness he thought everything was certain

[@Od4n]

The anecdote at the end reminded me of someone else" quote: "Young people, especially young women, often ask me for advice. Here it is, valeat quantum [literally “equivalent amount” in Latin, an idiom for “(let it be worth) as much as it is worth”]. Do not undertake a scientific career in quest of fame or money. There are easier and better ways to reach them. Undertake it only if nothing else will satisfy you; for nothing else is probably what you will receive. Your reward will be the widening of the horizon as you climb. And if you achieve that reward you will ask no other."

[@lilakitten164]

i love love love that last bit about just following your curiosity and not to be discouraged because you dont feel like you understand.

[@gazalan2234]

I don’t know any 7 yr old that “ might have heard of wave particle duality.” 😂😂😂

[@katiakatia2380]

They should though👍

[@alfalfasnow]

@@katiakatia2380 no. They shouldn’t. They should be playing on the street and having fun.

[@katiakatia2380]

@@alfalfasnow Agree! But sadly most of them know what's KZbin and google without going outside😔

[@5kluca]

I do My weird smart little brother

[@bennettlewis5495]

At 7, many of us had. Thank you Carl Sagan.

[@LorraineChenx]

I just love this talk. The humility, the truth, the conscientiousness, and the relatable examples of quantum physics. Possibly one of my favorite TEDx talks ever.

[@faeriepalace]

“Follow your curiosity” i love that

[@harsh.thakkar]

The length of this comment section speaks about how many people actually care to understand quantum physics

[@m0ther_bra1ned12]

Harsh Thakkar and why does your average joe shmo NEED to understand quantum physics? other then to appease people that do? how exactly does quantum physics help a farmer, or a welder, or a truck driver at his job? this desire to deligidimize or even punish scientifically illiterate people like heritics is hilariously ironic...

[@memi9839]

/M0ther_bra1ned/ He never said the word need he said care. There are many people that care to understand it. First read then write

[@romanfox5368]

Oh, found the "smart guy" who understands quantum physics.

[@thomasallister3446]

/M0ther_bra1ned/ People are not defined by their jobs though. To suggest we should only learn in order to further our usefulness in our job is to put such a disservice to humanity.

[@jamesblunt006]

Half of the comments are women commenting on how hot he apparently is, and imagining him without his shirt ;)

[@caitlinweiss8801]

What I've found to love about most scientists is that they don't think less of you for not knowing or understanding something. They love to try and explain it to you and they get excited about it because it's cool and they want to share it with others.

[@lukeali1580]

My friends have lots of courage because they just run away whenever I start talking about quantum physics

[@evalunaguerraz6100]

I love theoretical quantum physics (I'm saying "theoretical" because i don't understand even the basics of math) and I'm a graphic designer! Everybody can be interested to anything. Really good video!

[@drumar1127]

But theoretical in this context means mathematical. Physics (especially quantum) is divided into experimental and theoretical.

[@tonmoydeka7319]

actually,,,theoritical is full of mathematics,,,,physics is an empty shell without maths. ,,,,

[@tonmoydeka7319]

@@drumar1127 yes,,

[@xyzmsbright]

He's a scientist yet he explains the topic using the most simplest terms. You don't have to be smart to be able to understand him. I appreciate that so much.

[@sohamghosh7183]

I genuinely wish I had him as my teacher. So knowledge yet so humble!

[@beautifulcrazy]

Oh wow. So happy I found this talk. This guy is the perfect teacher! I will use these methods in my daily life and when I teach English. Thanks

[@javaguitarist]

How could ANYONE give this man a thumbs down?

[@zoferina]

I have a 7 year old boy and we both share a deep interest in science, I've often sat up with him at night and talked about how nuclear bombs are made, what were dinosaurs like, do they have flying cars, how do you build a rocket, ect. If I could wish for one thing for my son, I would wish for him to always keep his childlike curiosity and drive to attain knowledge. I believe exposure to lots of science is the best way to achieve that for him and myself. 🙏😊

[@sachiankur]

He is so humble And the way he explain you really really want to listen and understand

[@donnak3683]

Thank you, Dominic. For this whole wonderful Talk, but especially for the last minute.

