Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep318-sa See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc. 0:00 - Introduction 1:09 - Origin of life 14:56 - Panspermia 20:30 - What is life? 33:44 - Photosynthesis 37:19 - Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells 47:20 - Sex 55:03 - DNA 1:02:15 - Violence 1:12:50 - Human evolution 1:18:45 - Neanderthals 1:22:18 - Sensory inputs 1:33:08 - Consciousness 2:04:41 - AI and biology 2:34:00 - Evolution 2:54:32 - Fermi paradox 3:07:52 - Cities 3:15:39 - Depression 3:18:14 - Writing 3:26:13 - Advice for young people 3:33:22 - Earth *Transcript:* lexfridman.com/nick-lane-transcript *CONTACT LEX:* *Feedback* - give feedback to Lex: lexfridman.com/survey *AMA* - submit questions, videos or call-in: lexfridman.com/ama *Hiring* - join our team: lexfridman.com/hiring *Other* - other ways to get in touch: lexfridman.com/contact *EPISODE LINKS:* Nick's Website: nick-lane.net Nick's Books: Transformer: amzn.to/3cy7lpO The Vital Question: amzn.to/3q0vN6q Oxygen: amzn.to/3edy3V5 Power, Sex, Suicide: amzn.to/3B3OInk Life Ascending: amzn.to/3wKIsOE Books mentioned: 21 Lessons for the 21st Century: amzn.to/3AZQaqy The Black Cloud: amzn.to/3wJhDKC *SPONSORS:* To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: *Notion:* Note-taking and team collaboration. Go to lexfridman.com/s/notion-ep318-sa *BetterHelp:* Online therapy and counseling. Go to lexfridman.com/s/betterhelp-ep318-sa
I have been watching lex for a while now, amazingly we are getting free education from world experts in their respective disciplines….how wonderful…is this the future of education?
Depends how many of us actually take in the information vs just listening for entertainment. I know that I can't have a conversation about the topics of these episodes to anybody because, although it's in my brain, it's not easily recallable. I wish I had the time to listen with a pen and paper and really focus, but my only podcast time is at work doing warehouse work.
@@xyzyzx1253 yes, the current format perhaps, however the evolution of how we obtain info has just began…and truly we don’t know where it’s heading, I just find this to be great a general knowledge database
Lex is just steadily pushing out a constant stream of bangers. I don't understand how someone so young can do 3 hour interview after 3 hour interview with perfectly executed thoughtful questions, while also never stepping on the answers to said questions. This kid seemingly came out of nowhere...interviewing the brightest, often famous minds alive today. I mean he can go from Rogan to Penrose to Petterson to Kanye to Musk, without the slightest hiccup. Then an interview like this one from someone I wasn't aware of, (my own ignorance), can top them all. This young man is better at this than anyone in mainstream media. Pick anyone you want, and I mean big names, dead or alive in broadcasting...then try to picture their pre-madonna asses doing this kind of long form interviewing better than Lex. None. Thanks again, Bro. Your podcast has brought me more knowledge than my entire college degree did. For free.....
Came out of nowhere? Being son of a prominent physicist must leave some mark on the character and cognitive abilities. I don't know his exact genealogy, but the family name Friedman resonates with cosmology, astrophysics and plasma physics. I know what you've meant, but I would say Lex Friedman is the mainstream media. Or he defines what I wish should be called the mainstream. Popular commercial science channels (perhaps except PBS Spacetime, which has a very different formula though) are nowhere near to his level. Sadly main stream is often mistaken with a trunk sewer...
Fully agree, another great interviewer with a way different background can be found at the Shawn Ryan Show. Flip through the guests and find one that suits you, powerful stuff.
Nick is one of the true giants in the biology world. Making a mondaine and complex subject so interesting and entertaining. Honestly, I would have no problem listening to these two gentlemen for days at a time. Thanks a million.
@@dipdo7675 Seriously? I didn’t think people like you were still sniffing around comment sections. I mean, have you honestly never, in your life, made a spelling mistake? 🙄
What a great guest! The fact that he is so willing to say "I don't know" flat-out, with no dancing around it is refreshing. "I don't know" is exciting because ignorance is the foundation of discovery. I wish more people were willing to admit they don't know even when the question is super important. I also really, really like that he's so quick to credit his students and associates. There have been issues in academia before of PhD students etc. not getting the credit they deserved for discoveries, so it speaks to his character that he says, "We are working on...Or rather it's actually that's my PhD student that has discovered...". Thanks to both of you for a fascinating interview :)
Exactly! That’s the best thing about listening to Nick Lane. For me this means his work is trustworthy, there’s no pretence. Not necessarily correct, but genuinely to the very best of his (team’s) ability. I’ve also heard him talk about women working in the 1940s and 1950s, noting how someone did not get a degree for her work cos Cambridge did not award degrees to female students until 1948 (yes, that late!) and how a male scientist got a Nobel Prize for work that could not have been done (by him) without his female colleague so, really, the Prize should’ve been given to her as well (and probably would be today he added). It’s the awareness of environments, interdependence, uncertainty and history that characterises his work in biology applied to his work context and shared with his audiences.
@@rdklkje13 Women (through ALL history) should have gotten more credit, yes. But they didn't used to be as credit-hungry either...that's important to note.
Mr. Fridman, again, your selection of guests is appreciated. Mr. Nick Lane was impressively knowledgeable in the field. Very encouraged by your conversation. Thank you both.
Was proud to have Nick Lane be one of my tutors at UCL. Truly one of the most interesting people in the entire university and so happy to see him getting recognition on such a large platform.
Bring Nick back every 6 months but shorter interview and no more than 5 topics. I’ve watched it 4X and still can’t keep it all straight. Great job as always!
Lex's podcast has become my favorite. Great guests, and Lex has become a top notch interviewer. He asks great questions and then let's the guest answer. He's also pretty funny.
good humour and willingness to play dumb from time to time serves him well clearly smarter than he lets on and genuinely interested in his guests' stories yup he's a good'n
I find many of his questions to be vapid. The most disappointing interview I've seen in a long time w/ anyone was the non-stop charm offensive/PR blitz of Jeff Besoz. On the other hand, when he's closer to his own field, such as when he interviews Yann Lecun, he's much better.
