StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries - Medieval Science and History

When you think Middle Ages, does scientific advancement pop into your head? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, we’re exploring the science and history of medieval times as Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries with Seb Falk, Cambridge Historian of Science and author of The Light Ages: The Surprising Story of Medieval Science.
Quite a lot happened during the Middles Ages and we start with a brief history. Seb tells us how incremental improvements to science occurred during this time. Find out how science functioned in an age of mysticism and miracles. We discuss “natural magic.” Discover more about the storytelling of medieval maps.
We explore the invention of the mechanical clock. You’ll investigate the importance of monasteries for educational thinking and how they led to the establishment of medieval universities. Seb explains why, despite common misconceptions, biblical literalism was not popular during the Middle Ages and is a fairly new idea.
You’ll learn about the transition from Roman numerals to Hindu-Arabic numerals. How important was the cosmos during medieval times? Seb tells us why the real science was happening amongst astronomers. Lastly, we contemplate the lessons that can be learned from studying the past. All that, plus, we ask, is science intuitive to our species?
Thanks to our Patrons Trumpet Wom', Xavier Sims, Rhys Smith, Michael Fournier, Saawan Patel, Gary Wight, Chris K Samuel, Carson Haynes, Adrian Hernandez, and Sanchit Monga for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
Support us on Patreon: / startalkradio
About the prints that flank Neil in this video:
"Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver inuit.com/.
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

[@ElMichelaxo]

I’m a historian, and the fact that Neil DeGrasse Tyson is so curious about the past, it’s heartwarming 💜

[@shpongle7322]

Always wanted to major in history. Just afraid there’s not many opportunities if you don’t wanna teach

[@rajatsingh2956]

I have always maintained that the past defines our present, and the present defines our future. Shout out to all historians trying to present things without the help of the main protaganists. 🙏

[@MrPinkster1]

If you dont understand the past how can you understand the future 🤔

[@hanrockyhalim8401]

Science is always more interesting when you look at the history of all discovery

[@therealm232]

@@rajatsingh2956 How about time on earth is dilated by 0.1sec. Because time is bombarded with frequencies. The reason Corona is happening is to allow nature and humanity to rest. We force the earth into 0.1 error. 1.1s 66.6s 66.6m 22.2h 333.3days. Everything And I mean everything works of magnetic equator. The sun is not part of the earth's calendar. The moon is part of the earth. The sun isnt. Why do u think we still use the moon rules.

[@vishnuselvaraj4201]

Blessed are those who live to listen to Neil deGrasse Tyson.

[@alexanderjackson8389]

Lived? Is this a covid joke? 🤔

[@Asslover1234]

that is so true

[@vishnuselvaraj4201]

@@alexanderjackson8389 sorry, typing mistake

[@--ART3MIS--]

cursed are those who listen to... the other guy!

[@mrlowie5728]

@@Asslover1234 p0

[@holygroove2]

This was the best Star Talk that I've heard, ever. Many of the episodes have interesting guests, but Seb's conclusions and observations are quite relevant for today, as in 2020-21. Tyson let Seb speak much more than other guests, and the comedic person barely spoke. I think that Seb should come back sooner rather than later, and it could be a longer episode.

[@montanamike7948]

agreed less comedy more science

[@holygroove2]

@@montanamike7948 We need both today because people have become too vitriolic about science. This video had the right balance in this instance, IMO.

[@eriktorres7895]

The comedic person 😂

[@paul4280]

Need chuck :(((

[@greenewatson4867]

Get that guy on again. That was one of the best Star Talks I've heard in a long time!

[@jamesaz637]

جالبه که کمترین رفرنسی به نزدیک شدن به انقلاب علمی در خاورمیانه نشد! با این که موضوع این بار همین بود. باز هم تنها به شرح مزخرفات همیشگی پرداختند و نه از خیام (که بهترین و دقیق ترین گاهشماری تاریخ را بیش از نهصد سال پیش تقویم کرد و نه از خوارزمی و نه از خواجه نصیر توسی و دیگران اسمی برده نشد. انصافا خود تایسن چند بار ذکر کرده بود (از پیش) ولی آن جوانک انگلیسی هیچ علاقه ای به واقعیات تاریخی نشان نداد.

