Who is Hedgy? - A Story of Minimalism | AMA #5 - Ask Me Anything with Lex Fridman

Ask questions for future AMAs as a reply to the pinned comment or on Patreon (which take priority): / lexfridman Nothing is off limits: personal, math, science, tech, philosophy, art, music. Also, please click like on other people's questions that you would like to see answered.
Lex AMA playlist: • Ask Me Anything (AMA) ...

[@lexfridman]

Ask questions for future AMAs as a reply to this comment or on Patreon: patreon.com/lexfridman Nothing is off limits: personal, math, science, AI, tech, philosophy, art, music. Also, please click like on other people's questions that you would like to see answered. I keep track of questions previous asked. Thank you for the kind words on previous AMA questions. I'll keep doing these as long as it's of some value to people.

[@lightdark00]

DeWeberis you answered your own question, it’s a belt. You go through where it’s weak.

[@siddharthadatta5584]

Where do you think the quest for Artificial Intelligence ends?

[@mirroredname3389]

I just saw you on TV, really good documentary about car safety and driving.

[@good_call]

Thanks for sharing Lex, I relate a lot to your proces I think. There is something about you I appreciate, which is different from the other big podcasters - vulnerability maybe, grief or sorrow. I find these aspects of life very beautiful and often in their own right cathartic and trancendental to alleviate the bitter suffering of life. Holding a dying person's hand in their last moments or even imagining my own timely demise takes me there, and it is alright. Funnily enough thinking about my father holding me as a child also takes me there. It is of course easier if the proces can unfold itself in due time and you are ready to embrace letting go. Your shedding of possesions reminds me of the shedding of this bodily vehicle. Hedgy reminds me of The Self witnessing the journey every step of the way with an archaic smile. I have a question for you Lex: Why don't you have a wife and a family - are you deeply traumatized, an enlightened ascetic the likes of Newton or are you waiting for the sentient AGI to fall in love (like in the movie Her)? Thanks again for everything you do Lex, I would love to hear your answer, because it is a difficult question that many young men like myself are facing, although we may be highly-functioning in others areas in life and it is indeed a part of the Zeitgeist. Men like you and my other idols and role-models highly shape the way I am and it means a lot for me to understand the choices of others - maybe I can learn something about myself. I hope you understand. Regards - Thor

[@golovabolyt]

Your favourite poets are ... ?

[@ariadnepyanfar1048]

Lex Fridman: This was silly, I like to be silly sometimes. Lex Fridman: 18 minutes of stark philosophy and searing personal revelations. We must all love and respect the Hedgies of our lives.

[@lc3]

You are a beautiful person.

[@superfelon6190]

@@prototype8137 what is your definition of nature and how is he ruining it?

[@stemblackswan3901]

I get it; I yell at inanimate objects all day long. If I'm being honest, my best friend is my daughter's ken doll.

[@PierreH1968]

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,

[@novastrike1384]

Dude, you are so f**** honest, authentic, vulnerable... so f*** brave!!! I think I love you...

[@mtrisi]

sussyyyy

[@seeyanexttuesday23]

We all love Lex! He brings out what we all feel and reminds us we are not alone. We have each other. I feel so lucky to have found this podcast. Makes me feel more myself.

[@ItsMe-yv9jd]

Whats not to love?

[@sciacabale]

Hello Lex, I am 83 years old and I am one of your admirers and faithful podcast junkie. Since I found you, I have developed an almost paternal feeling for you. We love the same fruits of life, but you are Russian and I'm Italian and there lies the difference. Truth, science, art, sports and knowledge in general, are my most cherished possessions although they constantly swim in an ocean of change. I have to confess that mortality is starting to creep in my thoughts, but I don't care. I love optionality and material possessions allow me to feed my endorphine dependence. Drive a fast car, listen to an expensive music system, grind my powerful computer to the ground, look at the art on my walls, toil in my state-of the art electronic lab and so on.... Give them away, are you kidding?

[@theali8oras274]

How does the difference lie in nationality?