From 1:34:00 to 1:38:30, that's the most honest and thoughtful, ego out the window, answer I've ever heard from a scientist and educator. Emergence seems to me to be a term to plaster over ignorance. Why is it so hard for the overwhelming majority of people in positions of authority to sometimes just say, "you know what...I just don't know." Thanks Nick...for the shared knowledge and honesty. And thanks Lex, as always, for an amazingly thoughtful interview.
I don’t listen often but I thought the opposite. Like lex has more information that he doesn’t understand in his head and he’ll say something that sounds smart, or even dumb / cute, but it has absolutely nothing to do with what his interviewee is talking about, causing the quest to have to regress, therefor constantly being held up by Lex, to the point that the gentleman brings up how he discusses these sorts of things to children. Lex is brilliant because he wants to learn, but I feel all of this isn’t leading him any further to his own personal truth, it’s constantly confusing him and unintentionally putting misinformation in his head. I feel like either his IQ isn’t high enough to grasp these subjects (probably like most listeners, including myself), and although the seems to take great pleasure in the conversations, they are not meant for him and puddle his mind with thoughts and questions in fields he wasn’t born for. Most of these men are geniuses and have had great understanding of the things they speak of since an early age. I think lex should focus on living, he’s done enough asking. Find a wife and answer your own question of what love is. Have children, gain and understanding of that. It’s time to become the teacher, not the student. It’s cute, but the time for being cute is over. He’s throwing away his life is search for life’s greatest mysteries. We all are lex, at least most of it. I know you do jiu jitsu and enjoy a lonely glass of whiskey with rogan and his wife and kids and dogs and ice baths. It’s time to find love. To have someone other than me nudge your shoulder when you’re being goofy, to make you enjoy the simplist things in life (which too can be the most complex). You may find more answers in life and love than you ever will, trying to chase down these quests, all who never seen to be in over themselves, all though each different, I would imagine because they are all balanced (and if not, so very smart that what they’re saying to you should and will go well over your head). You asked about sperm being attractive, of lex, you are attractive my friend, use that and you brilliant little ways, to love someone. Millions of people have made it work, many with no formal training, that’s a lot more than the amount of people who know, well, just about anything else!!! You can have your podcast and a family too, one thag very well might teach you more than one of your favorite, extraordinary friends and guests do. Sure hope you somehow find this and read it
Since I started listening to this podcast I've realized that I'm not designed for the life I've been living. Since them I've learned everyday and achieved some life changing goals. Too often we model after those we dislike. Lex gives us an opportunity to do the opposite❤
Wow, I wanted to become a biochemist and molecular biologist before corona hit and before I ran out of fuel to pursue university comfortably.. This author is literally why I love science, the insights are 10x than the insights I had from anyone else. I struggled to learn about science for a long time and drifted into other topics like javascript and coding... lex... Nick changes everything, I will definitely purchase all his works and read them all this man is a genius. I can finally say that I know where to go to learn more about biochemistry and molecular biology. I think I'm a transformed man now. Thank you Nick you're a genius.. I hope the planetary trajectory replicate more nicks so we can find a way to survive in this highly entropic universe.
This is one of the best discussions, Lex Fridman with Nick Lane, that I’ve ever listened to on your podcast. Wide spanning and intimately spoken, puts it in perspective and made it fun.
I just really appreciate Lex’ personality- great balance of personal warmth + clear, coherent questions, He leaves space for the guest to communicate longer phrases and ideas, beyond mere sound bites.
I love the plant's/greenery addition, Lex. Good job to the team or whoever is responsible for the set design. It gives the set a warmer tone/ambience. Nick Lane is also giving me a serious James Bond vibe. I've never heard of him and will read more.
I'm really enjoying the ambiance. More so behind Nick Lane. I can't help but feel like something mellow to go in that spot on the bottom shelf, roughly somewheres directly below the 2nd & 3rd plants (the ones closest to screen "edge/frame"), behind/beside Lex. Anywho, just my brain side tracking me off & on... 😅 Overall, it's very calming & the wood tones just 👩🍳😙👌
Absolutely amazing. I got my degree in biochemistry for the sake of getting into medical school . After some time working for labs and reading both of his novels mentioned in the beginning of the video I realized how much I want to pursue a doctorate in biochemistry. Understanding Abiogenesis has become a passion for me and I really appreciate you hosting Nick Lane, he deserves a lot more acclaim than he already has.
@@georgehopkins1708 I’ve been using the word notoriety all this time wrong lol. Thanks. I can’t believe I never stopped and saw the connection to notorious.
Glad you found your passion. Did just hear on NPR this evening that Bloomberg just gave a billion dollars for students wishing to obtain an MD would have their education completely paid for, as long as parents don't make over $400,000. a year. Sweet, huh? Just an FYI for you. Good luck with school. You've already put the hard part behind you - you know what you want out of life. 👍
Lex by far is my favourite human and podcaster! Thank you for introducing me to Nick’s incredible life work as well as opening up my mind to the fascinating world of AI. Another highly recommended guest is Dr. Gabor Maté, a Hungarian-Canadian physician and author. He has a background in family practice and a special interest in childhood development and trauma, and in their potential lifelong impacts. Thank you again for your extraordinary work Lex ❤️
I got almost 3 hours in before I realized I was way to high….and dumb for this conversation, however Lex does a brilliant job asking the right questions and deciphering the information so even I can keep up 😂 👏 Great talk Gentlemen.
We seem to think we know it all, we’ve listed the elements from smallest to biggest and think that’s the know all be all to the universe, but those basic looking elements made life so clearly there are different dynamics between the elements that we have yet to study such as the forces between them and what causes them to form intricate patterns at a much larger scale.
I agree with the thought that we “should” just work together. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work that way. I’ve found that sharing Information (music) with like-minded people first (build a control factor) and slowly educate the “others” until they can follow the music before knowing how to make it. If not, these other non evolved Humans have a prehistoric goal to use information to seek power - power is protection. The rest just aren’t fast enough with dealing with or understanding change so find themselves being controlled because they want the protection. If that statement is right, than new ideas (information) is power and history shows two much power in the wrong hands quickly ends the musician’s ability to make new music; so even musicians learn that getting power is the only way to play their music. It’s good vs evil Just do what makes you happy.
