Stanford Professor Andrei Linde celebrates physics breakthrough

Assistant Professor Chao-Lin Kuo surprises Professor Andrei Linde with evidence that supports cosmic inflation theory. The discovery, made by Kuo and his colleagues at the BICEP2 experiment, represents the first images of gravitational waves, or ripples in space-time. These waves have been described as the "first tremors of the Big Bang."
Producer: Bjorn Carey
Video: Kurt Hickman
For more on the discovery, see: news.stanford.edu/news/2014/ma...

[@sorenragsdale]

What's most amazing and touching about his reaction is Andrei Linde's skepticism. Even when presented with concrete proof of his life's work he asks "What if I am tricked? What if I believe this just because it is beautiful?" This is the mark of a true scientist - the commitment not to his own beliefs, but to the reality behind them.

[@avatarnang5803]

You sir, have your head screwed on tightly, i respect that :) I totally thought the same thing. I do not to start hate or anything, like everyone has their own beliefs and opinions, but just me, myself personally, couldn't have my faith and belief stored souly on blind faith, and believe something because thats what history has told, humans aren't the most trustworthy creatures, they like to exagurate and lie about things, which effectively leads to history being told differently, just like a big game of 'Chinese Whispers'. i like to have an open mind and think, "what is really out there? beyond just us and our planet, and solar system? what other life is there? surely we cannot be the only inhabited planet?" the universe is a strange, wonderful, mysterious and beautiful place, larger than any of our minds can even begin to comprehend. That is why it facinates me so much, I can't wait for even more groundbreaking discoveries in the future :D

[@zombieinjeans]

And clearly he was right to be skeptical.

[@hottiesoe87]

@@zombieinjeans why clearly?

[@pesimeon]

@@hottiesoe87 It came out a few months later that there was a serious error in the analysis. There was no evidence of inflation.

[@onebluenineTV]

A real scientist!

[@peaslee12918]

He taught a physics course I took at Stanford, and it was clear he was a genius. His exam questions reflected that too.... Much to my dismay.

[@blainj5687]

If I had a dime for every time someone came to my door and said, "Its 5 Sigma at 0.2"

[@DdogPlaysGames]

When his wife said "Discovery", it was so much pure emotion in one word, gave me such great goosebumps. That's a one of a kind moment.

[@McWigan]

The emotion from his wife is just awesome... She's clearly seen first hand how much time and work he put into his research all the time... I don't know whose reaction I like the most...

[@vazzmatazz]

This.

[@homicidal_duck]

I mean she's also a professor of physics - she understands the gravity of the discovery as much as he does

[@McWigan]

@@homicidal_duck Thank you for telling me, I think I assumed because he seems to specifically want to tell Professor Andrei, but I shouldn't have jumped to the conclusion she didn't know what was being said.

[@theincubus313]

In 2021 this is still one of my favorite videos on all of KZbin

[@kalebh3419]

Keep in mind that most scientist don't live long enough to see their theories be proven in their lifetime, this was a HUGE ass deal.

[@jordanlewis9822]

thanks official guy to tell us that

[@imnotdavid7954]

+Kaleb H this was einstein's theory tho

[@lizzyholloway150]

+imnotdavid Gravitational Waves were theorized by Einstein not Inflation

[@olivernorth7418]

That's just not true at all lmaooooo

[@Celestial65]

Their reaction is so touching. She is clearly brilliant and so warm and when it really hits him, the look on her face is so happy and genuine. And he is just so grateful and thrilled. Chao-Lin Kuo must be happy to be the one to deliver the news first.

[@dakinithree]

This is absolutely astonishing! My Sincere Congratulations to Andrei Linde, Renata Kallosh & Chao-Lin Kuo ... the look on Renata Kallosh's face ... the momentary look of anguish and gratitude ... Andrei Linde's reaction ... after years of extraordinary toil and believing in something beautiful that may be a myth. An extraordinary moment to see this Redemption! ... Simply Beautiful ...