[@sciacabale]

Hello, Lex Fridman himself has many time alluded to his penchant for melancholy, stoicism and pessimism, attributing these traits to his Russian heritage. It is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek stereotype, but it's true that most Italians tend to be self centerd, fun-loving, extroverted, loud and chaotic individuals.

[@ednan9]

Don’t give it away. But, one day it will be taken away from you - you’re 83, enjoy the rest of your healthy life on this planet

[@Wanderlustjsf]

I'm so obsessed with this man's mind, heart and soul ❤️

[@locdout80sqt26]

Me too girly he's something super and special for sure 👍

[@julianahoughton8518]

"Please love me even though I feel dead inside" is the tagline to my life that I didn't know I had.

[@chrismackerdush7728]

Juliana Houghton Me too. I learned that from The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller. Required reading for most psychotherapists. Explains beautifully how depression is effectively born in childhood when passed on by a parent.

[@djacob7]

@kittypie Your's is the oldest profession.

[@gunrage]

@kittypie Ignorance is bliss

[@paigedavidson228]

Three years ago I accepted a new role with the company I work for that requires travel most weeks out of each month; in some cases taking up temporary residency for months at a time. Simultaneously I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, (which is gone now). I figured the travel would serve as a distraction but what really ended up happening is in line with your message. I was given the gift of learning that I could live with less, (out of suitcase), and that home is anywhere that I am, at any given time. Being confronted with the idea of death opened up such a fortunate internal feeling of connection and safety - I wish it were something I could share with people who are held back by, and struggle with attachments. I am really enjoying your podcasts....

[@paigedavidson228]

@Diana Silva Thank you... :)

[@austinclay1555]

Thank you for this.

[@joeridge1]

There is a Buddhist saying the key to happiness is to need little, and want less than what you have. Material possessions will never create real happiness. The only things that create real happiness are experience, accomplishments, and relationships in my opinion. It's a strange thing that we are a society that is so obsessed with acquiring things which I am sure is part of an evolutionary hardwire to protect against starvation and buffer against the chaos of life. I hope we collectively move away from a disposable materialistic society and work towards a collaborative world of abundance and a post-scarcity mind frame. Good idea to put out into the collective Lex thanks for all you do.

[@micahwise4212]

joe ridge billions and billions are spent on advertising every year, I’m not so sure it’s in our dna as much as it’s forced on us to be consumers from a young age.

[@lilfr4nkie]

MasterofPlay7 well damn. That’s a powerful one.

[@eileentudaleft1159]

The usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness

[@ryanbates362]

I'm now only 47.865% sure Lex is a robot after seeing this.

[@jyjjy7]

What score is passing on the Turing test?

[@jackburgin9067]

In 80% sure he has velcro in his tie

[@habitualresistor9548]

I second that. Although he has more personality than Elon Musk. Maybe Lex is an upgrade. Either that, or he is from some DC universe or Elsworld, that is the super hero son of Lex Luthor sister, Lex Fridman.

[@matweg666]

A very personal talk Lex, it's great to meet Hedgy - keep up the amazing work!

[@PulsatingShadow]

I love Hedgy. Keep Hedgy safe for me, Lex.

[@BiancaAguglia]

Giving up most of my things was humbling for me not just because it forced me to get more comfortable with my mortality, but also because it forced me to admit I wasn't "good" enough. I used to think that if only I worked harder, if only I studied more, if only I was more organized, then I could do all the things I had planned to do. Minimalism made me realize there is no such thing as being good enough to follow all your distractions. Instead, you have to focus on a few things that truly matter. 🙂 When it comes to love, one of my favorite quotes about it comes from the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin: "“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion, it is not the desire to mate every second minute of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every cranny of your body. No, don't blush, I am telling you some truths. That is just being "in love", which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.” Your idea about the shared experiences that make meaningful relationships makes me think of growing common roots. Beautiful video, as usual, Lex. I wish you and Hedgy a wonderful weekend. 😊

[@HeadsetHistorian]

That quote is beautiful, thanks for sharing.