@@jamesvaiciulis2947 I think ultimately we have to share info, DNA etc. in the context of this human evolutionary discussion, we are all “fingers on the same hand.”
Lex, I wanted to thank you 4 being a part of the transformation that literally saved my life-you are truly a gift from the universe to all of mankind. This is one of your alltime bests!!!
Profound, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this podcast. It's a college course on steroids. Love love love both of you. I'm so inspired by both of your greatness. Lex, you are too cool for cool. I'm happy you both exist! So interesting!
It's really more like a documentary than a college course. I did an elective in astrobiology that covered these topics, and for an introductory undergraduate course, it went 100x more in-depth than a podcast like this.
Watched you for a couple of months now. I've come to really appreciate your digging questions on the fly with such diverse subject matter. It makes for amazing conversation and an appreciation from the people you interview. Well done!
My favorite biochemist!! Already read "Transformer". So glad more people are getting familiar with his work! (On Sean Carroll's Mindscape a few months ago.) Dr. Lane's work is especially relevant in the accelerating interest in exobiology. Brilliant science communicator!
Mindscape is excellent! Here are two others to give a try if you haven’t already: “The Jim Rutt show” - gets lots of cool guests and topics (He’s affiliated somehow with the Santa Fe institute). “Philosophical disquisitions” - Irish lawyer turned philosopher can also be neat. I would love to discover other shows or blogs etc. like this. Share them if they come to mind!
Don’t ever change Lex. Keep life wonderful, beautiful, magically miraculous, as well as scientific! Don’t let the fear of being denounced as a foolish naive optimist, turn you against yourself, & life itself.
He’s super smart, and says certain things people usually neglect to point out. 1:35:55 “I never understand what people mean by emergence.. a word to plaster over ignorance” 2:31:05 -Is it the same as Earth life or not.. so many other things.. still have to finish watching! Also, finally a discussion about consciousness that I can actually enjoy! 😅
As a self anointed Metaphysician vitally interested in the subject of Consciousness, I love Lex”s podcast. I feel like I’m getting the very cutting edge of accepted science to balance the esoteric channeling of the Ascended Master Adamus Saint Germain which I have followed for two decades. As Lex talks to these amazing thinkers and writers especially regarding Consciousness I can wish he was next to me on a plane or something so I could suggest: what if if Consciousness didn’t develop from matter? What if Consciousness, the I Am, is, has always been, and always will be? What if we humans are really sovereign beings of Consciousness all utilizing energy to feel into the I exist and have infused our Consciousnesses into matter to create our individual realities and thus we are the observers who must be present for matter to exist?
Lex has provided me a convenient definition for the ideal podcast : Conversations lasting between 3 and 4 hours that - in EVERY instance - I've NEVER wished had ended sooner.
How did I not know of Nick Lane before this podcast?? I’m clearly doing a terrible job of tracking the best of science writing. This is the man I’ve been looking for! Thank you
OMG, so many ideas, so much information! My head is spinning. Absolutely great! Thanks for your amazing podcast! I always wonder how Lex and his guests can keep this up for almost 4h. I suppose they have breaks that are cut out in post production...?
I listen to Lex's episodes while working (design work) and the words flow in and out and I probably retain very little but the conversations are so incredibly interesting. I look at my life as a yoga teacher, breathwork instructor and creative and it feels so insignificant when listening to these incredible minds. It blows my mind that Lex is single. But maybe he just can't find his intellectual match? Thank you for these wonderful episodes to stimulate my mind while at my computer!!!
I use RUclips to help me sleep. Lex always comes on. While they are talking, the subject matter changes what I’m dreaming about. The subject matter is also doing something to my brain that I have never experienced before. I have no idea how to even put this into words, but when Lex and his guests are on subject matter that is deep and may potentially enact some thoughts of fear, not fear in a bad way, but for example: talking about the end of the world or the existence of God. When certain subjects come up while I’m sleeping, it feels like it is reaching a place so “deep” in my subconscious. It feels like it is changing the way I think and feel about the world - or is in harmony with some kind of resonance with my brain. This is so hard to explain. But while asleep I truly feel that these conversations are resonating deep within my soul and brain. And it is an enriching and self reflective experience. I often wake up whenever they are on extremely deep topics or topics that cause me to think differently about the world.
YEAH! Nick Lane is my favorite writer! I've read "Power, Sex, Suicide" and "Life Ascending" and immensely enjoyed them. I'm reading "Oxygene" right now and keeping "Vital Question" for last. And now I'm super-excited that there is another book. I'm going to enjoy this episode for sure. Abiogenesis
I love love love his books, oh mitochondria!!! can't wait to listen to this "singular" episode , like the archea that swallow that bacteria only once ever....
One thing that Lex said that I have to remind myself of frequently, but it's something I've considered before, is that people are amazing at driving. It's true, I remember what it was like to learn to drive and not being able to get out more than a sentence when trying to talk to the person teaching me while focusing on everything with no heuristics trained and everything seemed so overwhelming, now I worry that I auto pilot so much that it's scary when I end up at home after a long day at work and barely remember any part of the drive.
Lex has perfected the dance of communication. It is beautiful to watch and listen to. He is adding value to the world in all his podcasts. Thank you Lex, for being you. ❤
Fantastic interview-one of your best!! Nick Lane has so much of a balanced and diverse n biological view of our universe. I have been thinking of many of the questions you asked and discussed -for more than 60 years!! Thank You so Much. You have enriched my thinking and confirmed so many concepts.
That consciousness section was mind blowing, I am not lying telling you guys that these 30 min are one of the most intellectual experiences on my life, true open eyes inducing ideas... Maybe I am too ignorant but that section was uffff.... What a new way to see life
One of the things Joe Rogan is good at is getting to know people and spotting their uniqueness and guiding them to pursue a career that capitalizes on their gifts. Lex is doing exactly what Joe saw in him. Joe and Lex both want everyone to be their best self. Knowledge, truth, open dialogue and conversation. Finding wisdom and finding more answers.