[@adeshpoz1167]

Truly! 👏👏👏👏👏❤

[@BigScreenViewing]

Even as a lay person I understand that this is like telling a blindfolded cartographer circling over an area in a plane for forty years that the island he's been drawing does indeed exist beneath him. I can only imagine the joy of having such a massive theory proven through discovery. The same type of joy seen in Prof. Kallosh a 0:51. Congratulations to you, Professor Linde and the entire research team.

[@paulatiredofthisshit]

I have no idea what Kuo was telling him at the door, but the look on his face when he realized his life had changed was just adorable!!

[@calliope720]

I love how Renata Kallosh is immediately stricken by the gravity of the discovery and you can see it just wash over her when she goes to hug the messenger. But even more, I love Linde, at 0:50, questioning, processing, finally comprehending, and then almost passing out on his front porch. Such a beautiful moment of validation. And, I must add, the smile and the "thank you" at 2:24 are among the most genuine things I've ever seen from a human.

[@miracleofsound]

Uplifting and magical. How lucky we are to be able to say 'I was alive when people learned how to view the beginning of the universe and time expanding'. His wife's face at 0.50 says it all, so much emotion & joy in discovery & knowledge. It's a beautiful and wondrous thing, this universe we live in.

[@brujauncharted122]

The look on his face. Wanting to believe what he heard but questioning it at the same time. What a great moment for him and lovely to witness it as well. Well done Sir!

[@gmshadowtraders]

There's just something magical about this, to be told by your peers that you are right. All those years of hard work culminating in acceptance at last. Few moments like this are ever captured. Very well done.

[@symmetriesleonardo]

gmshadowtraders pó

[@MariaVosa]

Also - the cutest professor couple ever! I can just imagine the nerdy physics small talk going on over supper at their home. Hope we get to see both at the Nobel Prize banquet in the near future.

[@bsjcho]

0:32 - 0:59 Such a powerful, emotional moment. Thank you Stanford and the parties involved for filming this.

[@EXQCmoi]

Confirmed or not, Andrei Linde is an adorable person.

[@JVIPER88]

Imagine what the greatest minds in our world could accomplish if they were given the same financial support as the guys who go around shooting things, and destroying everything.

[@TalanWH]

Its very true. It is also true that running around shooting things also makes much more money for the greedy elite. If the average man gets too smart the elite lose the money in their pockets.

[@mzenji]

somewhat true.. but on the other hand building things that shoot things is how we make sure the things we paid to discover work LOL. I kid of course.

[@explodingstardust]

7-Eleven In this

[@maximilliandirnfeld2442]

they wouldnt accomplish annything

[@deeptochatterjee532]

Maximillian Dirnfeld Except you know complete our understanding of the whole fucking universe. But no, let's focus on the cosmically insignificant rival countries.

[@GioGarnada]

i love how he remains skeptic even though he was being skeptic about something that helps prove his theory. that's a true scientist right there

[@gostraighthrough]

This is a beautiful moment. And congratulation to those responsible for social media at Stanford University who captured this moment and shared it with us. That's how you make science look relevant and important. Well done!

[@SteveGraber]

Most of us have probably already read the news of the discovery of evidence supporting the theory of cosmic inflation. This new found evidence goes a long ways towards validation of the big bang and gravitational waves. The thought that humans have this capacity to theorize and validate such monumental scientific knowledge overwhelms my emotional capacity at the moment. This particular video makes that discovery so personal. Just pay attention to the reaction from Prof. Linde's wife. Absolutely Priceless.

[@havz0r]

And he fucking thought of it back in '76!

[@codykimmel]

Because of course she is a physicist too. She knows exactly what the moment portends. Beyond beautiful.

[@CyPorter]

Wonderful moment in history.

[@johnclavis]

To realize such personal fulfillment. I'm honored to witness it.

[@funatall20s]

These people have changed the course of humanity. Respect!

[@DJFuZionDnB]

The reaction of for both him & his wife are absolutely priceless. You can feel the joy as the penny drops. A fantastic moment captured forever.

[@cmhiekses]

Except it was actually just light bouncing off dust. :(

[@wronski11]

Actually, it turned out that the BICEPT 2 data was caused by interstellar dust noise and the discovery was acknowledged as invalid. You should put some updates on that.

[@munshihmrahat7266]

I can watch it for thousand times I never get tired of....