[@ForceFreeTrainergirl06]

Thank you Dominic for this great little talk. It helped me understand quantum physics a little better. I've read books about it, but I only get so far and then my brain can't compute it. This was really helpful.

[@artsmart]

Would've loved to have Dominic for my science teacher in school.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

I wouls have loved if you tried harder to teach yourself

[@marisamartin3664]

I had a physics teacher, Mrs. Zylstra who made it a joy. I was the only girl and the youngest in a high school class.

[@ayahsha7580]

his voice is perfect for a speaker ... and his looks a treat for the eyes 😍

[@annsilliman6184]

Well said

[@erincramer7364]

Absolutely amazing way to explain the material to the viewer. I was drawn in, and stayed interested to the very end. Excellent description of a couple of Quantum Physics-based theories, as well as a few great ways ( actually four), to remember and communicate that information. I thank you, sir.

[@Viziscience]

I love to illustrate abstract conceps and for sometime I worry about my videos being too simple and not enough details but after listening to your talk it's reaffirmed me in my work. Thank you so much for this talk.

[@Karin_Allen]

Knowing how to explain things is a talent that not everyone has. *This* guy has it. I'll have to look for more videos by him.

[@justinbleile8885]

Been in this spot a million times. Incredibly useful tools to help explain complex subjects to a friend who hasn't delved into the subject on their own.

[@Raina430]

Thank you, that was brilliant. I’m very much older than seven years old but this was just right for me. 😉 I’ve written a few notes here from what Mr.Waliman said. “ You can pretty much explain anything to anybody if you go about it in the right way. And I’ve come up with a set of four principles... Four principles of good science communication… 1) Start off in the right place... it’s our job to explain the information in terms that they understand.... it’s better to form the information from what they already understand… 2) Don’t go too far down the rabbit hole... people can only take on a certain amount of information at any one time... so it’s better to explain, say, three things that someone will understand and remember, rather than barrage them with a whole load of information that kind of undoes all of your good work... 3) Clarity beats accuracy.”It may not be technically correct, but it gets the point across... you can explain details details later... 4) Explain why you think it’s cool”. Thanks so much. 👏❤️✨

[@bayaahlemchebarli9322]

"Science shouldn't be about whether you're good at it or not, it should only be about whether you're interested." This is gold.

[@gregorian323]

He has a great channel called ‚domain of science’ for anybody that didn’t know

[@ktiffany5904]

Thanks for that tip. Looked it up and have subscribed to it

[@amyhodges5464]

Wonderful video - love the parting advice to find something you’re interested in and follow your curiosity- very inspiring

[@kaluca]

You are so very lovely doing this and you seem like such an amazing person. Thank you!! I love science and really enjoyed this speech.

[@coreypowe7214]

This was really an excellent explanation. Wonderful teacher with a amazingly helpful perspective. Will follow and look for more of his talks. Really pleasant to listen to...

[@kjakman]

Love it! This is so important. It's not really about quantum physics, obviously, but about communication, teaching, pedagogy. Perhaps the seconds and third principles could be condensed into one? "Not too far down the rabbit hole: stop before you lose them" and "keep it simple: clarity over accuracy" They're kind of the same thing, and three things are easier to remember, and more of a magic number. Excellent! Thank you.

[@marthathompson1662]

it all make sense now!!!! Years trying to break through the wall, and trying to understand how it works; I knew we have all within us but couldn't find the beginning of the thread. Thank You Dominic, you have made my dawn, literally, because I woke up at 4 am and started browsing the net, reluctantly clicked on your video, and voila! Thanks, thanks thanks!

[@fatimatenorio8649]

So pleasant to listen to people who have the power to explain in simple words and practical ways deep knowledge of something, especially subjects we would love to comprehend!

[@ullasrajchellappan1]

The last sentence he said is very inspiring ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Science should only be about whether you are interested, and follow your curiosity.

[@vpmurya]

Yes, we can experience the quantum physics in our self. Its so intreguing and invokes ever changing happenings inside us.