Hello Lex, thank you for the inspirational content. I would love to see you have James Tour or Stephen Meyer for a origin of life discussion. They have a really interesting origin of life perspective. I love podcast and thank you again your hard work and dedication. You podcast has made tremendous positive impact on my life.
Exactly the 2 names I was going to suggest. James Tour in particular has an entertaining delivery full of humour, almost a synthetic chemist version of woody Allen. That would be another level of educational.
Wow, what a magnum opus! Thanks for doing this and thanks to Nick for sharing his immense knowledge in such a gracious way. Thanks for these interviews.
The smallest bits of our brain may be organized by rules we have not observed until we can understand rules of quantum physics. We have so much to discover!
Okay we can't just let that slide, "If you put a plastic bag on your head you'll have about a minute" I almost died from laughing. That was about a minute too 😭😭😭😭 "What is sex? How hard was it and when?" Gold. 🤣🤣
The first question to be asked must be "What is life" or another way to put it "What, exactly, is the difference between a live body and a dead body". This is the FIRST question that scientists should be attempting to answer. THAT is the purpose of science.
Decades from now someone will build "Lex's Toaster" that can authentically look out the window and have existential thoughts about whether it is happy waiting for Lex to come home or shall it instead wander off and find a better human connection
“There seems to be a direction to it” Yes And that direction is more ordered . Which defies the 2nd law of thermodynamics . What hand drives energy into the order to reverse entropy .
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep318-sa
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
0:00 - Introduction
1:09 - Origin of life
14:56 - Panspermia
20:30 - What is life?
33:44 - Photosynthesis
37:19 - Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
47:20 - Sex
55:03 - DNA
1:02:15 - Violence
1:12:50 - Human evolution
1:18:45 - Neanderthals
1:22:18 - Sensory inputs
1:33:08 - Consciousness
2:04:41 - AI and biology
2:34:00 - Evolution
2:54:32 - Fermi paradox
3:07:52 - Cities
3:15:39 - Depression
3:18:14 - Writing
3:26:13 - Advice for young people
3:33:22 - Earth
*Transcript:*
lexfridman.com/nick-lane-transcript
*CONTACT LEX:*
*Feedback* - give feedback to Lex: lexfridman.com/survey
*AMA* - submit questions, videos or call-in: lexfridman.com/ama
*Hiring* - join our team: lexfridman.com/hiring
*Other* - other ways to get in touch: lexfridman.com/contact
*EPISODE LINKS:*
Nick's Website: nick-lane.net
Nick's Books:
Transformer: amzn.to/3cy7lpO
The Vital Question: amzn.to/3q0vN6q
Oxygen: amzn.to/3edy3V5
Power, Sex, Suicide: amzn.to/3B3OInk
Life Ascending: amzn.to/3wKIsOE
Books mentioned:
21 Lessons for the 21st Century: amzn.to/3AZQaqy
The Black Cloud: amzn.to/3wJhDKC
*SPONSORS:*
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
*Notion:* Note-taking and team collaboration.
Go to lexfridman.com/s/notion-ep318-sa
*BetterHelp:* Online therapy and counseling.
Go to lexfridman.com/s/betterhelp-ep318-sa
.
@@FamiliarAnomaly No, Kevin, we like Lex's content.
Great as usual. But Lex my dear dear friend, you look kind of tired and run down in this episode. Dont Goggins ALL the time, dude.
Personally if I had a time machine I would visit back when coca cola had real coke in it......
@@FamiliarAnomaly You’re a platypus.
I have been watching lex for a while now, amazingly we are getting free education from world experts in their respective disciplines….how wonderful…is this the future of education?
I appreciate your work.
Depends how many of us actually take in the information vs just listening for entertainment. I know that I can't have a conversation about the topics of these episodes to anybody because, although it's in my brain, it's not easily recallable. I wish I had the time to listen with a pen and paper and really focus, but my only podcast time is at work doing warehouse work.
No , this is 3 hours of dense resumed information , you wont get a PhD by watching youtube videos...
Great for inspiration, but education and academia takes a lot more work than this :)
@@xyzyzx1253 yes, the current format perhaps, however the evolution of how we obtain info has just began…and truly we don’t know where it’s heading, I just find this to be great a general knowledge database
Lex is just steadily pushing out a constant stream of bangers. I don't understand how someone so young can do 3 hour interview after 3 hour interview with perfectly executed thoughtful questions, while also never stepping on the answers to said questions. This kid seemingly came out of nowhere...interviewing the brightest, often famous minds alive today. I mean he can go from Rogan to Penrose to Petterson to Kanye to Musk, without the slightest hiccup. Then an interview like this one from someone I wasn't aware of, (my own ignorance), can top them all. This young man is better at this than anyone in mainstream media. Pick anyone you want, and I mean big names, dead or alive in broadcasting...then try to picture their pre-madonna asses doing this kind of long form interviewing better than Lex. None.
Thanks again, Bro. Your podcast has brought me more knowledge than my entire college degree did. For free.....
He take break every hour
Oh a newbie here ;-) Lex is an AI, it seems you don't know that
Came out of nowhere? Being son of a prominent physicist must leave some mark on the character and cognitive abilities. I don't know his exact genealogy, but the family name Friedman resonates with cosmology, astrophysics and plasma physics.
I know what you've meant, but I would say Lex Friedman is the mainstream media. Or he defines what I wish should be called the mainstream.
Popular commercial science channels (perhaps except PBS Spacetime, which has a very different formula though) are nowhere near to his level. Sadly main stream is often mistaken with a trunk sewer...
Fully agree, another great interviewer with a way different background can be found at the Shawn Ryan Show. Flip through the guests and find one that suits you, powerful stuff.
Believe it or not, there are other sources of equal or greater value. Lex is just a biased human being like the rest of us.
Nick Lane was one of the people who inspired me to study biochemistry- here I am 10 years later about to finish my PhD!
Congratulations!!!
Did you finish?