[@pedrofmbs]

Seb needs to start a podcast. This was great.

[@gabesegun7966]

Maybe Seb doesn’t want to. Greed and capitalism

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

Sebass doesn't have a podcast yet?

[@Deviator_]

Neil is the king of "Don't get me started"... then gets started

[@FlareDarkStormGem]

Neil is the king of "Oh look you got me started"

[@Silhouex]

It's like Bruce Banner started transforming while saying, "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry..."

[@alexjara2302]

Neil "don't talk while I am interrupting you" Tyson....Still love Dr Tyson Lol, such a role model

[@cran9on495]

I thought I was the only one that noticed 🤣🤣

[@homonaledi5024]

He ruins his interviews this way.

[@homonaledi5024]

@@lordviperscorpion3271 fair point

[@fuckthisbs]

@@lordviperscorpion3271 So? Hes the host, its just basic manners. Talk show hosts do this a lot, the bad ones.

[@Joe-xf5ot]

I think he does it when he has something he really wants to contribute or when he knows he's smarter than the person he's interrupting lol

[@j-dubb614]

Yay a crossover between my two favorite subjects, history and science!

[@ljubiteljcrtica4973]

Me too

[@liquidbraino]

The history of science is fascinating. Reading a book right now which is specifically about the birth of modern science calling "The Invisible College".

[@davidevans3227]

🙂 x

[@andrewoccleshaw359]

Great episode. Best invention in the middle ages was the mechanical clock. An improved device who's predecessor maybe the antikytheran machine from the Greeks. Who's with me?

[@greenmachine5600]

the Arab engineer Ibn Khalaf al-Muradi in Islamic Iberia in the 11th century, he invented this amazing geared clock. it was a water clock that employed a complex gear train mechanism, including both segmental and epicyclic gearing, capable of transmitting high torque. The clock was unrivalled in its use of sophisticated complex gearing, until the mechanical clocks of the mid-14th century

[@wlodell]

My grandfather who had a sense of curiosity about nearly everything used to say, “The more I learn, the less I know”.

[@ericparrish1515]

The more I know the less I learn

[@rajatsingh2956]

One of the best Star-talk episodes ever. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

Seb and this discussion--utterly brilliant! Can't wait to read Seb's book.

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

@Jack King Thanks! Listening to it, now, and it's terrific--esp. if you're a history nerd like me.

[@Velganice]

I could listen to Seb talk about history and science of the middle ages for hours. Definitely makes me want to get his book because everything he discussed was fascinating.

[@rebeccastephanie2428]

neil making a happy face when seb falk said that the astronomers are the first people to use hindu-arabic numberals IS EVERYTHING. what a geek. i love this man 😍

[@99PTR99]

Neil, I love you man but you and Chuck need to let people finish their sentences 😆

[@Alex-fy7sc]

I agree ... but ... When neil interrupts usually adds something to the conversation but sometimes when Chuck interrupts it's a bit too much. I love them both and i learned a lot of things from Neil. At this point i think it's a meme for us fans for this, at first i kept noticing this and thinking it hurts the show but honestly that never happens and i enjoy it. I understand it's a more casual conversation and i bet 99% of viewers (included me and probably you) and most of the guests manage but there were a couple interviews where the guests looked annoyed. No one is perfect and i think we should be grateful for the knowledge Neil provides us and Chuck is the cherry on top of the cake. Happy holidays!

[@ViratKohli-jj3wj]

@@Alex-fy7sc bro you are great. Happy holidays

[@mcdoraq44]

@@Alex-fy7sc he can do that without interruption

[@keepgoing1973]

Neil interrupts everyone.

[@scy1038]

Imagine wanting a genius to let an average mind finish their average thought.

[@jeffs6090]

I'm surprised Neil didn't do a short video (perhaps one of his explainers) on the Jupiter Saturn conjunction this week.

