David Bodanis: Einstein’s Big Mistake and Voltaire’s Brilliant Mistress
May 28, 2020
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David Bodanis, science author and historian, discusses the future of the world economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Einstein's major mistake in solving a physics problem, the intellectual partnership between Madame du Chatelet and Voltaire, the transformational force of electricity, and his upcoming book project on the power of decency in a world gone mean.
Businesses must make bold, unexpected changes to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape caused by the pandemic.
Sticking to one's principles is important in the face of opposition, just as Albert Einstein did with his approach to science.
The podcast highlights the need for energy resilience and the potential consequences of a sudden removal of electricity.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Pandemic on Business and the Need for Adaptation
The podcast discusses the challenges and opportunities that businesses face as a result of the pandemic. It highlights the importance of being adaptable and making strategic shifts in response to the changing landscape. The speaker uses the analogy of a chess knight's move, indicating that businesses may need to make bold, unexpected changes in their operations to survive and thrive.
Einstein's Stubbornness and the Importance of Sticking to Principles
The podcast explores Albert Einstein's approach to science and how his stubbornness influenced his work. It discusses his belief in finding clear, logical explanations for phenomena and his resistance to accepting the unpredictability of quantum physics. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sticking to one's principles, even in the face of opposition, and draws parallels to business and politics where leaders often struggle to adapt to new situations.
The Role of Electricity and the Vulnerability of Society
The podcast reflects on the significance of electricity and how its absence would drastically impact modern society. It highlights the historical development of reliance on electricity and the potential consequences of its sudden removal. The speaker underscores the need for energy resilience and the importance of considering potential risks and solutions for maintaining the electricity infrastructure.
The Power of International Collaboration in Fighting the Pandemic
The podcast episode highlights the global collaboration among labs working on vaccines and antibody tests. The best labs are expected to rise to the top and accelerate the recovery process by several years. This collaboration showcases the importance of education and knowledge sharing across the world and reinforces the value of international cooperation.
Finding the Art of Fairness and Decency in a Competitive World
The podcast explores the concept of finding an intermediate path between being a jerk and being too nice. It delves into the idea that being firm but fair can lead to success in various fields, from running a military division to managing a huge construction project. The book 'The Art of Fairness' delves into the strategies and advantages of balancing toughness and decency, emphasizing the importance of evaluating what comes back and maintaining street smarts in order to succeed.
Join us virtually for a conversation with David Bodanis, Zooming in from London, to discuss his ideas about how the COVID-19 pandemic will influence the future of the world economy, how Einstein grappled with having made a major mistake in trying to solve a physics problem, how Madame du Chatelet, the French aristocrat and married translator of Newton’s works, partnered on her intellectual pursuits with her lover Voltaire, how electricity was changed from a mere curiosity to a transformational force for civilization, and how he got interested in his latest book project, The Art of Fairness: The Power of Decency in a World Gone Mean, which is due out in November. Hear a master storyteller describe the power of ideas that transform civilizations. NOTES MLF: Humanities