Writing my thesis still, but soon! I've done all the lab work I need to, will reply when I'm done 😂
Except when it comes to origin of life, he spews unscientific mumbo jumbo nonsense. Life does NOT come from non-life.
…and everything doesn’t come from nothing.
Nick is one of the true giants in the biology world. Making a mondaine and complex subject so interesting and entertaining. Honestly, I would have no problem listening to these two gentlemen for days at a time. Thanks a million.
This subject does not pertain to a woman belonging to fashionable society
“Mondaine”?!?!
I can’t get that past my Spellcheck. “Mundane” works!
@@adamsmith-wi3qg’eh?
It’s “mundane “!!!
@@dipdo7675 Seriously? I didn’t think people like you were still sniffing around comment sections. I mean, have you honestly never, in your life, made a spelling mistake? 🙄
What a great guest! The fact that he is so willing to say "I don't know" flat-out, with no dancing around it is refreshing. "I don't know" is exciting because ignorance is the foundation of discovery. I wish more people were willing to admit they don't know even when the question is super important.
I also really, really like that he's so quick to credit his students and associates. There have been issues in academia before of PhD students etc. not getting the credit they deserved for discoveries, so it speaks to his character that he says, "We are working on...Or rather it's actually that's my PhD student that has discovered...". Thanks to both of you for a fascinating interview :)
He's a true scientist, I think that's why...
100% Seems like a authentic person
Exactly! That’s the best thing about listening to Nick Lane. For me this means his work is trustworthy, there’s no pretence. Not necessarily correct, but genuinely to the very best of his (team’s) ability.
I’ve also heard him talk about women working in the 1940s and 1950s, noting how someone did not get a degree for her work cos Cambridge did not award degrees to female students until 1948 (yes, that late!) and how a male scientist got a Nobel Prize for work that could not have been done (by him) without his female colleague so, really, the Prize should’ve been given to her as well (and probably would be today he added).
It’s the awareness of environments, interdependence, uncertainty and history that characterises his work in biology applied to his work context and shared with his audiences.
@@rdklkje13 Women (through ALL history) should have gotten more credit, yes. But they didn't used to be as credit-hungry either...that's important to note.
A pattern has emerged: These experts deliver NOTHING.
Clickbait titles:
"Nick Lane: Origin of Life, Evolution, Aliens, Biology, and Consciousness"
This continues to be the best podcast on Earth
Perhaps even the solar system.
@@664ohiforget fr
Wow impressive... u heard all podcasts? Amazing
@@jankareaustinat310 yup. This one's the best
💯
I put this on while going to sleep and had the most bizarre dream of my life, truly a masterpiece of a podcast episode
im glad im not alone in this
Swear down as well, had some wild dreams
Same
Damn, so relatable
Trendpc statement
Mr. Fridman, again, your selection of guests is appreciated. Mr. Nick Lane was impressively knowledgeable in the field. Very encouraged by your conversation. Thank you both.
Was proud to have Nick Lane be one of my tutors at UCL. Truly one of the most interesting people in the entire university and so happy to see him getting recognition on such a large platform.
I have all his audiobooks in loop on my phone, interlaced with Lex's podcasts. Information heaven.
Sounds like a perfect 6 month long “trip to mars” playlist haha.
@@primalentity9824 😆
These deep insightful conversations keep me going on rough days. Hope for humanity is alive!
I agree, this insightful conversation has me completely bricked up
Relationships and love is truly the hope for humanity
Bring Nick back every 6 months but shorter interview and no more than 5 topics. I’ve watched it 4X and still can’t keep it all straight. Great job as always!
Lex's podcast has become my favorite. Great guests, and Lex has become a top notch interviewer. He asks great questions and then let's the guest answer. He's also pretty funny.
And handsome 😜
good humour and willingness to play dumb from time to time serves him well
clearly smarter than he lets on and genuinely interested in his guests' stories
yup he's a good'n
I find many of his questions to be vapid. The most disappointing interview I've seen in a long time w/ anyone was the non-stop charm offensive/PR blitz of Jeff Besoz. On the other hand, when he's closer to his own field, such as when he interviews Yann Lecun, he's much better.
He’s a terrible interviewer. He has a list of questions he rarely diverts from.
From 1:34:00 to 1:38:30, that's the most honest and thoughtful, ego out the window, answer I've ever heard from a scientist and educator. Emergence seems to me to be a term to plaster over ignorance. Why is it so hard for the overwhelming majority of people in positions of authority to sometimes just say, "you know what...I just don't know."
Thanks Nick...for the shared knowledge and honesty. And thanks Lex, as always, for an amazingly thoughtful interview.
I was blown away by this one. Lex has been doing the best interviews ever.
I don’t listen often but I thought the opposite. Like lex has more information that he doesn’t understand in his head and he’ll say something that sounds smart, or even dumb / cute, but it has absolutely nothing to do with what his interviewee is talking about, causing the quest to have to regress, therefor constantly being held up by Lex, to the point that the gentleman brings up how he discusses these sorts of things to children. Lex is brilliant because he wants to learn, but I feel all of this isn’t leading him any further to his own personal truth, it’s constantly confusing him and unintentionally putting misinformation in his head. I feel like either his IQ isn’t high enough to grasp these subjects (probably like most listeners, including myself), and although the seems to take great pleasure in the conversations, they are not meant for him and puddle his mind with thoughts and questions in fields he wasn’t born for. Most of these men are geniuses and have had great understanding of the things they speak of since an early age. I think lex should focus on living, he’s done enough asking. Find a wife and answer your own question of what love is. Have children, gain and understanding of that. It’s time to become the teacher, not the student. It’s cute, but the time for being cute is over. He’s throwing away his life is search for life’s greatest mysteries. We all are lex, at least most of it. I know you do jiu jitsu and enjoy a lonely glass of whiskey with rogan and his wife and kids and dogs and ice baths. It’s time to find love. To have someone other than me nudge your shoulder when you’re being goofy, to make you enjoy the simplist things in life (which too can be the most complex). You may find more answers in life and love than you ever will, trying to chase down these quests, all who never seen to be in over themselves, all though each different, I would imagine because they are all balanced (and if not, so very smart that what they’re saying to you should and will go well over your head). You asked about sperm being attractive, of lex, you are attractive my friend, use that and you brilliant little ways, to love someone. Millions of people have made it work, many with no formal training, that’s a lot more than the amount of people who know, well, just about anything else!!! You can have your podcast and a family too, one thag very well might teach you more than one of your favorite, extraordinary friends and guests do. Sure hope you somehow find this and read it
Nick needs to work on his educational skills
@@deathxcountry😂
Since I started listening to this podcast I've realized that I'm not designed for the life I've been living. Since them I've learned everyday and achieved some life changing goals. Too often we model after those we dislike. Lex gives us an opportunity to do the opposite❤
Cool
Nick is one of those people that speaks and writes in highly dense information threads, yet in accesible language.