[@mavfan1]

Perhaps because he knew it’d be much less impressive than people were led to believe.

[@jackhkf1419]

He did mention it in end of 2020

[@robertbrowning7925]

Its coming......

[@windmedic]

Maybe because he’s an astrophysicist and not an astronomer?

[@mnichols1979]

We need a Star Talk where Neil just rips apart every Disney line he didn't like.

[@HisameArtwork]

Also Anna from frozen I think she liked to walk on the streets. I suspect these lines were written by new yorkers cuz we all know the "space in California" XD

[@billyt8868]

he clearly needs to rewatch them first though cuz he was reeeeeeally confidently incorrect about sebastian being a hermit crab.

[@mnichols1979]

@@billyt8868 hermit crab is definitely closer than lobster. Lol but yeah, that "you didn't know that?" line really didn't help lol

[@davidevans3227]

he does seem to watch a lot of film and tv lol

[@however_science]

Merry Christmas everyone!😘

[@HerbalistMax]

Merry Christmas, All!

[@alexanderjackson8389]

That's offensive!! It's Happy Holidays! 😡

[@ilarious5729]

Hyvää joulua 🎄⛄

[@julescagliostro9275]

Happy Newton Day!!!! Kinda...

[@davidjuneja]

Merry Christmas.🎅🎅🎁🎄🎄🎄

[@michaelsavides8856]

Same too you!!

[@yi9621]

This was another brilliant #StarTalk! Yet, understanding science history is as important as it is today's understanding of science. Please, develop on this thread! My regards,

[@paulyb1399]

Perfect way to spend a hot, sunny Christmas day... listening to Startalk with a full belly!

[@rajatsingh2956]

We just had a blizzard here in Minneapolis. Temperature is -24 Celcius. I could say, a perfect way to spend a bitterly cold, white Christmas eve! 😛

[@paulyb1399]

@@rajatsingh2956 greetings from the land under

[@lovelywaz]

As long as new things were "invented" during Medieval times, science was there too! They may not have called it "science" and may have even referred to some of the things as "magic" or "work of the devil" but by definition, science was well present back then too.

[@liquidbraino]

Back then it was called Natural philosophy. The first use of the word science was in a book by Giordano Bruno and others caught on later then took credit for his idea. But realistically the concept of invention and using math and geometry to do what would have been otherwise impossible goes back as far as the ancient Egyptians, possibly further. Scientists today still don't know how they built the pyramids.

[@ethericlimerick2992]

I'm thinking that if one could time travel back while avoiding the plague they would be seen as a "Merlin" as well. A quote comes to mind... “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”. Arthur C. Clarke

[@catherinetoomey-flynn1624]

By far one of my favourite StarTalk videos yet! I absolutely love science and history so I was sold on the title. But then the Islamic references thrown in were such wonderful bonuses. I'm a Muslim of ten years now and I like to think I might be Neil's number one Muslim fan. I'm working my way through the entire StarTalk KZbin collection. Started from the oldest video and here I am a few years later!

[@dk-fk4xm]

Oh man what an episode I love it. Epic questions and my heart is racing I don't know why. Might just be because of the excitement haha more of mr medieval guy please.

[@DesertTalk]

Very knowledgeable and interesting guest. I wish he wasn't interrupted so many times.

[@thomasvieth6063]

I think that today's scientists are often running the danger of underestimating people from the past. Folks were not necessarily dumber because they lived long ago. Sometimes, it takes really ages to develop things and ideas. We should be aware that the situation we live in right now is the product of blood, sweat and tears (not to mention earth, wind and fire) of the people before us. I often sense a touch of ridicule in modern scientists, that is completely unjustified.

[@bobbysinger2828]

I watch the documentary "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" So i know what mean a woman weigh as much a duck

[@MitzvosGolem1]

"You must be a man of Science..." LoL

[@alenefitzgerald4454]

But do you know the weight of an unlayden swallow?

[@MitzvosGolem1]

@@alenefitzgerald4454 Afrikan or European?