[@oneness8648]

Rare pure wisdom. Shows how to de-complicate oneself to simplify good science / technical communication. So useful to have come to know of the 4 principles of good science / technical communication. Actually, it felt more like de-complicating oneself to make a good communication happen. Feel blessed having heard this amazingly helpful person !

[@dr.skulhamr3220]

Likeable dude and you have to admire anyone who has interest in explaining complex issues. Thanks for the video.

[@Johny40Se7en]

Really enjoyed this, I love it when something provokes so much thought like that, bloody wicked.

[@incomprehensible0718]

What a great way to end up with the such a beautiful tutorial of such typical concepts of quantum mechanics.... That's really impressive!!!

[@TheAnatomyGal]

My teaching philosophy explained in 15 minutes! Excellent TEDx Talk!

[@TonyMontgomery18]

This is great. Some calm sanity in the world :) Really appreciate the moderate pace of speaking, and the pauses, instead of trying to hurry and give as much information as possible as fast as possible ..... seems like so many people rush through their info these days and it never really sinks in to the listeners. The "take-away's" from this talk are just calmly sitting in my consciousness, because I had the peaceful energy and the time to actually LEARN and absorb during the talk. I think a lot of people miss that these days. I need the reminder myself.

[@NicoVeenkamp]

The four principles of explanation will work for any subject. Subjects like Meditation or Acupuncture for instance or even Projectmanagement. Great talk!.

[@bryanrocker5033]

Excellent talk, I really enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to explain it. As much as we have learned about physics it is only the tip of the iceberg!!!!!

[@kennethsizer6217]

On Journalists... I'll never forget my thesis advisor's advice before my first encounter with reporters: "Make great, sweeping statements. I won't listen." Then, he introduced me and promptly left the room. He was so, so awesome.

[@eunhyepark7971]

I fall in love with quantum physics too! How amazing the universe could be described depending on its scale..since I started learning physics and general science, the way I see the world has completely changed. The journey of knowing the cosmos is so beautiful and marvellous.. From a descendant of stars currently living in South Korea

[@sesispace5972]

Clarity beats accuracy!😄I love the way you explain and simplify this quantum physics stuff! Simply beautiful💖👌

[@billyjean2666]

especially how clearly transparent the shear absence of anything accurate

[@Gabby-du4mc]

I also study Physics... I get that same reaction that you do when you tell people its what ur studying/doing! I love your four tips! It is so true that people can only digest so much in a set amount of time. I always try to tell my friends it's okay if you got lost... just say when you got lost during the explanation and i can start re-explaining a different way coming at it from a different angle at that point. It makes learning easier when people feel okay and are willing to admit when they got lost during a conversation.

[@nPcDrone]

I am 15 years in my profession and i train people brand new to my field. Their eyes tend to glaze over with tasks they should have learned in training. I do believe they just fear asking me to slow down repeat or review items out of excessive respect. This gentlman is correct with his initial statements

[@fantoom88]

clarity beats accuracy, this is the most valuable advice I got from the video!!!! Its super simple, but not easy to apply!!! Wonderful talk!!

[@kenmendeja5068]

This is the paradox of life that keeps on getting weirder as we get to grasp the unimaginable miniature world beyond us.

[@NareshAhuja]

Great job 💜❤️ happy to know that young educated people like you are sensitive towards others and trying their best to give their best to other human beings by sharing their scientific knowledge and wisdom Keep your spirit up and keep on sharing your experience with children as it's the need of the hour if our children understand they can do a lot for our society when they grow up You are soooooo good May Almighty bless all young people with Power of understanding who they really are and what can they do for themselves and for all the human beings 💜❤️

[@lavinlavin6460]

i am a physicist and i studied quantum mechanics for two year but i never understood it this good . this is perfect 💕

[@julienadiadhara]

I love science and learning 💫 thank you for a great presentation. I struggle to communicate my learnings and this has helped. ♾️

[@sugarlaura22]

His voice is so soothing!

[@natibeltran657]

That was awesome! Such clarity. And such humbleness for a physicist.

