#562: Dr. Michio Kaku — Exploring Time Travel, the Beauty of Physics, Parallel Universes, the Mind of God, String Theory, Lessons from Einstein, and More

160 snips

Jan 7, 2022

Dr. Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist and co-founder of string field theory, shares captivating insights from his childhood during World War II, fueling his passion for science. He discusses the quest for the elusive God Equation and the legacies of Einstein, blending humor and curiosity. The conversation dives into the complexities of time travel, parallel universes, and the nature of consciousness, challenging listeners to ponder the intersection of physics, ethics, and self-awareness. Kaku also reflects on the philosophical implications of science and technology.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Atom Smasher Childhood

Dr. Kaku's parents were interned during WWII, leaving them penniless.
This fueled his drive to succeed through self-reliance, leading him to build an atom smasher in his garage.

ANECDOTE

From Hydrogen Bombs to Big Bang

Dr. Kaku declined a job designing hydrogen warheads, finding them "puny."
Instead, he chose to study the Big Bang and later served in the infantry during the Vietnam War.

INSIGHT

Physics and the Future

Dr. Kaku's childhood passions were physics and the future, sparked by Flash Gordon.
He realized understanding physics allows one to discern possible, plausible, and impossible future technologies.

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

Get the app

Time Enough for Love

Robert A. Heinlein

Time Enough for Love is a novel by Robert A. Heinlein that explores the life of Lazarus Long, a man who has lived for over 2,000 years. The book is structured around Lazarus telling stories from his past, including 'The Tale of the Man Who Was Too Lazy to Fail', 'The Tale of the Twins Who Weren’t', and 'The Tale of the Adopted Daughter'. These stories delve into themes of love, family, and societal norms, often challenging traditional taboos. The novel also explores Lazarus's journey through time and space, including a visit to his own past.

Beyond Einstein

the cosmic quest for the theory of the universe

Michio Kaku

Jennifer Trainer Thompson

Beyond Einstein delves into the history of theoretical physics and the quest for a unified field theory. It explains superstring theory as a revolutionary breakthrough that may fulfill Einstein's dream of a Theory of Everything, integrating the laws of physics into a single description. The book approaches scientific questions with the excitement of a detective story, offering insights into the new science that could make the impossible possible.

Hyperspace

Michio Kaku

In 'Hyperspace', Michio Kaku delves into the concept of higher dimensions, exploring how they can simplify the laws of nature and potentially unify quantum mechanics and general relativity. The book discusses theories like superstring theory and the multiverse hypothesis, offering insights into speculative concepts such as wormholes and time travel.

Parallel Worlds

Michio Kaku

In 'Parallel Worlds', Michio Kaku delves into the mysteries of the universe, discussing concepts like black holes, time travel, and the possibility of parallel universes. He skillfully explains complex theories such as string theory and M-theory, making them accessible to both science enthusiasts and novices. The book explores the frontiers of physics, from Newtonian physics to quantum mechanics and beyond.

The future of humanity

Michio Kaku

In 'The Future of Humanity', Michio Kaku delves into the possibilities of human civilization expanding beyond Earth, discussing topics such as terraforming Mars, interstellar travel, and the potential for immortality. He explores how advancements in technology like robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology could make these once-fictional concepts a reality. Kaku's vision includes a future where humans might transcend their physical bodies and achieve a form of immortality.

The 4-Hour Body

An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman

Tim Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.

Physics of the Impossible

Michio Kaku

In 'Physics of the Impossible,' Michio Kaku delves into the world of science fiction to explore the possibilities and limitations of various technologies such as teleportation, force fields, invisibility, and time travel. Kaku categorizes these technologies into three classes based on their potential for realization: Class I (achievable within the next century), Class II (achievable within the next few millennia), and Class III (possibly never achievable unless fundamental laws of physics change). The book discusses how advances in fields like optics, electromagnetism, MRI, computers, superconductivity, and nanotechnology could make some of these science fiction concepts a reality. Kaku also explains the scientific principles behind these technologies, making the book an enlightening and entertaining journey into the future of science.

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[2][4][5].

Physics of the Future

How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100

Michio Kaku

In this book, Michio Kaku provides a detailed forecast of the next 100 years of scientific innovation. He divides the 21st century into three periods: the Near Future (to 2030), Midcentury (2030-2070), and Far Future (2070-2100). Kaku discusses advancements in areas such as computers, artificial intelligence, medicine, nanotechnology, energy production, and space travel. He also addresses the impact of these technologies on the world economy, job markets, and national prosperity. The book is based on rigorous scientific principles and interviews with top scientists working on cutting-edge technologies[2][3][4].

The God Equation

The Quest for a Theory of Everything

Michio Kaku

In 'The God Equation', Michio Kaku delves into the quest for the ultimate theory in physics, a single equation that could unify all forces and explain the universe from the Big Bang to its end. The book covers the historical development of physics, from Newton's laws of motion and gravity to Einstein's theory of relativity, and the contributions of scientists like Faraday, Maxwell, Schrödinger, Heisenberg, and Hawking. Kaku, an expert in string theory, explains complex concepts in an accessible manner, discussing topics such as black holes, wormholes, dark matter, and time travel. The book emphasizes the pursuit of symmetry in physical equations and the ongoing challenges in merging relativity and quantum mechanics into a unified theory[1][3][5].