[@rayzorrayzor9000]

Arh yes the Monty Python team , it’s also my ‘Goto’ for all my Science & History knowledge 😂😂😂

[@Dr.TJ1]

If she weighs the same as a duck, she’s made out of wood, and therefore, a witch!

[@authormichellefranklin]

This was brilliant. Please have Dr Falk on again. I want to know about water clocks!

[@anindyabasak5737]

Great episode indeed. But I felt Neil interrupted too much sometimes not even allowing Seb to finish his point.

[@ishe728]

Yeah he did, but you can tell this episode was moving his curiosity more then usual.

[@anindyabasak5737]

Yeah. That is evident.

[@iwannaseenow1]

it's so frustrating when you can tell the guest is leading towards a thought, then gets interrupted.

[@edualbergaria10]

He always do that :(

[@tihomirbrkic2914]

“Leave him alone”. Skit from Conan with leave him alone guy. Hahaha

[@homewall744]

"Bring out the dead." (Gong) "Bring out the dead." (Gong) Best of times!

[@njones420]

I'm getting better...

[@Jeremy-ms3bd]

Still always learning even with how things are nowadays. The surprise realization of past and present just keeps amazing me. The point of perspective reference through space and time... "For they wash not their hands" comes to mind...

[@CB-pf5lb]

Still not used to this new intro. I keep cranking up the volume cuz I'm expecting sick beats...

[@Magnusfication]

I thought it was just me lol

[@scottjones-singersongwrite6193]

Fascinating. I will buy Seb's book for sure.

[@belectronix]

I love that Neil knows so much but didn’t know that Seb is short for Sebastian

[@donwarbacon7516]

I think he had to take on the comic role also. Buddy is very funny

[@skeller61]

I think you should look at the work of Joseph Needham, a Cambridge scientist who spent much of his life discovering the scientific history of China. Among the things he found (documented in an encyclopedia length set of books) is that the first compass was in China and the first mechanical clock was built in China during the Song dynasty. Also, much of this technology was probably taken along the Silk Road. I just think too many of us view the Greco-Roman, European history as World history, when half the world was discovering a lot of stuff during the last 2000 years. Because the Earth is round, there were people living where the Medieval maps said dragons were there! Just because their discoveries weren't written in English doesn't mean they didn't happen. Also, I can't believe, even when your guest mentioned predicting eclipses and you had discussed King Arthur, you didn't bring up Mark Twain's Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, in which predicting an eclipse is a major part of the plot. I don't think most people would be able to figure it out, when an eclipse happened centuries earlier.

[@pokeslob]

Bought the book, very interesting topic! I couldn’t help but feel Neil was doing exactly what the author was writing against: looking down on/belittling the past. Hopefully this will change that! Side-note: Augustine *DID NOT* take Christianity from a cult to a religion, he was very influential on western theology, but church structures and creeds were already well set in place before Augustine was even born!

[@unitedfools3493]

Unlike today, in medievil times man had figured out that the Earth was a globe.

[@rayzorrayzor9000]

Yes but it was a Woman that first claimed the Earth was Flat , I don’t know her name but apparently she wears pajama bottoms when she goes down the shops and finnishes each sentence with “Ya Know wot I mean”

[@firebert1386]

People have known the earth was "a globe" since the beginning of history. What the heck are you talking about?

[@firebert1386]

@@rayzorrayzor9000 what are babbling about?

[@ghostfenrir2338]

@@firebert1386 There are people alive today who believe the earth is flat. That's what the other two commenters are referencing.

[@firebert1386]

@@ghostfenrir2338 I disagree

[@rohitraj4275]

Hey, do one episode on Indian ancient science pls, it's a bit interesting from aryabhat and different sagas

[@charliesta.abc123]

Couldn't finish this episode. Not cool how Dr Tyson keeps interrupting the guest

[@Blue_3rd]

Excellent chat! Please invite Seb back for a second episode 👍 What Neil said about penmanship is so true. I live in Europe and can say that the vast majority of people I work with are unable to write clearly with a pen, I have to insist that they type everything. It’s sad. PS I just ordered Seb’s book - it looks fascinating!