[@brettcameratraveler]

"All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." -Pascal

[@calamariaxo]

If you're being quite honest, all of our solutions, experiences, you being here and discoveries stem from the same thing. We might well be flawed, but unless we embrace some of those flaws, and work with them, we might as well just all go full nirvana and in the process kill of the human species.

[@brettcameratraveler]

My take on the quote is it's more about being able to both focus without feeling the need for constant unnecessary distractions. It's also about being, on whole, at peace as you willingly sift, replay and contemplate ideas, older memories, and even when you are experiencing the present moment and projecting to your uncertain future ---

[@brettcameratraveler]

@u001 lol

[@MegaBabygal1]

I say this to myself every weekend before i hike a mountain :)

[@mkkrupp2462]

My husband of mature years spends plenty of time sitting quietly in a room, watching tv and waiting for his meals to be served on his lap - It’s a problem for me !

[@tsoki868]

Lex is one of those people I'm instantly drawn to for being genuinely authentic. I often find that lacking in people who decide they'll put themselves out into the public, as they immediately start developing a public persona. And Hedgy is great, of course he wouldn't be discarded like an unused book or a board game, he's a partner. Even if he isn't interacted with for months, he's there and a part of life.

[@NickyBigatto25]

Every one of your videos are great. A peaceful tone throughout with material that many can relate to. Thanks Lex

[@tenaciousoptimistcoaching]

''The illusion that you can actually own things'' .Wow,he is so awesome and one of a kind .And the way philosophy blends with science-probably the best podcast by far !Thanks so much for enlightening us with so much food for thought.

[@eikumbokum]

I get overwhelmed sometimes by the deep and meaningful topics your podcast touches on.. But, at the same time, I love it. And the topics of your videos resonate with me on a personal level. You are very willing to share your true self with us, and that is rare. Thank you Lex.

[@user-ch2lp9er6p]

Too much stuff and the stuff owns you. Giving it away is a great feeling! Thanks for sharing. Love it!

[@robertdebellis9703]

I applaud you for covering a topic such as this. I certainly didn’t expect it. Interestingly, I’m 76 years old and of course I have become very to the time remaining. Since I’ve been home because of the virus distancing, I’m talking the opportunity to get rid of the tons of my film photographic equipment I’ve collected and no long use over the last 50 years. It is quite a chore digging it all out. Now I must attempt to sell it all and perhaps use the funds to travel to see friends and family. Thanks and take care.

[@normanshadow1]

Thank god for the internet! I'm 60 now and to be able to listen to deep and meaningful thoughts from a beautiful person rather than television that I grew up on is wonderful. Thanks

[@quill444]

The wisdom here starts very early, at about 0:22 "All the Great Kings sit upon a Throne of Plastic." -- Lex Fridman

[@strawberryfeilds5085]

Think this is one of my favorite episodes:)

[@pineslibrary]

Hedgy sits quietly and role models the ability to sit with what is, without judgement. Everyone needs a buddy like that... "an empty room does wonders." yeah, I agree. I love minimalism except for one thing keeps me attached to things: books. That is my exception I haven't wanted to let go of (though I get rid of them all the time, they seem to grow back).

[@Wardoon]

Lex, you are becoming more and more mystic and wise. Love how deep you talk about life and existence. I am sure you are the only true Absurd Man I know, as Camus described him.

[@kp8129]

I admire you Lex, you have a very interesting, deep and unique perspective. Thank you for opening up

[@Pinto922]

Lex, I know that when you are ready to move into a phase in your life that you integrate love and family into the person that you are, that you will evolve into a fully realized and profoundly amazing person. I can't wait for you to experience that level of joy in your life. :)

[@newseptic7206]

This was great! Thanks for your thoughts and you've elegantly expressed how I think a lot of people at least in my life experience feel about "things" but maybe ignore it.

[@lynno1974]

If everyone was as thoughtful as you before they spoke, the world would be such a better place. Hedgy is brilliant! Seize the connection!

