The Tim Ferriss Show

chevron_right

#445: Janna Levin on Extra Dimensions, Time Travel, and How to Overcome Boots in the Face

Jul 9, 2020

Guest

Janna Levin

Janna Levin, Tow Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College, explores the mysteries of black holes and the universe's extra dimensions. She discusses how personal challenges shape our experiences and perspectives, using the Mobius Strip as a metaphor for life's complexities. Levin connects literature and science, emphasizing how storytelling can illuminate scientific truths. The conversation also touches on the recent government acknowledgment of UFOs, blending humor with curiosity over extraterrestrial life and future projects.

01:53:31

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Early Recklessness and Accidents

Janna Levin experienced amnesia and coma after a skateboarding accident involving a car.
A car accident on her 17th birthday led her parents to urge her to go to college.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Path to Science

Janna Levin initially focused on philosophy and literature in college, not science.
Her mother instilled a deep appreciation for reading, especially the structural nuances of literature.

insights

INSIGHT

Frustration with Philosophy, Attraction to Science

Janna Levin found philosophy frustrating due to subjective interpretations, like debating Kant's meaning.
She prefers scientific truths, like Einstein's relativity, which are universally understandable and verifiable.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe and Gravitational Waves

03:33 • 3min

chevron_right

From Recklessness to Reflection

06:14 • 6min

chevron_right

From Literature to Science: A Journey of Discovery

12:37 • 20min

chevron_right

Exploring Finite Universes and Higher Dimensions

32:28 • 17min

chevron_right

Exploring Life's Journey Through the Lens of a Mobius Strip

49:01 • 3min

chevron_right

The Power of Personal Storytelling

52:04 • 11min

chevron_right

Literary Science and the Nature of Time

01:02:44 • 21min

chevron_right

Navigating Complexity and Resilience

01:23:59 • 21min

chevron_right

Collaborative Joy and Cosmic Curiosities

01:45:16 • 4min

chevron_right

Closing Remarks and Promotional Highlights

01:49:12 • 5min

chevron_right

Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space

Janna Levin

This book recounts the fascinating story of the obsessions, aspirations, and trials of the scientists who embarked on an arduous fifty-year endeavor to capture gravitational waves. It details the experimental ambition that began as a thought experiment and evolved into a reality with the help of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). The narrative includes the surprises, disappointments, achievements, and risks faced by the team, offering a unique portrait of modern science and the power of human imagination and ability.

Draft No. 4

John McPhee

John McPhee's "Draft No. 4" offers insights into the writing process of a master journalist. It details his struggles and triumphs in crafting long-form articles, emphasizing the importance of deep research and meticulous revision. The book reveals McPhee's meticulous approach, his dedication to accuracy, and his ability to weave together complex narratives. It serves as a valuable guide for aspiring writers, highlighting the challenges and rewards of creating impactful work. McPhee's reflections on his own writing process provide a unique perspective on the art of storytelling.

Beloved

Toni Morrison

Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio. However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery. The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society. The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver. Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.

Exhalation

Stories

Ted Chiang

Exhalation is a collection of nine stories by Ted Chiang, each tackling different aspects of human existence, science, and philosophy. The stories range from 'The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate,' which involves time travel and regret in ancient Baghdad, to 'Exhalation,' where an alien scientist discovers the universal implications of his people’s mechanical existence. Other notable stories include 'The Lifecycle of Software Objects,' which explores the ethics of artificial intelligence, and 'Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom,' which examines choice and free will through alternate universes. Chiang’s writing is characterized by its elegance, precision, and deep sympathy for his characters, making this collection a must-read for fans of science fiction that challenges the mind and evokes a sense of wonder.

A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines

Janna Levin

This book tells a unique story of the parallel lives of Kurt Gödel, the greatest logician of many centuries, and Alan Turing, the extraordinary code breaker during World War II. It delves into their work, which proved that truth is elusive and that machines could think, while also exploring their personal struggles, including Gödel's delusional paranoia and Turing's conclusion that humans are soulless biological machines. The novel highlights the contrast between their genius and their tragic endings.

White noise

Don DeLillo

White Noise follows Jack Gladney, a professor of Hitler studies at a small liberal arts college, and his family as they navigate the complexities of modern life. The novel delves into themes such as the fear of death, media saturation, and the effects of technology on social relations. Key events include an airborne toxic event that threatens their town and Jack's discovery of his wife's involvement in an experimental study of a psychopharmaceutical called Dylar. The novel critiques consumer culture and the ways in which people cope with mortality and uncertainty through consumption and technological distractions.