[@malcolmboy21]

In America we don’t really care about it. But I definitely stress it to my kids to have great penmanship. I tell them if you can’t read it no one else can either so write it neat once or do it 1000 times until you do. I have a third grader and a 6th grader. And both improved their penmanship. It’s very important. Very.

[@Blue_3rd]

@@malcolmboy21 Indeed! A basic life skill, I would say. I was lucky in that regard as my father was a professional calligrapher, so we grew up around fountain pens 😃

[@Dr.RichardBanks]

Chuck really needs to get some sun.

[@mariogastelum1463]

l loved this discussion, the subject matter is very interesting. l feel that Neil interjects more than necessary. l am distracted from the idea being discussed by the interruptions.

[@KeithJohnson.]

Two brilliant Brits (‘Ma people’ in Neil’s voice) and the jewel in Americas crown- Neil, what a match made in heaven. This was brilliant and fascinating 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@greggmacklin4222]

You hit the nail on the head difference in religion and science. One is who the other is how.

[@Mrpassthepeas]

Great topic and invaluable knowledge shared by Sebastian. Surprised and a bit disappointed by the "downgrade" jokes that Neil and the other person (cant remember his name and his contribution to the talk to be fair) did through the whole talk. Hope you are reading all these similar comments down here.

[@cecilponsaing2749]

Lovely informative program. I liked the "humour", the interactive mood, of this program. Nice and peaceful.

[@jorgesoberon6866]

Well, really glad that Neil de Grasse organized this talk, making the huge discovery that there was intelligence, culture, technology, reason, and embryonic science during the late Middle Ages. Better late than never.

[@dariusechols751]

Hot take 🔥 Neil "says the little mermaid was ungrateful "

[@williamoverton7775]

Fun fact the movie was banned in Germany cause the Anderson classic was cautionary tale about disobeying your father.

[@Highnoonshred]

Thousands of people together have created the sciences we have!!

[@a.d.prayer1779]

Correction mr. Tyson Sebastian from The Little Mermaid is a red Jamaican crab not the hermit crab

[@Nipplator99999999999]

The Little Mermaid ruined my family Saturday nights when it was released. We would go to a seafood restaurant every week on Saturday, and Dad always got the flounder and crab plate, but after the movie my sister would cry when he tried to order it. After the 3rd week of that we didn't go out to eat again...

[@ChaseSchleich]

It's kind of amazing that it took us so long to create the combustion engine. They understood fire and mechanical movement in the middle ages. The one thing they didn't know was how to refine oil into gasoline, but they did have grain alcohol i believe which would have worked for a fuel source. So really, the combustion engine was just sitting there waiting to be invented for hundreds of years before anyone finally did it. Imagine how different things would be if we'd discovered it back in the middle ages.

[@montanamike7948]

measurements and machining needed to make combustible engine. they had neither

[@jefftoney3622]

This guy had Neil deGrasse Tyson on his toes love it!

[@Nipplator99999999999]

27 minutes in, Okay, let's get started on the video... LOL, I was just loving the conversation and didn't even notice no questions had been asked yet.😁

[@tihomirbrkic2914]

“Fascinating, but I wouldn’t want to live there”. About Middle Ages. Paraphrasing Dr. Tyson. NY is fascinating but I wouldn’t want to live there even though visited many times. Another awesome episode. :)

[@Zaped75]

And keep looking up. you made me think of when i was a kid, PBS watching Dr. who. the next show was about the night sky. one time a week i get to stay up watch both. parents sleeping i sneak out and look at the stars. scared and amazed. best time of my life thing back on it. so much fun still to learn about.

[@kidsnetworld7932]

I would like you to invite Gregg Braden and discuss his ideas on lost knowledge to modern science. we will love that. thanks and keep it up.

[@iramkumar78]

Alchemy, Blood Letting, Abiogenesis, Harmony of the Spheres, Humors and Melancholia, Vitalism, Ether, Polymaths and all that stuff. I have moved past my interest in medieval but still got many people trying to understand that.

