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Neil DeGrasse Tyson on Why Having a “Cosmic Perspective” Will Help You Do Life Better

May 1, 2023

Neil deGrasse Tyson, the renowned astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium, shares captivating insights about how a scientific perspective can enrich our lives. He discusses the significance of intellectual humility and how confronting our mortality can give life more meaning. Tyson examines the impact of social media on society and whether we might be living in a simulation. His personal strategies for mental health and the quest for intelligent life beyond Earth provide listeners with food for thought and inspiration.

01:08:01

Creator website

Episode guests

Neil de Grasse Tyson

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Debates and the Importance of Objectivity

00:45

The Cosmic Perspective: Cherishing Every Moment of Life

01:54

The Role of Emotions and Tribalism in Society: A Quantitative Perspective

01:32

Intelligence may not be an indicator of success

01:31

Intro

4min

Exploring the Intersection of Opinion and Objective Truth

5min

The Power of Humility and Perspective

16min

Confronting the Impossible: The Power of Perseverance and Change

2min

Embracing a Cosmic Perspective

9min

Embracing Cosmic Perspective

5min

Exploring Existence: Buddhism, Science, and the Cosmos

28min

Exploring Quantum Mechanics and Cosmic Perspectives

4min

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Today’s guest is the legendary astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Tyson is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, the host of the Emmy nominated podcast, Star Talk, and the recipient of 21 honorary doctorates. He also has an asteroid named in his honor.

Tyson’s latest book is right up our alley on the show. It's called Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization and it’s basically about how taking a scientific perspective can improve your life—and the world.

In this episode we talk about:

Applying a scientific lens to our emotions
The importance of intellectual humility
How the knowledge of death brings meaning to life
Neil’s long view of social media
Whether we are living in a simulation
Neil's personal mental health regime
And whether there is intelligent life in the universe

Full Shownotes:https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/neil-degrasse-tyson-594

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