[@ottopike737]

the qualifier is important.

[@debbiefiuza]

*humility

[@jessepelley8373]

So whatever happened to Schrodinger's cat? What is the answer?

[@eliasehl9166]

Jesse Pelley Schrödinger's cat is in a superposition of being dead and alive, you only know which of the two possibilities is true when you observe the system directly (look inside the box). The intention of it is to explain the concept of superposition using simple things.

[@jessepelley8373]

Again the qualifier is important. The premise is the answer. Quantum superposition is not real, I think that's what those great minds were trying to tell us. I studied QED and QM at university. The point that heisenberg and feynmann were trying to explain is lost on people. Quantum superposition is not real, I don't want to start a debate, so I'll leave it like the U does. The same principle prescribed for the cat applies to quantum tunneling. These things are not real in the sense that we perceive them. There is nothing magical about quantum behavior, but if people won't listen to Feynmann and Heisenberg, then nothing can be done. It's true, people don't understand QM, but a person can. Break free to understand that scrodinger's equation is a PDF. The cat is alive or dead depending on how long it was in the box (you already know the cat was put in there with a radioactive particle). QT happens because of the outlying probability that an energized particle can achieve enough energy to escape the "well" of it's energetic position. Feynmann called attention to the principle of quantum energy. The principle being that which we know of quanta. People just don't get it, that's why I threw that out there. The cat is most definitely alive or dead depending on how long it was in there.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

He should of explained the double slit experiment. That's the one that turned me full nerd. I still love it and the hoops they went through to try to debunk the madness of it all.

[@raghu45]

Thank you! Those three examples - ripples disappearing at a stick, an oft bouncing ball just goes thru the board, & my inability to spin both ways at once - really drove home in my mind what the scientists mean by the weird behaviours of quantum particles.

[@HebattallahHosny]

"Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication" - Leonardo Da Vinci ... Thank you for proving him right, Dominic.. +1 or may I say +inifinty!

[@sukanya3411]

He is a physicist , writer and filmmaker! very cool

[@valentinexavier9278]

The experience he talks about at the beginning - I had it just now while watching this.

[@lanorawest4251]

I have been trying to follow the concept of Quantum Physics and it eluded me completely; until now! Thank you Dominic Walliman!

[@khaledamin8652]

Awesome I usually don't comment on any videos , but this one has grabbed my attention in a beautiful way .

[@redblade43]

Well, you cannot be seven-years-old, otherwise you would have fallen asleep to this boring lecture.

[@mehname8597]

he grabbed me in a beautiful way too ;3

[@Fr0z3n_3ar]

khaled Amin wow NOT ME

[@Fr0z3n_3ar]

Redblade FACTZ

[@fairyheartfillia3855]

13:46 and that's why I explain EVERYTHING when I am talking to someone

[@KingaGorski]

I'm glad this came up for me again in the feed - worth the second viewing! So simply explained and a great way to start with the basics for anyone new to these ideas.

[@tomarmstrong1281]

As a lifelong flight instructor, I arrived at a point where I realised that much of my time was being wasted because it became apparent that some students did not understand what they had been supposedly taught. It was only by asking them to explain a 'this or that' fundamental aspect of, say, the effects of the interaction of the flight controls that they were deficient in their understanding. It became part of my instruction regime to constantly ask for feedback to determine their level of understanding and to appreciate that most deficiencies were attributable to poor teaching or lack of consolidation.

[@fran444ify]

Thank you for your excellent speech! You remind me a bit of Dr. Brian Cox, my hero! I have always been curious about space but my math skills are horrendous. I would be at the grade 7 level for your quantum physics books. :) Do you give lectures or teach a class for people with great wonderment about the world with relatively little knowledge of the science behind it? After I watched the movie, 'What the Bleep do we Know," I've been hooked on wanting to know more about quantum physics.

[@jasonmonette4516]

I really wish I'd known you when I was 7 so I could read his books at that age. I've been very interested in science, especially quantum physics, for a very long time and I still love it all! I'm 14 now so I may be a bit too old for his books, but I think I can still learn a lot from them. I'm exited to have an efficient source to learn from, it's hard to find things I can understand on the internet.

