“Going To Mars Is An Escapist FANTASY!” | Brian Keating On Triggernometry (#358)
Oct 18, 2023
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Astrophysicist Brian Keating discusses colonizing Mars, the origin of everything, the complex correlation between science and religion, faults in the Nobel Prize, and the possibility of space travel. Other topics include the existence of extraterrestrial life, the significance of education and balance between STEM and humanities, and the exploration of folding space-time and higher dimensions.
Establishing a sustainable outpost on Mars is impractical and resources could be better allocated towards preserving life on Earth.
The pursuit of exploration and pushing beyond limits should prioritize finding meaning in human connection and relationships.
A balance between STEM education and the humanities is important, recognizing the fallibility of even the most brilliant scientists.
The Nobel Prize has complexities and limitations, and there is a need for humility and continuous questioning in science.
Deep dives
The Secular Religion of the Nobel Prize
The episode discusses how the Nobel Prize has become a secular religion, with its own origin story and patron saints. The speaker highlights that the most zealous adherents of this secular religion are often atheists. They discuss the fascination with the origin story of the universe and the field of cosmology. The speaker also questions the optimism surrounding space exploration, arguing that establishing a sustainable outpost on Mars is impractical and that resources could be better allocated towards preserving life on Earth. They emphasize the importance of education, particularly in STEM fields, to foster wisdom and meaning.
The Restlessness of Human Exploration
The episode delves into the human drive for exploration and pushing beyond limits. It cites historical examples such as the race to reach the South Pole and the moon landing, highlighting the desire to be the first and the pursuit of what lies beyond. The speaker questions the emphasis on reaching Mars, expressing concerns about resource allocation and the potential lack of meaning in such endeavors. They argue in favor of finding wisdom and meaning in human connection, relationships, and the preservation of what is unique and beautiful about human consciousness.
The Importance of Balancing Science and Wisdom
The episode explores the relationship between science and wisdom, discussing the limitations of scientific knowledge and the belief in the ignorance of experts. The speaker argues for a balance between STEM education and the humanities, pointing out the need for wise communication of scientific discoveries and recognizing the fallibility of even the most brilliant scientists. They express concerns about the reliance on science as a replacement for wisdom and emphasize the importance of gaining wisdom through experience and learning from others.
Critiquing the Nobel Prize and Ambiguities of Achievements
The episode raises criticisms of the Nobel Prize while acknowledging its merits. The speaker highlights the complexities and limitations of the prize, questioning the notion of it being the greatest achievement a human being can have. They discuss the need for humility and confidence in scientific achievements, citing examples of Nobel laureates who experienced imposter syndrome. The speaker also points out the ambiguity and flaws in various fields and emphasizes the continuous process of questioning and learning in science.
Exploring the Impact of the Nobel Prize
The podcast episode delves into the positive and negative aspects of the Nobel Prize. It discusses how the prize can distort the way science is done by blending knowledge with political opinions. While Nobel laureates are highly respected for their accomplishments in science, there is a danger when they use their influence to opine on political matters. The episode emphasizes the need to separate knowledge and wisdom and highlights the secular idolization of the Nobel Prize. It also explores the potential impact of the prize on scientific culture and the importance of reforms to ensure its integrity.
The Possibility of Interstellar Travel and the Existence of Life
The podcast delves into two intriguing questions: whether we can transcend the limitations of chemical propulsion and achieve interstellar travel, and whether we are alone in the universe. The discussion touches on the feasibility of creating portals or wormholes for faster-than-light travel, but also acknowledges that there is currently no evidence to support such concepts. Regarding the existence of extraterrestrial life, the episode explores statistical arguments and the challenges in finding evidence. It emphasizes the rarity of life and technological civilizations, highlighting the need for curiosity, education, and a reverence for wisdom.
Unraveling the Origin of the Universe
The podcast delves into the quest to understand the origins of the universe and the presence of a singularity, a point of infinite density and energy from which all matter and energy originated. The discussion explores the possibility of a multiverse and the potential for technology to reveal the patterns and traces of the universe's beginnings. The episode emphasizes the importance of curiosity, the limitations of scientific proofs, and the need to rule out alternative theories. It highlights the ongoing construction of the Simon's Observatory and the potential revelations it could bring regarding the universe's origins.
Usually, I’m the one interrogating guests, but every now and then, I find myself on the hot seat, too! Enjoy my conversation with Francis and Konstantin on their show, TRIGGERnometry. We discussed the idea of colonizing Mars, aliens, the origin of everything, the complex correlation between science and religion, everything wrong with the Nobel Prize, and much more!
TRIGGERnometry is a YouTube show and podcast in which comedians Konstantin Kisin and Francis Foster create honest conversations with fascinating people.
Key Takeaways:
Intro (00:00)
Are we too pessimistic, and do we have a future in space? (03:27)
Is there anything for us on Mars? (12:48)
Storing consciousness & the survival of humanity (19:42)
The discovery of extraterrestrial life (28:35)
Humility in the field of science (46:24)
Criticism of the Nobel Prize (52:49)
Will we ever be able to travel space effectively? (58:33)
Are we alone in the Universe? (1:03:54)
Where does everything come from? (1:11:17)
What is the one thing we’re not talking about? (1:32:37)
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