[@karpcalmari4628]

This thing has been proven incorrect: www.space.com/28423-cosmic-inflation-signal-space-dust.html But we haven't seen a follow up video where Standford knocks on the door of Andrei and telling him about that.

[@lebasson]

... and then come back a few years later "nope, turns out we were wrong!"

[@Sebach82]

I wish Stanford would update the video description.

[@NeedsEvidence]

"This is a moment of understanding of nature of such a magnitude that it just overwhelms."-Well said, Andrei Linde. This is the cosmos evolving and becoming aware of itself and gradually understanding its own origins through its children, humans. One of the moments in science which give me goose bumps.

[@CheckDare]

How wonderful for the professor and his wife! You did a good thing, Professor Chao-Lin. Thank you for letting us watch.

[@janifaferguson]

...inspirational, and also the generous and most beautiful support of Prof Renata Kallosh.

[@rafael.frigori]

"Dust in the wind, Everything was dust in the wind" (Kansas) 2019, and still r

[@rogerdotlee]

You know, it's REALLY good to see something like this come along every once in a while. It proves that the world isn't chock full of suck ALL the time

[@manthasagittarius1]

Love the associate professor's delivery: "r equals .2, plus or minus .05". I'm teaching writing for the sciences this term, and this is the perfect illustration for precision of language being the most powerful thing we have. "Awesome" or "incredible" or "mind-blowing" don't come close to it. Loved her reaction -- first hug the messenger, then hold up the man when he starts to sag.

[@vkauffman4881]

:) lovely

[@LordLOC]

As a former Physics student back in College, this brought tears to my eyes. I remember when I was about, oh, 8 or so and this stuff started being talked about on the Science shows I used to watch as a kid etc. Must have been an incredible moment for both of them. Congratulations!

[@At0micPunk90]

It must be an indescribable feeling when one's life's work in science is finally validated.

[@missionpupa]

These are the people who change the world, in which their accomplishments hovers under the public view. Thanks for posting this.

[@timothylocke-theoldhonkeyr2398]

Lies never create change for the good.

[@jamessams1854]

Timothy Locke We know, The Bible and every Holy book proved that, just look at the Crusades.

[@Corythosaurus8]

Timothy Locke Yeah, religion does cause a lot of problems with its lies. Think of how many people will read about this discovery and the certainty behind it, and they may even question their faith in an invisible moody toddler. Slowly but surely people are waking up and ignoring the fairy tails and learning more about the universe we live in. It's great.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

What a great time to be alive, seeing all these amazing discoveries by amazing people. Scientists like this are the type of people I look up to instead of sports people and singers.

[@johncheves4740]

Great point. It shows that most "famous", (as in widely known), people are not important, and that most truly important people aren't famous. 1000 years from now, who will know or care about the artists and athletes that people follow right now? On the other hand, Linde, whose name is now etched in stone, is now virtually unknown to the masses.

[@TheHydrogen4]

What I am most impress with the video is that his wife knows and understands what is going on and shows interest. The other day I sat down with my wife to watch the first episode of cosmos with Neil deGrasse Tyson, I was so pump up by the first half hour and when I look to my side my wife was sleeping.

[@applerunner]

His wife is a string theorist. That why she knows what going on. Professors tend to marry other the professors.

[@bctopper]

True. Scientist's work revolve around themselves 24/7 so it is easier to be with someone who they can communicate similarly with.

[@ismaelhayden2916]

Well she'd wake up soon enough if she knew you were discussing her "short comings" online! Also if you treat her with the condescension you show in your first sentence (your impressed are you) it's a wonder she is able to stay conscious at all in the face of such pseudo-intellectual self aggrandizement. I wonder the last time your wife was impressed by you? I imagine she feigns wonder at your intellectual prowess as she perhaps does at your sexual prowess. What a life she must have with you... just wonderful!

[@TheHydrogen4]

Ismael Hayden Well wasn't that a mouth full for someone who doesn't know shit about the subject he just brought up.

[@ralfydotcom]

Congratulations Professor, . . . and now the Journey continues to discover the Universe's beyond the range of our human senses.