[@stephenstrange4090]

Dude, you are such a genuine down to earth guy. Felt so much relatable. Love you man (no homo) 💖

[@tyfoodsforthought]

I really enjoyed your take on minimalism and the idea of "ownership", whether or not you actually decide to practice minimalism, I think it's definitely interesting and important to consider such concepts. For example, giving away stuff (or getting rid of it) is absolutely something profound. There's often no real excuse to keep a lot of the things that one owns and being aware of the reasons you're keeping things, rather than keeping them "just because" is important. Thank you for this one! Also, nice to meet you Hedgy!

[@HouseOfOuroboros]

That's what I call truly effective hedging. Thanks for sharing this Lex 🔆.

[@mistorya600]

I appreciate that you put this out there, it makes me feel relieved that I am not the only one getting lost contemplating random stuff.

[@jjohns17]

I really enjoyed this! I've had similar feelings about what material possessions bring us, and especially the colossal responsibility of starting a family. Thank you for articulating these things so well. Most importantly, LONG LIVE HEDGY!

[@mirroredname3389]

The moment when the red line hits the tie. Lovely. I feel inspired by this. Thank you. 🙏

[@joaneychuang4694]

Love this authentic sharing of your story with Hedgy. Beautiful and heart-touching :)

[@marcmerriman2078]

Thank you for sharing the story of Hedgy. Lex, you are not alone, and we all love you. You are young, and you have a great future to look forward to filled with whatever you want it to be. You have an amazing mind, and are on a different path than some. (We all have our own path in life.) But there will be a time for friends, romance, and your own family. Let Hedgy remind you of that, too.

[@Nexus2Eden]

It is so funny that you tell this story about your Hedgy. It made me reflect on my own experience and was amazed to find I had a very similar experience as a child - that set my personality, I didn't even realize it. One of the very first memories I have is of my first Easter, when I was 2, and I awoke to a basket with a Knickerbocker Rabbit in it wearing a vest and looking very determined yet optimistic about life and became my best friend until he mysteriously disappeared when I was 7. I had never realized why I loved rabbits and Easter so much, I recently realized Easter is my favorite holiday as there isn't anything I don't love about it. Including the Jelly Beans and Robin's Eggs! But more to the point, it was on Knickerbocker's (yes that is what I thought his name was) disposition that I based my own personality. I love to give little gifts, love to hear children laugh and play, love bunnies, love chocolate, and always try to ease the suffering of others with the hope of renewal and rebirth. Strange...and I lost my innocence around the same age as my best friend - and from there...my world became dark. :(

[@kerimw14v]

Thank you, agree fully. Love you brother. Keep shining.

[@jakevikoren]

Lex, I love ya man. Thanks for sharing your mind and spirit with the world

[@kayligo]

This is one of your best videos. Sending you love Lex 💕

[@PinkySprinkles]

You’re a beautiful guy Lex and god bless you on your path across this rock. ❤️

[@kathleenbuckley4338]

So many interesting topics to explore. Looking forward to the future :)

[@rudibotha3947]

You have to do more of these if you have free time, I can relate, but it's good that you share and that you you are honest with yourself. 💯

[@romebop]

This was amazng. Thank you for sharing with us about Hedgy

[@tenderawakaka1272]

You are such a philosopher! You can do so much about anything! I wish I could be like you someday.

[@erikbaer4472]

This was the first time ever that I literally kissed the screen ! :D "Your family is a super-power, burning fire to take the big risks and then better succed." That`s what I am doing, thanks for backing me up

[@aimeemontero5999]

After this I'll never look at stuffed animal smiles the same way... Next step would be to move to a different country where you don't know anyone, with a different language, without many belongings, and star over. I think it'd be the next level of liberation. Anyway a peluche with angry face lead you to reflections about minimalism, anthropomorphism and friendship !!! I'm amazed 🥰

[@samybishay2916]

Bruh do u think this video inspired Elon to tweet that he was going to sell all of his possessions?

[@tyfoodsforthought]

This vidya came out after his tweeet just FYI

[@DenHenson]

Shared experience

[@yanlea9102]

"that bitterness is a beauty of life". Thank you

[@andrewhulten2836]

Glad you made this video, I was wondering about the hedge hog just a week or so ago when I saw it next to you during one of your interviews.

