To The Best Of Our Knowledge cover image

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Deep Time: The Cosmos and Us

Mar 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, theoretical physicist Marcelo Gleiser, poet Marjolijn van Heemstra, and physicist Carlo Rovelli explore the intricate tapestry of time and existence. They reflect on the personal and cosmic implications of time, sharing insights about the Big Bang and black holes. The conversation dives into the overview effect experienced by astronauts and how it alters perspectives on interconnectedness. They also tackle mortality's acceptance, emphasizing a serene approach to life and our vast universe.
52:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Time is a conceptual framework that shapes our narratives and experiences, transcending mere measurement of seconds and minutes.
  • The relationship between time and human emotions, particularly loss and memory, highlights our desire for permanence and connection through storytelling.

Deep dives

The Nature of Time

Time is an elusive concept that, despite its fundamental role in our lives, remains poorly understood. Theoretical physicist Marcelo Gleiser suggests that time may not be a tangible thing like a glass of water but rather a construct we use to account for the changes and events in our existence. It serves as a framework for storytelling, as actions and narratives require a sense of progression that time provides. By viewing time through this lens, one can appreciate it as a narrative that weaves together the threads of experience rather than merely a measurement of seconds and minutes.

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