[@homonaledi5024]

I enjoyed the interview more than I thought I would.

[@MindstabThrull]

I hear the bit about Jason the truck driver heading back to the medieval time period, and I'm reminded of the old Transformers cartoon where they end up back around 534 AD. Apparently the episode was called A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court.

[@rickh4464]

What an interesting topic.

[@blindvisionary415]

Science and history... more please. Happy Holidays all!

[@Mr.Nichan]

I think the spread of misinformation comes from the fact that, although people have interest in the world around them, they have a tendency to think they've found the answer whenever they get an explanation they like. Also, individuals vary a lot in how much interest they have and in what, so even if more analysis would make it obvious that some explanation is wrong, only a few people in any population may have the interest to investigate that particular topic far enough beyond the normal understanding to realize how that understanding needs to ge changed.

[@robertbrowning7925]

Excellent Star Talk! Thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@Convolutedtear]

I feel like astronomy and geology are so intertwined, native americans put fish in harsh soil... I imagine so many cultures have. I loved the service member talking about getting her PhD and the geology if the moon so much ... @startalk can you maybe have him back with a researcher of the medieval times in Africa ? it would be so cool to see them discuss different styles of teaching, math, day to day life and farming or from rich -peasant. As a completely separate topic ideas 1. Can you pretty please talk of the vast geology of the appalachian mountains.... how they were huge and were worn down... how they were surrounded by ancient rock and reef, some before the Colorado rockies existed? it would be cool to ask if there was more space debris 30 million years ago 2. (full disclosure Im as light as these two and Cuban Irish) Can we have someone who will talk about African naval vessels and the gulf stream I really feel like there is something missing in history. I am dying to hear a discussion amongst great trusted minds.... If Africans had specialized boats of all kinds and 'the pyramids' what is to say that us Europeans were just not in the know? Some say the vessels were to small, yet some looked just like Polynesian ones (not to mention not having the Pacific ring of fire) I would really love to know, it is the thing that keeps me up some nights.. love Teresita in Massachusetts N.Camb

[@kasperlyngesrensen2761]

I have a question for Sebastian that I have been wondering about for far too many years now. 28 minutes in Sebastian talk about the elements (earth, water, air and fire) and that each is contained within the next element. My question is: Don't we still use these "elements" today? We just call them phases (Solids, liquids, gasses and plasma). Each of them is contained within the next phase, depending on the amount of energy (heat) that is put into the mixture. And a bonus question: Do we know for certain that scholars of the medieval ages saw the "elements" as actual elements, or is it possible that they were discussing phases, and then at some point scholars from later time periods just got it mixed up somehow?

[@ghostmkc4045]

Great day for an hour of science commentary

[@gudda7200]

Hi Neil and Chuck. I have a question regarding Black Holes. What if Black hole is not a gravity well with a singularity. Rather it could be a tear or damage in the fabric of space time created due to the incredible energy of a super nova. An all the matter that falls in goes to some other dimensions or universe. And as more matter fall in the black hole the torn part gets larger and larger and that's why it appears larger to us after consuming lots of matter. And the light we see around the incretion disk may be the matter and energy that is not going through the torn part. Please answer my question if possible.

[@Smo1k]

There's a problem with that idea: If indeed it was a tear in space, why isn't space just shaped weird around it, like we were looking through the hole in a donut? Why does it completely obliterate electromagnetism, and why do they /all/ do this..? One understanding is a little in your direction, though: It can be argued that a black hole is actually a whole lot bigger inside the event horizon than what we see; that it is internally expanding at a rate which might actually exceed c, like the visible universe likely did during the period we call the inflation.

[@gudda7200]

I think space is shaped weirdly around a black hole because it definitely distorts the fabric of space. And regarding the fact you said about electromagnetism I don't have enough expertise on the subject.

[@Smo1k]

@@gudda7200 The thing about space is that it doesn't rip. Pull it and it expands, push it and it keeps the expansion, but adds "wrinkles". But we're in there absolute weird part of the forest ;)

[@cahalsall]

In our modern world, can we keep that kind of sense of wonder alive?