Wow, I wanted to become a biochemist and molecular biologist before corona hit and before I ran out of fuel to pursue university comfortably.. This author is literally why I love science, the insights are 10x than the insights I had from anyone else. I struggled to learn about science for a long time and drifted into other topics like javascript and coding... lex... Nick changes everything, I will definitely purchase all his works and read them all this man is a genius. I can finally say that I know where to go to learn more about biochemistry and molecular biology. I think I'm a transformed man now. Thank you Nick you're a genius.. I hope the planetary trajectory replicate more nicks so we can find a way to survive in this highly entropic universe.
💕🍀
Nick has his head on straight. It's great to see somebody still look for meaning while remaining sober and measured
This is one of the best discussions, Lex Fridman with Nick Lane, that I’ve ever listened to on your podcast. Wide spanning and intimately spoken, puts it in perspective and made it fun.
I just really appreciate Lex’ personality- great balance of personal warmth + clear, coherent questions,
He leaves space for the guest to communicate longer phrases and ideas, beyond mere sound bites.
I disagree that his questions are clear and coherent, actually the very opposite. He missed a lot of what could have been gained in this interview. 😊
@@springsogourneagreed
Lex is a robot and has maybe 10/100 EQ.
I love the plant's/greenery addition, Lex. Good job to the team or whoever is responsible for the set design. It gives the set a warmer tone/ambience. Nick Lane is also giving me a serious James Bond vibe. I've never heard of him and will read more.
He’s one of those rare breeds who can do big science but also easily could’ve been a writer.
@@Karma-fp7ho Whoever is doing set design could be using artificial plants. Or plants that need very little light. ie. Ivy, Pathos, spider plants.
Lights on a timer that can be over ridden either way at any time
I'm really enjoying the ambiance. More so behind Nick Lane. I can't help but feel like something mellow to go in that spot on the bottom shelf, roughly somewheres directly below the 2nd & 3rd plants (the ones closest to screen "edge/frame"), behind/beside Lex.
Anywho, just my brain side tracking me off & on... 😅
Overall, it's very calming & the wood tones just 👩🍳😙👌
Lex, your podcasts are overwhelming! Keep 'em coming!
Absolutely amazing. I got my degree in biochemistry for the sake of getting into medical school . After some time working for labs and reading both of his novels mentioned in the beginning of the video I realized how much I want to pursue a doctorate in biochemistry. Understanding Abiogenesis has become a passion for me and I really appreciate you hosting Nick Lane, he deserves a lot more acclaim than he already has.
Probably “acclaim” would be more appropriate.
@@georgehopkins1708 I’ve been using the word notoriety all this time wrong lol. Thanks. I can’t believe I never stopped and saw the connection to notorious.
Glad you found your passion. Did just hear on NPR this evening that Bloomberg just gave a billion dollars for students wishing to obtain an MD would have their education completely paid for, as long as parents don't make over $400,000. a year. Sweet, huh? Just an FYI for you. Good luck with school. You've already put the hard part behind you - you know what you want out of life. 👍
Nick Lane is the James Bond of the biochemistry :) Literally and figuratively.
He's yummy
I think he is more the Richard Feynman of biochemistry: super intelligent, passionate, imaginative, articulate.
Lex by far is my favourite human and podcaster! Thank you for introducing me to Nick’s incredible life work as well as opening up my mind to the fascinating world of AI. Another highly recommended guest is Dr. Gabor Maté, a Hungarian-Canadian physician and author. He has a background in family practice and a special interest in childhood development and trauma, and in their potential lifelong impacts. Thank you again for your extraordinary work Lex ❤️
I got almost 3 hours in before I realized I was way to high….and dumb for this conversation, however Lex does a brilliant job asking the right questions and deciphering the information so even I can keep up 😂 👏 Great talk Gentlemen.
😂 lucky you! You can think when high.
Always envied those who can go Deeper when high, seems only half of us have the capability. Worth a trial study!🥳
Have you ever tried psychedelics? Out of curiosity
@@hannibal8049 me?
@@ABN_TNKR yes
Its crazy how the sun, a wet rock, and four billion years can make a mind like Nick Lane's
Don't can.
*eyeroll
Wet rock.... plasmaportal m88
Only 1.5 hours in and this is already one of the most enriching conversations so far on Lex Fridman
Thus Far your Guest list is Impeccable and I've listened to most of your podcasts twice!
An accomplishment in and of itself; bravo! 🙌🏾
Nick Lane, Michael Levin and Joshua Bach are some of the most interesting guests ever on this podcast.
Nick could narrate any movie. He has a great voice. From the way he answered the first question I knew this was gona be a good guest/podcast
You're telling me hot water got shocked and now I have to go to work😢
CAN THEY SHOCK THE TAXES AWAY?
We seem to think we know it all, we’ve listed the elements from smallest to biggest and think that’s the know all be all to the universe, but those basic looking elements made life so clearly there are different dynamics between the elements that we have yet to study such as the forces between them and what causes them to form intricate patterns at a much larger scale.