[@jasonmonette4516]

Youn Gu thanks for the info but what I meant by too old for his books are that I no longer just want the basics I want to learn more about the specifics and I've already begun. I'm already a grade ahead of about half my high school classes (including math) and I'm already learning trigonometry. What I want is a way I can continue with my interests further because I can't do grade 11 math yet because technically I'm still in grade 9. That's what I often use the internet and books like his for. The only problem is that when I do this research my findings are often at university level which I don't understand. So I'm looking for and in between level for people interested like me. I had the same problem when I was younger and more be learned a lot more now but I can still learn some things from some simpler books too.

[@alexandersanchez9138]

Jason M, if you want to really learn quantum physics you're going to need linear algebra and differential equations, which will require calculus. My suggestion is to just dive in now. The material won't get easier, you'll just get older, so just start now. Use Apostol's Calculus, Volumes 1 & 2 (which will cover enough linear algebra and differential equations that you will intelligently be able to look for reference later). Take them with you everywhere and learn them completely. Once you've done that, pick up Dirac's quantum mechanics text and start parsing.

[@agentrikamcgee]

I find that KZbin is just as good as books as a starting point for studying anything. My usual go-to is Crash Course, which covers topics like the sciences, literature and history at the AP level (some schools actually show these in their classes!), college level courses like philosophy, psychology, and even just random things like gaming and intellectual property. Plus, it's hosted and produced by the Vlogbrothers, two of the sanest, most legitimately awesome people on KZbin, with financial support from the Nerdfighters, their equally awesome fans. They're currently airing a series on physics, but I'm not sure they'll go into quantum mechanics. In any case you might want to check it out :)

[@AhsimNreiziev]

+Jason M My suggestion is a bit different from others, because I would suggest *staying away* from Mathematics for as long as possible, at least when you're dealing with Physics. Mathematics can still be very interesting and cool in it's own right! But for Physics, I find that being able to form at least *some* sort of picture in one's head is best for understanding the subject -- Maths gets too abstract too fast, and then you'll be left calculating intricate sums _[which some may find very rewarding work; don't get me wrong]_, but meanwhile losing the understanding of what it was those numbers *meant* in the first place. So, instead, I'd suggest starting with Veratasium's excellent video series on Quantum Mechanics.

[@denisblack9897]

i'm 33 and i'm having a blast, dont get so serious, son :D

[@devonseamoor]

Gosh, this is helpful and neatly done. I like the fact that Dominic ends his sentences, or statements, with a slight stretching of the word, which is very pleasant to help focussing and also that my attention completes the former and can make the jump to the next statement.

[@kristinahkrush1134]

Not what I expected given the title but it’s informative and well done. As a communications major who has thought of advocating for science and technology, I feel super inspired by his words. “1. Start off in a good place (of understanding). 2. Don’t go too far down the rabbit hole. 3.Clarity beats accuracy. 4. Explain why you think it’s cool.”

[@ElvenWisdom]

I agree! In an advanced society, quantum physics would be taught at an early age. This world would be very different if quantum physics was more widespread in education.

[@ChristophKustler]

I'm 7 years old, and I didn't understand a word.

[@deniseblu297]

Christoph Küstler study follow your interest. all will unravel

[@ChristophKustler]

Woah!

[@redblade43]

Ted talks are getting much worse; he looks like some idiotic scruff that has been picked of the street!

[@Rdebeauvoir1]

you are not suppose to if we stay away from the propaganda...

[@chasehull5360]

Keep going with it. Most 7 year olds aren’t actually interested in physics. Your going places if you stick with quantum mechanics

[@48eveyenia]

I am so interested in science and ol biology and I would love to learn more about quantum physics but it’s always explained in such a complex way : wish I could meet you and learn from you Dom that would be so great . Keep doing what you do 😊

[@Hemiwellness]

Bro, when I first started watching the video, I didn't think much of it. As you were talking it was very easy to understand all the points you have mentioned. I can honestly say solid points !