[@sridharfc]

Dr Tyson should never interview people. He should either be the interviewee or should be person delivering monologues. He does not let the other person talk and constantly interrupts them. As much as I admire him, this quality annoys me.

[@simone.7076]

Truth

[@donwarbacon7516]

Same

[@davidevans3227]

i'm reminded of a bbc radio programme "called in our time" (episodes here on KZbin) hosted by Melvin Bragg. ..he brings in experts on whatever subject they're talking about, sciences, art, literature, philosophy, etc. etc. good show, but he interrupts So Much! i keep shouting the same thing at the radio, either shut up and let them speak, Or.. give us a lecture, that would be fine.

[@RakeRock1994]

Honestly guys I don’t find it so frequent to be bothering, I like the flow of the podcasts

[@nixl3518]

@@RakeRock1994 no it’s entirely too much and often frivolous interruptions that disrupts the flow of the interviewee’s conversation. It’s not just the frequency, but the content of the interruption that is annoying!

[@pdxmusl1510]

I kinda agree with him. I think the information today is more about trust issues. Trusting the wrong sources. Like looking to Facebook. Or trusting your biases. And not understanding scientific consensus. You see scientist arguing and you think they don't know what's going on. Or you think if they can argue, my made-up idea that popped into my head 3 seconds ago is just as valid. I think if you're a non scientist, getting access to information isn't straightforward. I mean. Sure you can go to school, read books, watch neil. It's not impossible. I just mean. I know how to read and interpret a scientific paper for the most part because I am a scientist. But like my uncle buck. He has no idea. The only way he's going to learn is from someone telling him. Miss information is not just online that has misinformation. Ads, printed works. Etc. Etc. It's all over the place. Unfortunately, some people want their agenda pushed forward, and sometimes thats just hard to see through. Even when you're educated on the topic. Let alone if you're not and have limited know-how on obtaining it. There's just so many times... fats bad! No sugars bad! No it's this other thing thats is bad! Oftentimes, if you dig deep enough, there's someone pulling strings behind the curtains trying to push changes that aren't always sound. I could list hundreds of examples. Or times when scientists were used by the government to do substantial harm to the public. A lot of the people I talk to about things like climate change or whatever. They think it's all about money power and control. You need to look at these people differently. It's likely not an intelligence problem. It's an unwillingness to listen because from there perspective.. YOU are the one selling the snake oil. They are defending against you. I'd argue that muss information is not a new problem. It's been around forever. And the state of things are probably better than in the past and it's not as bad as you think.

[@nancyf.8185]

This episode was just everything!!

[@--ART3MIS--]

how very progressive. they have someone from Vulcan! live long and prosper!

[@johnjdumas]

History is a supplier of examples of how the "approximately" (15) logical fallacies were not applied or considered to avoid analytical errors.

[@jonathoneaglestar96]

Fantastic. Finally, I stumble on a Star Talk not defiled by Chuck's constant, useless interruptions.

[@maverickdayz8780]

I drive and listen to the pod... when he introduced Matt and Matt says, "Hey Neil". I immediately paused the interview, said to myself, "this is going to be boring...we can't have two nerds." Wrote this comment. And just left to watch a different video.

[@Mr.Nichan]

The 1978 BBC show "Connections" talked a lot about medieval science and technology.

[@subhankarpalit9335]

Please could you make a video on Asian history like India ,china and other countries who are considered to have no scientific history except 0 and Vedas etc.especially in chemistry.please dr. Tyson please I want to know your views on the history of science in Asia.

[@kosalawaduthanthri8554]

Dr. Tyson, can we talk about physics of thunder clouds and thunders?

[@curiousmind2726]

How come the eastern contributions are not in the discussion. I heard a lot of stories and indeed some are backed by facts.

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

Great episode!! Love the history angle!

[@Silhouex]

Dr. Tyson, I've noticed that the circle is a common shape in nature. Many events; craters, calderas, sink holes, fairy rings and ripples are all circles. Is it a rule that natural circles are always indicative of a single event?