[@winghong8072]

Yes congratulations indeed. Science done by publicity is most effective....

[@Anomaliayt]

Who in their right mind would dislike a video like this? Truly wonderful.

[@rubengarcia8266]

***** wrong, Christians have no problem with the big bang lol.

[@julianaguirre8009]

Christians. www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/18/how-did-creationists-respond-to-yesterdays-big-news-in-support-of-the-big-bang-theory/

[@rubengarcia8266]

absolutely #ipsilateralful my faith was greatly grown today. man i love science!!!!!

[@rubengarcia8266]

***** hahaha sorry brother ive been a christian a long time and always thought the big bang as probable.

[@MarkfromNewYork]

***** ISLAM

[@casschambre1974]

This almost brought tears to my eyes.

[@sherryw1919]

Yes c.s., really enjoyed this myself. So happy for him! Think it may still be sinking in lol :D

[@casschambre1974]

Want to know what he means when he says "It's 5 sigma r at point 2"? check this out The Theory of Everything...A Little Bit Closer

[@sherryw1919]

I knew critically needed info (proof) was just reaching us from the initial cosmic inflation, but I learned more from this vid you linked. Thnx c.s. briar!

[@Yithmas]

Science, beauty and humanity :-) And the joy!

[@Mopki3]

I just love how at 0:39 both of their faces get serious.

[@YR2050]

5σ means 5 standard deviations, repeating experiments would give the same result 99.9999% of the time. r is a more complicated term, which is better explained by a comment below. 5σ is the acceptable probability value in physics. Congratulation to them! Also thanks to mogget03 for correcting what r is.

[@mogget03]

That's not what r is. It's the tensor to scalar perturbation ratio which is related to the amplitude of of the gravitational waves caused by inflation.

[@jsmith5052]

mogget03 Yeah I was like "An R of .2, that data sucks ass..." thanks for clearing that up.

[@deeptochatterjee532]

I would say 5σ is more like P(z>5σ) is the probability that their results are insignificant (that the null hypothesis is true)

[@Metlhed420]

His reaction is so wonderful. The disbelief turned to happiness. After he asked for the 3rd repeat, I was smiling from ear to ear. What a victory for science, to see Professor Linde get the recognition he so clearly deserves, and has had coming to him for 30 years. Congratulations Professor!

[@toresbe]

I can't stop rewatching this. Thanks so much to the good guy who thought of bringing a camera to document this!

[@darkmage07070777]

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have an entire lifetime of hard work, meticulous testing and experimentation be confirmed in a single moment? I got a glimpse of that watching this video. Bravo to everyone involved with this discovery!

[@hoplahey]

Congratulations to Andrei Linde on the coming 2014 physics nobel price!

[@KodiakAlpha]

When Professor Linde breaks it down in layman's terms it totally makes sense…

[@Xerock]

No idea what the guy is talking about, but dammit, I love the emotion. Validation comes so rarely in life, especially to those that spend a lifetime int he mathematically plausible.

[@ShonkyAdonis]

Roberto Cantú Wow, thanks for that impressively concise explanation. It was very helpful.

[@Roxidius]

Did I just witness scientific history in the making? :o :o

[@FranciscoPuentes]

Real great people always look modest. Congratulations profesor Linde and experimental team at South Pole, thanks for this gift of knowledge.

[@EndQuarkConfinement]

The excitement and happiness in their voices is so contagious :)

[@LinguisticTeamInternational]

Priceless reaction and so heartwarming! Congratulations, Professor

[@akositonton]

So funny the video transition between the professor saying "POINT 2" and the popping of the wine. AWESOME! They might have felt that same way when the Higgs boson was found. :)

[@exscape]

The professor in question is famous for his predictions about inflation, so this is probably way bigger for him than the Higgs! Hell, he might even win a Nobel prize, who knows?

[@akositonton]

Ya! :D

[@jefftennis3907]

How awesome! Professor Linde was about to cry at :52 and held it together! The joy on his face to know the theory he helped propose was vindicated! I love science.

[@MrLittletube]

both of there faces when they clicked brought a tear to my eye

[@superhund14]

Most of all, I admire his honesty in emotions.