The Future of the Mind

The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind

Michio Kaku

In 'The Future of the Mind,' Dr. Michio Kaku delves into the latest advancements in neuroscience and physics, exploring how these fields are merging to create new technologies that were once the realm of science fiction. The book is divided into three parts: 'The Mind and Consciousness,' 'Mind Over Matter,' and 'Altered Consciousness.' Kaku discusses topics such as improving cognitive functions, the possibility of telepathy and telekinesis, and the future of artificial intelligence. He also presents a new theory of consciousness and its implications for understanding mental illness, AI, and even the possibility of alien consciousness. The book is filled with references to science fiction and real-world scientific breakthroughs, making it engaging for both science enthusiasts and fans of science fiction[2][4][5].

Brought to you by Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement, Wealthfront automated investing, and 99designs global design platform.

Dr. Michio Kaku (@michiokaku) is a professor of theoretical physics at The City College of New York, co-founder of string field theory, and the author of several widely acclaimed science books, including Beyond Einstein, The Future of Humanity, The Future of the Mind, Hyperspace, Physics of the Future, Physics of the Impossible, and his latest, The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything.

He is the science correspondent for CBS This Morning, the host of the radio programs Science Fantastic and Exploration, and a host of several science TV specials for the BBC and the Discovery and Science Channels.

Please enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Wealthfront! Wealthfront pioneered the automated investing movement, sometimes referred to as ‘robo-advising,’ and they currently oversee $20 billion of assets for their clients. It takes about three minutes to sign up, and then Wealthfront will build you a globally diversified portfolio of ETFs based on your risk appetite and manage it for you at an incredibly low cost.

Smart investing should not feel like a rollercoaster ride. Let the professionals do the work for you. Go to Wealthfront.com/Tim and open a Wealthfront account today, and you’ll get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life. Wealthfront will automate your investments for the long term. Get started today at Wealthfront.com/Tim.

This episode is also brought to you by 99designs, the global creative platform by Vista that makes it easy for designers and clients to work together to create designs they love. Its creative process has become the go-to solution for businesses, agencies, and individuals, and I have used it for years to help with display advertising and illustrations and to rapid-prototype the cover for The Tao of Seneca. Whether your business needs a logo, website design, business card, or anything you can imagine, check out 99designs.

You can work with multiple designers at once to get a bunch of different ideas or hire the perfect designer for your project based on their style and industry specialization. It’s simple to review concepts and leave feedback so you’ll end up with a design that you’re happy with. Click this link and get $20 off plus a $99 upgrade.

This episode is also brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1 by Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system.

Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.

What piqued Michio’s curiosity about science at an early age — and what did he build in his garage with his parents’ grudging permission? [05:08]

How did hydrogen bomb pioneer Edward Teller, the patron who paid Michio’s way through Harvard, react when he turned down his generous job offer to design hydrogen warheads in favor of probing the mysteries of The Big Bang? [10:20]

Knowing his California-born parents had been locked up by the United States government in an internment camp on the basis of their Japanese heritage during WWII, did Michio have any reservations about serving the country during the Vietnam War? [11:30]

The ingredients Michio feels are necessary for anyone to rise above any hardship. [12:53]

What sci-fi had an impact on young Michio’s curiosity and passion to explore the mysteries of science? [14:47]

Does Michio think Einstein underestimated philosophy’s potential for practical application? Are there any philosophies better suited than others for answering the universe’s big questions? Are there any questions that can’t be answered? [16:46]

What constitutes burden of proof when it comes to science? [25:56]

What is a parallel universe? [35:20]

Why does the rate at which time moves vary depending on where it’s observed, and what are the implications of this phenomenon? [37:04]

How does Michio think about consciousness? Is the term synonymous with self-awareness? [42:26]

When Einstein pondered what it would take to “read the mind of God,” what kind of God was he imagining? For that matter, how does Michio think about the concept of God? [53:22]

What is string theory, why is it controversial, and why are such controversies healthy for science? [58:50]

What would be the practical applications of a theory of everything proven? What questions could we finally answer? [1:04:37]

Does music play a part in how Michio contemplates physics? [1:09:52]

Michio’s challenge to our listeners. [1:13:07]

Why didn’t cosmologist George Gamow win the Nobel Prize for his work on proving the Big Bang theory? [1:13:36]

Is there a career cost for research scientists who work to make science more accessible to the non-academic masses? What is the cost to society if there aren’t scientists willing to take that risk? [1:16:58]

How are some scientists seemingly able to predict the future more accurately than others? What advancements does Michio foresee in the next couple of decades? [1:22:13]

For listeners unfamiliar with the body of Michio’s work, where does he recommend they begin? [1:29:17]

Michio’s favorite Einstein quote and other parting thoughts. [1:30:56]

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.

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.