Levels of the Game

John McPhee

Levels of the Game is a fascinating exploration of tennis as a sport and a metaphor for life. The book delves into the lives and mindsets of two professional tennis players, Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner, as they face off in a semifinal match at the 1968 US Open. Through meticulous analysis and engaging storytelling, McPhee offers profound insights into the human condition and the psychological aspects of competitive sports.

Black Hole Survival Guide

The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth. The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets. The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders. Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope. Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.

Never Let Me Go

Kazuo Ishiguro

The novel is set in a dystopian England where cloning technology allows for the mass production of organ donors. The story is narrated by Kathy, a clone who works as a 'carer' for other donors. Kathy reflects on her upbringing at Hailsham, a boarding school for clones, and her relationships with her friends Ruth and Tommy. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the grim reality of the clones' existence: they are raised to donate their organs until they 'complete' (die). The book explores themes of identity, humanity, and the moral implications of scientific advancements, raising questions about the treatment of the vulnerable and the nature of human existence.

From eternity to here

The Quest for the Ultimate Theory of Time

Sean Carroll

In this book, Sean Carroll delves into the mysteries of time, particularly the arrow of time, which explains why time flows from the past to the future. He relies heavily on the second law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy to explain this phenomenon. The book is divided into four parts, covering topics such as time in Einstein’s universe, entropy and time’s arrow, and speculative ideas about the multiverse and the origin of the universe. Carroll also discusses the Big Bang, black holes, and other aspects of modern physics, making the complex subject accessible to determined readers.

The Order of Time

Carlo Rovelli

In this book, Carlo Rovelli delves into the mysteries of time, combining physics, philosophy, and art to explain how modern physics has transformed our understanding of time. The book is divided into sections that cover the theory of relativity, space-time, loop quantum gravity, and thermodynamics. Rovelli argues that at the most fundamental level, time disappears, and our perception of its flow is subjective and influenced by our brain and emotions. He uses metaphors and simple language to make complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.

Consider the lobster

David Foster Wallace

A brave and startling truth

Maya Angelou

How the Universe Got Its Spots

Janna Levin

In 'How the Universe Got Its Spots', Janna Levin synthesizes geometry, topology, chaos, and string theories to explore the size and shape of the cosmos. The book delves into the patterns of hot and cold spots left over from the Big Bang, offering insights into whether the universe is infinite or just very large. Levin's writing style makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Philip Roth

Ernest Hemingway's Works

Ernest Hemingway

Janna Levin on Extra Dimensions, Time Travel, and How to Overcome Boots in the Face | Brought to you by Allform and LinkedIn Jobs.

“I used to resent obstacles along the path, thinking, ‘If only that hadn’t happened life would be so good.’ Then I suddenly realized, life is the obstacles. There is no underlying path.” — Janna Levin

Janna Levin (@jannalevin) is the Tow Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University. She has contributed to an understanding of black holes, the cosmology of extra dimensions, and gravitational waves in the shape of spacetime. Janna is also director of sciences at Pioneer Works, a cultural center dedicated to experimentation, education, and production across disciplines, as well as Pioneer Works’ virtual home The Broadcast.

Janna’s books include How the Universe Got Its Spots and the novel A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines, which won the PEN/Bingham Prize. In 2012, she was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, a grant awarded to those “who have demonstrated exceptional capacity for productive scholarship.” Her last book, Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space, is the inside story on the discovery of the century: the sound of spacetime ringing from the collision of two black holes over a billion years ago. Her new book, Black Hole Survival Guide, is scheduled for publication near the end of 2020.

Please enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Allform! If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about Helix Sleep mattresses, which I’ve been using since 2017. They just launched a new company called Allform, and they’re making premium, customizable sofas and chairs shipped right to your door—at a fraction of the cost of traditional stores. You can pick your fabric (and they’re all spill, stain, and scratch resistant), the sofa color, the color of the legs, and the sofa size and shape to make sure it’s perfect for you and your home.

Allform arrives in just 3–7 days, and you can assemble it yourself in a few minutes—no tools needed. To find your perfect sofa, check out Allform.com/TIM. Allform is offering 20% off all orders to you, my dear listeners, at Allform.com/TIM.

This episode is also brought to you by LinkedIn Jobs. Whether you are looking to hire now for a critical role or thinking about needs that you may have in the future, LinkedIn Jobs can help. LinkedIn screens candidates for the hard and soft skills you’re looking for and puts your job in front of candidates looking for job opportunities that match what you have to offer.

Using LinkedIn’s active community of more than 690 million professionals worldwide, LinkedIn Jobs can help you find and hire the right person faster. When your business is ready to make that next hire, find the right person with LinkedIn Jobs. You can pay what you want and get the first $50 off. Just visit LinkedIn.com/TIM.

***

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests.

For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at tim.blog/sponsor.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Home Top podcasts Popular guests