[@TomLeedsTheAtheist]

I've watched this a few times because for a geek like me this is a great feel good movie. But I can never decide who more excited, Chao-Lin to give the news, Andrei or his wife.

[@chrisgurney2467]

It is brilliant innit? I saw this thru Sci-Show and I did have a moment :)

[@breakfastenjoyer]

Absolutely fantastic! I was elated to see such fervent joy.

[@steppinbysse8462]

I love the reaction of this humble man. What a wonderful moment to witness as a common human being.

[@AudoricArt]

I love that his wife knew what the guy was talking about immediately. that's the sign of an amazing marriage.

[@crazycarolyn]

Funny that was the exact same thought I had! what a smart pair

[@mkitahara]

She’s a professor of physics at Stanford, just like her husband.

[@AudoricArt]

shared interests = an amazing mariage

[@EehAmanda]

@@AudoricArt She herself is a Physics professor. It's far more than a shared interest.

[@Thecriticguy16]

Congratulations! Professor Andrei Linde.

[@AwesomeCrackDealer]

You can feel the happiness in this guy. Brought tears to my eyes. Great, great moment caught on video.

[@stiimuli]

Someone please send this to Ken Ham.

[@jeffyeh4592]

he already said no evidence can ever convince him, its a lost cause.

[@theMstanglover]

I'm more eager to see what William Lane Craig has to say. He'll probably just repeating his lil Kalam just because he has realized he can get enough delusional people to buy his books.

[@stiimuli]

theMstanglover WLC already accepts big bang cosmology and the age of the universe.

[@Khelevandros]

Her reaction was priceless... it truly lightens my heart to see such joy, such relief, on not one, but two people's faces. I wish, with everything that I am, that I get to feel that kind of joy one day...

[@SNESdrunk]

0:52 The exact opposite of the Ralph Wiggum "you can see his heart rip in half" moment

[@Christopher_TG]

Nothing is more meaningful to a scientist than knowing that your life's work has been validated. Beautiful human moment to add to this momentous discovery.

[@luigifan16132]

AAAHHHHH,This makes me SO happy! After all of those years,he has finally found hardcore proof of his theory,he looks so happy! This is what the science community needed,this is what the secularists needed,this is truly a wonderful day :3

[@perplehaze112]

I truly enjoy scientists reactions to discovery or validation. This was great

[@someamorplease]

This right here is why I wish I paid attention in science. No but seriously I wish I had the intelligence level to be able to work on and be a part of this kind of amazing discovery.

[@roneyb111]

I'm so happy they thought to capture this moment on film so we could all share in it. So beautiful.

[@demonkitti27]

The joy on their faces is contagious. :')

[@BuGGyBoBerl]

Two things i have to say: 1. stop answering the guys who talk about god. the only reason why they spam every scientific video is because we respond to them. And we all know talking and arguments wont change their mind, 2. What a great discovery and what a great thing to see the joy of an humble man like him.

[@ShiroKage009]

"It's 5 sigma at .2" "Discovery?" "yes." *hugs* This is freaking awesome.

[@Drag0nR1der]

That was beautiful! How fabulous to be able to share that moment. :)

[@123tube456]

Watching their reaction and especially Dr. Renata's face brought me to tears. Congratulations! And much respect.

[@isakoqv]

This was beautiful. Can't imagine what they must feel.

[@ln5321]

The ultimate lesson in why you don't get full of yourself and celebrate and claim victory before you're sure.

[@augustus6660]

What have 409 people POSSIBLY have seen wrong in this video. This is as PURE joy, achievement, happiness and a work done right as it gets.

[@franceshaypenny8481]

The satisfaction and joy must feel indescribable. Thank you Dr. Linde!

[@N0odlzOodlz]

i feel like i just watched textbook history being made

[@thatjenvargas]

I hope to one day know this feeling... Congrats Professor!

[@user-su9mo9jw2n]

he was so surprised and his face was full of light ^^

[@dannysulyma6273]

How fantastic for them to still be alive to hear the conformation of an old idea, and for us that we got to watch them enjoy the moment of discovery. Too cool.