SHARING is the ticket forward: the sharing of ideas, DNA, amino acids, shelter, humor. Etc. We are not meant to die with the music inside us
I agree with the thought that we “should” just work together. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work that way. I’ve found that sharing Information (music) with like-minded people first (build a control factor) and slowly educate the “others” until they can follow the music before knowing how to make it. If not, these other non evolved Humans have a prehistoric goal to use information to seek power - power is protection. The rest just aren’t fast enough with dealing with or understanding change so find themselves being controlled because they want the protection. If that statement is right, than new ideas (information) is power and history shows two much power in the wrong hands quickly ends the musician’s ability to make new music; so even musicians learn that getting power is the only way to play their music. It’s good vs evil
Just do what makes you happy.
@@jamesvaiciulis2947 I think ultimately we have to share info, DNA etc. in the context of this human evolutionary discussion, we are all “fingers on the same hand.”
"Make your own kind of music! Sing your own special song! make your own kind of music even if no body else sings along"!- great tune
Agreed.
Lex, I wanted to thank you 4 being a part of the transformation that literally saved my life-you are truly a gift from the universe to all of mankind. This is one of your alltime bests!!!
Been a fan of Nick since reading 'The Vital Question' a few years ago. Fascinating stuff!
Nick is so smart. His books are amazing to read.
He's so brilliant and loveable! And yet...he's full of shit. imagine that.
Slowly but surely becoming my favorite podcast the breath of guests is amazing
As a hobby palaeontologist this was an extremely fascinating talk
I hope Nick Lane will get a Nobel Prize soon !!
I would love to see a round 2 for this guy. He work and curiousity focus seems very exciting!
Profound, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this podcast. It's a college course on steroids. Love love love both of you. I'm so inspired by both of your greatness. Lex, you are too cool for cool. I'm happy you both exist! So interesting!
What have you learned about the origin of life from this talk?
It's really more like a documentary than a college course. I did an elective in astrobiology that covered these topics, and for an introductory undergraduate course, it went 100x more in-depth than a podcast like this.
Wi😅ww❤ 2h3rq1:01 😊wtw😂j
Watched you for a couple of months now. I've come to really appreciate your digging questions on the fly with such diverse subject matter. It makes for amazing conversation and an appreciation from the people you interview. Well done!
My favorite biochemist!! Already read "Transformer". So glad more people are getting familiar with his work! (On Sean Carroll's Mindscape a few months ago.) Dr. Lane's work is especially relevant in the accelerating interest in exobiology. Brilliant science communicator!
this guy would scare away the aliens with his eyebrows
Mindscape is excellent! Here are two others to give a try if you haven’t already:
“The Jim Rutt show” - gets lots of cool guests and topics (He’s affiliated somehow with the Santa Fe institute).
“Philosophical disquisitions” - Irish lawyer turned philosopher can also be neat.
I would love to discover other shows or blogs etc. like this. Share them if they come to mind!
A great teacher… he knocks that made up so called ‘professor’ Brian cox into a cocked hat…
Fantastically interesting and stimulating conversation…Thank you Nick and Lex!
Don’t ever change Lex. Keep life wonderful, beautiful, magically miraculous, as well as scientific! Don’t let the fear of being denounced as a foolish naive optimist, turn you against yourself, & life itself.
This is my second time listening to this one. I find Nick incredibly interesting!
Thx guys! ❤
Could not stop listening… What a great communicator of science! Nick Lane 🙏🏼👏🏼
I love Nick's books! He's the Richard Dawkins of his generation. Great Interview!
Lex.... Lex. You're on a fucking roll with these guests lately. I'm loving it!
He’s super smart, and says certain things people usually neglect to point out.
1:35:55 “I never understand what people mean by emergence.. a word to plaster over ignorance”
2:31:05 -Is it the same as Earth life or not..
so many other things.. still have to finish watching!
Also, finally a discussion about consciousness that I can actually enjoy! 😅
He's brilliant! What a mind! And I find him just so personable and loveable. Yet, still full of shit. Imagine that.
It's great this guy helped out Lex by covering part of the interview questions himself.
Love when they turn into ✨conversations✨ this guy's wears his heart on his sleeve and lex couldn't help but to dive in.
Imagine releasing at 3 hour podcast and getting millions of views. That is a dedicated fanbase right there.
The youtube algorithm also keeps directing videos here via autoplay.
That accounts for basically every podcast I come across.
This is great. I love listening to this story time for adults, it puts me straight to sleep everytime 😴 👍
I take that you’re falling asleep because of relaxation and not boredom. 😅
As a self anointed Metaphysician vitally interested in the subject of Consciousness, I love Lex”s podcast. I feel like I’m getting the very cutting edge of accepted science to balance the esoteric channeling of the Ascended Master Adamus Saint Germain which I have followed for two decades. As Lex talks to these amazing thinkers and writers especially regarding Consciousness I can wish he was next to me on a plane or something so I could suggest: what if if Consciousness didn’t develop from matter? What if Consciousness, the I Am, is, has always been, and always will be? What if we humans are really sovereign beings of Consciousness all utilizing energy to feel into the I exist and have infused our Consciousnesses into matter to create our individual realities and thus we are the observers who must be present for matter to exist?
Lex may be the greatest gift ever to grace my search for enlightenment. A phenomenon to whom I'm deeply grateful.
Lex has provided me a convenient definition for the ideal podcast :
Conversations lasting between 3 and 4 hours that - in EVERY instance - I've NEVER wished had ended sooner.
3:42:23 - the "thank you" from Nick honestly touched my heart.. he meant it:)
Yes, it came from his heart and I was touched by it.
How did I not know of Nick Lane before this podcast?? I’m clearly doing a terrible job of tracking the best of science writing. This is the man I’ve been looking for! Thank you
OMG, so many ideas, so much information! My head is spinning. Absolutely great! Thanks for your amazing podcast! I always wonder how Lex and his guests can keep this up for almost 4h. I suppose they have breaks that are cut out in post production...?
What a voice! Nick is an absolute joy to listen to.
I listen to Lex's episodes while working (design work) and the words flow in and out and I probably retain very little but the conversations are so incredibly interesting. I look at my life as a yoga teacher, breathwork instructor and creative and it feels so insignificant when listening to these incredible minds. It blows my mind that Lex is single. But maybe he just can't find his intellectual match? Thank you for these wonderful episodes to stimulate my mind while at my computer!!!
