In this fascinating discussion, Alex Garland, the visionary writer and director behind films like Ex Machina and Annihilation, dives deep into the philosophical underpinnings of AI and our perception of reality. He explores whether we're living in a dream, the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, and the beauty of scientific concepts like quantum mechanics. Garland also reflects on ambition's moral complexities and how classic sci-fi influences our understanding of consciousness, all while celebrating the artistic essence of storytelling.
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insights INSIGHT
Dreamlike Reality
We live in a dreamlike state due to subjective perception; reality is counterintuitive.
Our brains make best guesses about the world, creating a subjective, dreamlike experience.
insights INSIGHT
Truly Alien Life
Alex Garland aimed to portray a truly alien entity in Annihilation, detached from human motivations.
The alien's interaction with the environment is indeterminate, perhaps like an octopus changing color.
insights INSIGHT
Science as Inspiration
Alex Garland views his work as a reaction to scientific advancements, not the other way around.
He aims to disseminate complex scientific ideas and make them accessible to the public through narratives.
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In 'The Ascent of Money', Niall Ferguson explores the human story behind the evolution of finance, from the origins of money in ancient Mesopotamia to the latest financial upheavals. Ferguson argues that finance is the foundation of human progress and reveals financial history as the essential backstory behind all history. The book covers key financial institutions and concepts, such as the invention of banking, the development of bonds and stock markets, and the role of insurance and real estate. It also delves into the impact of financial systems on historical events and the recurring theme that every financial bubble eventually bursts[1][3][4].
Alex Garland is a writer and director of many imaginative and philosophical films from the dreamlike exploration of human self-destruction in the movie Annihilation to the deep questions of consciousness and intelligence raised in the movie Ex Machina, which to me is one of the greatest movies on artificial intelligence ever made. I’m releasing this podcast to coincide with the release of his new series called Devs that will premiere this Thursday, March 5, on Hulu.
This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon.
This episode is presented by Cash App. Download it (App Store, Google Play), use code “LexPodcast”.
Here’s the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
OUTLINE:
00:00 – Introduction
03:42 – Are we living in a dream?
07:15 – Aliens
12:34 – Science fiction: imagination becoming reality
17:29 – Artificial intelligence
22:40 – The new “Devs” series and the veneer of virtue in Silicon Valley
31:50 – Ex Machina and 2001: A Space Odyssey
44:58 – Lone genius
49:34 – Drawing inpiration from Elon Musk
51:24 – Space travel
54:03 – Free will
57:35 – Devs and the poetry of science
1:06:38 – What will you be remembered for?
Lex Fridman Podcast 
