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Jim Gates: Supersymmetry, String Theory and Proving Einstein Right | Lex Fridman Podcast #60

Lex Fridman

1,047,748 views

Jim Gates (S James Gates Jr.) is a theoretical physicist and professor at Brown University working on supersymmetry, supergravity, and superstring theory. He served on former President Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. He is the co-author of a new book titled Proving Einstein Right about the scientists who set out to prove Einstein's theory of relativity.
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OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
3:13 - Will we ever venture outside our solar system?
5:16 - When will the first human step foot on Mars?
11:14 - Are we alone in the universe?
13:55 - Most beautiful idea in physics
16:29 - Can the mind be digitized?
21:15 - Does the possibility of superintelligence excite you?
22:25 - Role of dreaming in creativity and mathematical thinking
30:51 - Existential threats
31:46 - Basic particles underlying our universe
41:28 - What is supersymmetry?
52:19 - Adinkra symbols
1:00:24 - String theory
1:07:02 - Proving Einstein right and experimental validation of general relativity
1:19:07 - Richard Feynman
1:22:01 - Barack Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
1:30:20 - Exciting problems in physics that are just within our reach
1:31:26 - Mortality

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20 Comments

@lexfridman Creator 6 years ago (edited) Pinned

I really enjoyed this conversation with Jim. Here's the outline:
0:00 - Introduction
3:13 - Will we ever venture outside our solar system?
5:16 - When will the first human step foot on Mars?
11:14 - Are we alone in the universe?
13:55 - Most beautiful idea in physics
16:29 - Can the mind be digitized?
21:15 - Does the possibility of superintelligence excite you?
22:25 - Role of dreaming in creativity and mathematical thinking
30:51 - Existential threats
31:46 - Basic particles underlying our universe
41:28 - What is supersymmetry?
52:19 - Adinkra symbols
1:00:24 - String theory
1:07:02 - Proving Einstein right and experimental validation of general relativity
1:19:07 - Richard Feynman
1:22:01 - Barack Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
1:30:20 - Exciting problems in physics that are just within our reach
1:31:26 - Mortality

@TheCaptainMorton 6 years ago

"So could there be other universes? Well, I don't even know if this universe looks how I think it does." That's such a brilliant answer

@stevedriscoll2539 3 years ago

The rigor, commitment, hard work, and discipline to get undergrad degrees in both physics and mathematics...unbelievable! This guy is impressive!

@Krypto_Knite 6 years ago

That has to be the least intrusive and least painful advertising I've ever experienced and I even listened to it.

@CaliforniaCarpenter7 6 years ago

Brilliant stuff. I discovered Jim's work through his interviews regarding computer code found in superstructures. I won't pretend to comprehend the bulk of it, but this interview really helped me to glean some understanding of subatomic particles. Mr. Gates approaches his explanations with an aura of humility instead of pomp and pretense. It's unfortunate that his attitude feels so novel, because I think all of us would understand science better if we learned it from someone like this.

Great podcast, I'm very happy for the opportunity to listen to discussions such as these. Cheers.

@terrymaverick580 3 years ago

I love that his second way of problem-solving is basically to sleep on it 😂 this man is a national treasure

@alekseysoldatenkov5675 6 years ago

Bro, Lex. Never worry about "going off on tangents," these are your conversations, talk about whatever YOU want.
The opportunity for us to listen, is itself a privilege.

@SimonBullows 6 years ago

Lego hair is the key

@giuseppegentile4337 6 years ago

A beautiful mind: I really enjoyed this interview with Jim Gates.

@zomgoose 6 years ago

Jim is one of my favorite guests on the show. There are so many spectacular guests. but Jim gives off such a good vibe.

@yoshiroshi7190 3 years ago

My favorite interview out of all the others I’ve seen. He’s makes everything very digestible and you can hear the passion for his field when he speaks. Thanks Lex

@duran9664 6 years ago

Gates’ voice is mesmerizing 🤤

@ianborukho 6 years ago

This gets me excited to revisit old subjects from the physics curriculum and read some more science history. Way to keep the wonder alive!

@Messiach21 3 years ago

I'm very late to this, but this was the absolute best episode - Jim has an incredibly approachable way of discussing his field and such an incredibly positive attitude.

@bsdslacker 4 years ago

Interviews like this are awesome; no interruptions, diving into issues as the guest touches on certain subjects, guided mildly by what the interviewer prepared

@nishatiwari9212 6 years ago

Please make more videos with Theoretical Physicists.

@Sanfoor3mlaQ 6 years ago

Professor Gates is not only brilliant in his research and understanding of physics, but in the way he explains it to non-specialists. This is definitely one of the top 5 informative interviews I've watched on physics. The amount of information imparted per time unit is great and well-expressed.

@u.s.apatron4933 6 years ago

Wow I have met this man in real life...He is a kind and beautiful person as well as a great mind..I would love to see finish the project we talked about....and im happy he found that higher power..thank you so much for this I will follow you and you support!!! Thumbs up...

@TheKeithIvar 6 years ago

I really like this dude...never seen him before, but this conversation was a true pleasure. He seems humble but also no-bullshit. I would love to see more content with Jim Gates, I'll have to buy his book in the meantime.