[@YimingCai]

I love this! Thank you Lex!

[@danielbigham]

Love this so much. Thanks Lex.

[@PeopleOfAr]

Lex: Take anything you want! Stranger: What about that suit? Lex: Over my dead body!

[@HeadsetHistorian]

Joe: Well with that tie it shouldn't be too difficult.

[@easternwind4435]

@@HeadsetHistorian nice reference

[@DanielTejnicky]

@@HeadsetHistorian haha xD

[@halinalane1426]

@@HeadsetHistorian I was with Lex the whole way. Any collar can be used to choke if you get the right grip. My head went straight to ways of defence or counter attack. Plus .... As if anyone is allowed close enough to try The Fridman, let alone touch the tie .... ;)

[@halinalane1426]

@@HeadsetHistorian unrelated but I just watched The Zookeeper and he is so hilarious and on point as Gale. Hahaha the bike race. 😂

[@eunoiamonalisa]

Damn Lex, the last part of this was touching, talking about your passions vs your love for connection and relationships and such... I feel you. I swear I try to connect with people, but even at my sons baseball the moms are all chatting and I never can work my way in, I try but is futile. I have no idea why, I’m super nice and kind, I’m just terrible at small talk, that’s my theory. But that definitely in my way of creating connection. I have almost none but my son and a few acquaintances really

[@mrsconley666]

Lex, I love your channel, but this is your best work by far, in my opinion. I too have given away and sold everything. You are totally correct, material objects are the chains that bind many, you don't own things, they own you. And it is freeing and liberating, and I also enjoyed seeing someone get something that THEY needed but otherwise couldn't obtain until now. Bringing help or joy to other people and getting rid or your chains that bind is a mutually beautiful thing.

[@musicalfringe]

I was surprisingly moved during the part about downsizing and death. Beautiful video Lex.

[@philipgiacalone5605]

Lex: you are SUCH an inspiration.

[@brenthopkins8275]

Hedgy is great!! And to see Lex smile is the best!!

[@shinerareru5332]

I really like how you can use something as simple as a stuffed animal to explain a very powerful topic of how we bond with shared experiences. I used to think this was only something human to human however after this video I can easily see how material objects are there as well, everyone usually has a 'lucky' or 'cherished' object that they tend to value or hold onto over others and I don't think they ever maybe understand the depth to that action. Love your content thanks!

[@AnAlgernon]

I expected this was going to be a cute story about a stuffed animal. Boy was I surprised! Best AMA answer ever. Thank you for sharing deeply and authentically, and thank you for all of what you are doing. It's meaningful and important. I feel a bond through the shared experience of watching your videos. So thankful! ---- And I bet I know why Hedgy resonated with you from that bin.... Hedgy has clout!

[@seamus354]

Very good lex, and it all feels very true and relatable.

[@seeyanexttuesday23]

I've been a minimalist since 2014. Everything you said is spot on. ❤️

[@invgreat5608]

I did not expect much from this video, but I was wrong - I've enjoyed it a lot, thanx!

[@Ming-rn1vz]

And again... you're inspiring and funny. Don't ever change it.

[@6gorks]

Thank you for the smile & happy feeling.

[@dgal1391]

Lex, watching this is so heartwarmingly wonderful. My favorite part is when you said in reference to Hedgy, " we shared a set of experiences, so when I looked at this particular stuffed animal, he doesn't just represent a stuffed animal, he represents a set of experiences we were both in the room for. That in itself, if people could grasp the concept of shared experiences creating love and trust, people would be so authentically happy. Considering your minimalistic way of living, it's no surprise you have a humorous but voluntary attachment to an inanimate friend (sorry Hedgy, I see you haha) as opposed to a puppy or a cat that requires significant attention. It reminded me of Wilson in the Tom Hanks movie Castaway. The Hanks character attaches himself to "Wilson" in a similar way by existing in and sharing his experience.. It seems absurd but it was his way of coping.

[@nikollatesla6635]

this video has made me so happy :)

[@eaf888]

Thank you!