I use RUclips to help me sleep. Lex always comes on. While they are talking, the subject matter changes what I’m dreaming about. The subject matter is also doing something to my brain that I have never experienced before.
I have no idea how to even put this into words, but when Lex and his guests are on subject matter that is deep and may potentially enact some thoughts of fear, not fear in a bad way, but for example: talking about the end of the world or the existence of God. When certain subjects come up while I’m sleeping, it feels like it is reaching a place so “deep” in my subconscious. It feels like it is changing the way I think and feel about the world - or is in harmony with some kind of resonance with my brain. This is so hard to explain.
But while asleep I truly feel that these conversations are resonating deep within my soul and brain. And it is an enriching and self reflective experience. I often wake up whenever they are on extremely deep topics or topics that cause me to think differently about the world.
That's happened to me too. People have suggested psychedelics to me, I think I get enough enlightenment when I'm lucid dreaming about this stuff
Looks fascinating again ! Always searching for insights into the deepest levels of our human condition. Brilliant podcast Lex !
Great conversation! Perhaps one of the most interesting hours of discussion I've ever heard.
Thank you Lex and Nick.
You should listen to the other 2 hours+
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you both. Much love
I just woke up, how tf did I get from sorted food a cooking channel to this
Food for thought?
YEAH! Nick Lane is my favorite writer! I've read "Power, Sex, Suicide" and "Life Ascending" and immensely enjoyed them. I'm reading "Oxygene" right now and keeping "Vital Question" for last. And now I'm super-excited that there is another book. I'm going to enjoy this episode for sure.
Abiogenesis
I'm excited to read all those books now. Such a good interview. Thank you for exposing me to this Lex. Keep up the amazing work.
I love love love his books, oh mitochondria!!! can't wait to listen to this "singular" episode , like the archea that swallow that bacteria only once ever....
Nick Lane has a podcast?
Lex Fridman is the herald of the end of the classic college experience
The way he explains it makes it easy for me to understand. Thank you!
Holy smokes. Four hours of awesomeness. I have to put this on my schedule. So crazy that this is Free. Thanks, Lex.
Lex just keeps pumping out banger podcasts like an 8 slice 3kw sentient toaster and then butters them. Incredible.
One thing that Lex said that I have to remind myself of frequently, but it's something I've considered before, is that people are amazing at driving. It's true, I remember what it was like to learn to drive and not being able to get out more than a sentence when trying to talk to the person teaching me while focusing on everything with no heuristics trained and everything seemed so overwhelming, now I worry that I auto pilot so much that it's scary when I end up at home after a long day at work and barely remember any part of the drive.
“Somewhere there might be aliens laughing”
-Lex Friedman gives a knowing smile
Lex has perfected the dance of communication. It is beautiful to watch and listen to. He is adding value to the world in all his podcasts. Thank you Lex, for being you. ❤
Fantastic interview-one of your best!! Nick Lane has so much of a balanced and diverse n biological view of our universe. I have been thinking of many of the questions you asked and discussed -for more than 60 years!! Thank You so Much. You have enriched my thinking and confirmed so many concepts.
Love the subject matter and fascinating discussion. Kudos to Lex and his intellectual ability to engage with world class academics
"Now THAT [a flatworm that's re-grown a different type of head] is a hopeful monster!"
What a delightful way to describe that 😄
Lex congrats on a great interview. You have become a unique master of this format.
You can tell Lex is excited about this one
That consciousness section was mind blowing, I am not lying telling you guys that these 30 min are one of the most intellectual experiences on my life, true open eyes inducing ideas... Maybe I am too ignorant but that section was uffff.... What a new way to see life
Many thanks and good wishes, Lex. Your podcasts are fascinating. Your curiosity and compassion are exceptional. Carry on and stay well. Diane Dean
Absolutely love his books. If you haven’t read him give them a go
This was absolute TOP BRAIN NUTRITION! Thank you LEX!
One of the things Joe Rogan is good at is getting to know people and spotting their uniqueness and guiding them to pursue a career that capitalizes on their gifts. Lex is doing exactly what Joe saw in him. Joe and Lex both want everyone to be their best self. Knowledge, truth, open dialogue and conversation. Finding wisdom and finding more answers.
Hello Lex, thank you for the inspirational content. I would love to see you have James Tour or Stephen Meyer for a origin of life discussion. They have a really interesting origin of life perspective. I love podcast and thank you again your hard work and dedication. You podcast has made tremendous positive impact on my life.
Exactly the 2 names I was going to suggest. James Tour in particular has an entertaining delivery full of humour, almost a synthetic chemist version of woody Allen. That would be another level of educational.
Wow, what a magnum opus! Thanks for doing this and thanks to Nick for sharing his immense knowledge in such a gracious way. Thanks for these interviews.
Eyebrows have reached their final stage of evolution
They lack structure
mono et mono
@@acidtechnoMano a mano?
@@m.vonhollen6673 an expression i heard
I learned alot from this video but eyebrows are the main take away.
The smallest bits of our brain may be organized by rules we have not observed until we can understand rules of quantum physics. We have so much to discover!
Okay we can't just let that slide, "If you put a plastic bag on your head you'll have about a minute" I almost died from laughing. That was about a minute too 😭😭😭😭
"What is sex? How hard was it and when?" Gold. 🤣🤣
The first question to be asked must be "What is life" or another way to put it "What, exactly, is the difference between a live body and a dead body". This is the FIRST question that scientists should be attempting to answer. THAT is the purpose of science.
Decades from now someone will build "Lex's Toaster" that can authentically look out the window and have existential thoughts about whether it is happy waiting for Lex to come home or shall it instead wander off and find a better human connection
Nick lane had an extremely soothing voice, reminiscent of Sean Connery. He would make a great narrator for science documentaries I think
What a wonderful conversation, he seems like such down to earth and pleasant person to talk to, thank you for this interview!
Finally somebody interviews Nick Lane! I've been waiting for this for ages. Thankyou Lex! :)
Way over my head, yet fascinating. Thank you.
“There seems to be a direction to it”
Yes
And that direction is more ordered .
Which defies the 2nd law of thermodynamics .
What hand drives energy into the order to reverse entropy .