[@Delicacyexplosion]

Neil please stop interrupting your guests. Just wait until they finish talking.

[@2cansam95]

Shut up

[@tommyjoewagner7780]

It's a New York City thing, it's how our conversations flow.

[@Delicacyexplosion]

@@tommyjoewagner7780 fair enough

[@User-rd5vx]

I would've loved more this episode if Chuck was there.

[@nathansutter6253]

The anthroposophists in Waldorf schools and biodynamic farms still see the world in much the same way. Using astrology and alchemy to grow food and evaluating students by their temperament, head size, etheric and astral bodies. Many of the parents have no idea.

[@diegofernandez4789]

Who knew this episode was going to be so interesting

[@daveh3997]

At 5:10 "Famously called the calamitous fourteenth century." A nod to "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century" by Barbara Tuchman. Great book and should be required reading for anyone interested in the Medieval Age. You think 2020 was a shitshow? This book covers the Hundred Years' War, the Black Plague, the Papal Schism, pillaging mercenaries, anti-Semitism, popular revolts including the Jacquerie in France, the liberation of Switzerland, the Battle of the Golden Spurs, and various peasant uprisings. She also covers the advance of the Islamic Ottoman Empire into Europe, which ended in the disastrous Battle of Nicopolis.

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Loved the discussion. Coming to this video late, but I just bought Professor Falk's book. Looking forward to reading it. Great episode.

[@bdr420i]

I am so listening to his book after this show 🤞😍

[@seth8877]

I like listening to SoundCloud rap slowed down and forgot playback speed was set slow and thought doctor tyson sounded especially relaxed today.

[@iramkumar78]

I am happy with the cosmos. We have so many user manuals including your personal astrophysicist Neil!

[@leatherface4133]

Such an educational channel ❤️

[@isaksukoco7779]

startalk is another horizon of brillian human mind...

[@heman5954]

A map is a guide to allow you to get to a new location. Much like science is a guide to get to a new understanding.

[@alexanderjackson8389]

Ok nerd

[@heman5954]

@@alexanderjackson8389 I like your observation and your comment. I'll take it as a compliment 👍🎯

[@codylee1682]

@@alexanderjackson8389 i see you on a lot of posts here. Just came here to troll or what

[@evmcmunn]

all the civ games have the medeival era and it makes a huge impact on the things to come, not to mention the economic struggles and wars that take place in said era.

[@stk1975]

cool show and educational thank you very much

[@ManaBDew]

About medieval: my friend can hold two peach tree limbs in each hand even though the limbs are wood they bend towards the ground. My grandfather called them well wishers 🤷‍♂️ When I tried it would not work? Something else I once had warts on my hand Just 2 they were so annoying even made me self conscious if I reached in my pocket they sometimes bled My dad said come with me he took his pocket knife and, said here cutt A couple of notches in the peach tree. Then he said now whenever the notches mend an close These warts will be gone. I promise I couldn't recall going back to check on the notches. Then I looked at my hand 🤚 the warts were gone. I can't explain why or, how. Present day I have enough knowledge of how medical treatments are used to stop common fungi. Sincerely my true comment Sir

[@NiceleyDone]

Yass!! Another installment of instilling curiosity with a bit more knowledge!!

[@bryanstaley6874]

Let's roll. Deception is a weapon. Strategy and planning. I had you defeated before I let you knew I existed

[@bullettube9863]

When I was in high school in 1967 my world history teacher told us that the Dark Ages weren't really dark so much as misunderstood. It was because of the great plague that serfdom ended, and the middle class rose to dominate society. It was also a time of discovery that led to the renaissance and then the"age of discovery" that followed. There have also been some TV programs that have delved into the same subject matter, so you can't say that this is all new. The information is out there, you just have to take the time to look for it.

[@mrslask1]

It was dark only for Europe. The same period was the golden age of scientific learning for the Islamic world and Baghdad was the greatest city on earth. Unfortunately history books and programs in the west do not cover it very well.