[@warpmonkey]

It's really important that people understand how fragile life is, how important connections are, and to search in their own way for the meaning of life, whatever that is. There are as many ways to get to that mindset as their are people on earth, I'm glad your approach has helped you so much. Keep up the great work, and I think my cat is a bit interested in Mr Hedgy, glad he's safe on the other side of the screen!

[@digitt2]

The Fox has many tricks and is well-known for his cleverness. The Hedgehog is obscure and not famous for anything. He does one thing and does it better than anyone else. When he's under attack he curls up in a ball, sticks out his quills and rolls away. It was the Hedgehog that inspired Leonidas and the 300 not the clever Fox. Long live Hegie.

[@yomnazahran6530]

Hey, Lex. Do not think even for a fraction of a moment that the theme of yojr videos is boring. This is how you define yourself and bring yoursef out to the world and this is how we’ve always valued you.

[@prajwalmysorevijayaraj9378]

Lex you are awesome!

[@unnamed679]

Dear Lex, thank you.

[@alecmcehinny4510]

I really like this guy!

[@robertamontagno8999]

Don't think about opportunities. True relationships, full of essence, arrive with a glance, as long as the right moment occurs, which seems almost casual. I think that no passion, defined as such, can ever interfere in a negative way in the life of that man who lives it. So good luck Lex and thanks for sharing 🙌

[@a.mie.533]

How charming, thoughtful and inspiring is that little essay!

[@juliejung5047]

Beautiful. Thank you so much.

[@dianemilligan7370]

Love the hedgehog! His expression and stance have so much personality and animate a lovable curmudgeonly imaginary character. Your story about him and why you keep him with you says so much about you and your character. I hope you have him with you for all of your time!

[@raewynurwin4256]

Thank you, I haven't had the courage yet to unload 72yrs of stuff but I must. I want to experience a mental and spiritual liberation before it's forced upon me.

[@shikhadubey1409]

I really like to watch your videos...n this video was so heart touching...I hope to meet u someday somewhere..:)

[@khileshjairamdas8410]

Lex, I have deep emotional trouble that comes from stuffed animals and it's that LOOK they all have that bothers me most. I also am attracted to the ones that have unique expressions. I haven't undone this stuffed animal knot in my soul yet, but this shared experience of ours is helping. Thank you.

[@locdout80sqt26]

That is the sweetest story of ur stuffed friend 💕 and he's a pretty strong thinking to have opinions of a human nature. I love it ,he's got your mind 😌

[@damien1166]

Thank you for sharing that.

[@vikassaini1935]

lex is best !!!

[@JayMartMedia]

When this man talks, I listen. EVEN if it's about the smile of a stuffed hedgehog!

[@lnc-to4ku]

Please never change those special parts about yourself!! ♡ 🦔

[@auau4468]

Truy awesome. You have shown great deal vulnerability and really powerful and helpful 👏 🌷🧚‍♂️

[@osdias]

Hardship erodes the ego and reveals empathy. It's a shared experience everyone can relate to. That's why it brings us together.

[@frankcowan6625]

I live the way you do things The people you interview seem to be impressed with you too. Wolfram was incredible happy with you.

[@MrOliver1312]

You're the best Lex

[@PoeticLogic]

As a young man in a materialistic world, I too have felt the liberation of owning few possessions. I completely agree with your statement about how we can never truely own something. Strange how giving away our possessions can force us to face death. A deep and enlightening insight to gain indeed. I studied computer engineering. I hope we cross paths in life and that we have a chance to solve hard problems together. You are one of the few who gives me hope and makes me proud to be human. Cheers, from Canada.

[@user-mp1vf9gh6m]

I like you so much lex cause you just like what i dream to be, from personality to achievements，keep upload great video please

[@cybersnap6072]

You're a great human Lex

[@adwaitkulkarni3567]

Lex's haircut makes him an embodiment for the new iphones with the notch😂 Humor apart, great AMA as always. Lots of love, Lex!:)

[@msunderstanding3198]

I’m inspired….thank you dear one.

[@10dread37]

One of your best! :))))))))

[@Ontario786]

Thank you

[@Ktw282]

This is beautiful