[@kevinzywicki7871]

lol at Professor Linde's comment at 1:00 Professor Linde: "We wern't expecting anybody, it's probably some kind of delivery. Did you order anything? Yeah I ordered 30 years ago and finally it arrived."

[@blackjack8484]

Wasn’t this disproven?

[@GKinslayer]

No

[@michelelevi3904]

Yes it was. In fact that's an example for how to do irresponsible science

[@Luca-vo1fk]

Yes :D

[@tejasbondre8229]

Thank you, the maker and uploader of this video! such exhilaration, much beauty!

[@peterjricci]

I love the way he still doubts, distrusts his motives and goes only where the evidence takes him!

[@dacypher22]

Can you please upload the whole doorstep video? It cut right when it was beginning to sink in, which is sad.

[@Pedrodg1961]

Gente como esta son las que realmente le dan sentido a la humanidad.

[@Blablablarandomguy]

I hardly see an old man so happy! Congratulations Andre Lindei!

[@eggbert123123123]

1.2 million views in 2 days. AWESOME! And a very human side of physics. Congrats to the teams that did the work and Linde and Alan Guth of MIT

[@KateeAngel]

One more brilliant scientist who moved abroad cause our country cannot support science

[@ec0n1n0thuman]

Stanford weather is also a bit nicer than Moscow.

[@KateeAngel]

Mwhaah! Putin invests only in his PR and gazprom company, which uses resources of the country

[@KateeAngel]

Economy based only on gas and oil cannot be always stable. Plus the gazprom doesnt care about well being of people or about preserving nature. And our oligarchic government too. We are richer in terms of GDP per capita, but it doesnt take into account the unevenly distributed wealth. Many people are very poor just because wealth is concentrated among few richest groups of people. Plus, for a country with relatively big GDP per capita we still have enormous mortality rate, very small life expectancy, big percent of alcoholics and drug addicts etc

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

If it doesn't get me more channels on my satellite, or cures cancer, or makes my erection last twice as long, then good riddance. This is the kind of science that is meaningless, because it has no effect on anything at all. I met a "scientist" once who specialized in the study of the mating habits of the African horned beetle. Not the Asian horned beetle, but the African. He is living his life in utter peace and harmony, soaking up valuable grant money so desperately needed by real problems. And when one grant runs dry. he cons another university onto funding more of his "research". And there are thousands more like him out there, just kicking back, skating through life without a real purpose. If you're country is losing these purveyors of snake oil, then you are fortunate. We here in America are supporting too many of these deadbeats.

[@MrGreFunky]

Danny Criss I think everything new we discover is worth it. Every bit of knowledge we can gather will only better us as a species. When you really think about it, everything in this Universe is beautiful. Galaxies, Stars and Planets. Seas, Storms and life itself. To think that today we live in the craziest most unimaginable place ever, where the particles that form the person you are and everything you see around you were created in the center of stars. Thoughts and ideas that spark out of nothingness, which then manifest into the technology we see in our every day world. I don't see anything better to spend the money on.

[@WorldsOfWalsh]

Now... I think we've found them... gravitational waves, have been found.

[@jayanthkumar7964]

You have to feel for Professor Linde. He devoted 30 years of his life to this, and he was misled with this discovery.

[@NeedsEvidence]

Linde's prediction still stands but hasn't been discovered as yet. BICEP2's result was premature (the background due to dust was underestimated), but Planck did not rule out primordial gravitational waves but set an upper sensitivity limit.

[@jayanthkumar7964]

Yup, i mean he felt it was discovered, and must have been let down.

[@AustinPinheiro_uniquetexthere]

+Jayanth Kumar at the end, i think he knew it couldve been wrong, i know its a but dissapointing but it was prematuire for a reason, most scientists dont live long enough as anohter comment saud (sorry for bad speling#)

[@MrDulguN]

+Austin Pinheiro Rejoice! Its coming!!!! ITS COMING!!!

[@redners11]

I think his let-down would've been easily accepted by himself. even in this video, he clearly knows it could bullshit. that's my favorite part about scientists, even when their own work is purportedly proven, they still think it's bullshit. nothing is more humble than that

[@TheRaysWay1]

makes me teary eyed just to see, congratulations Professor!