

Carlo Rovelli and Philip Pullman on the Science and Stories That Transform Our World
May 28, 2021
Join Carlo Rovelli, a bestselling theoretical physicist, and Philip Pullman, the award-winning author of His Dark Materials, as they weave together science and storytelling. Rovelli shares the transformative ideas stemming from Heisenberg's work on quantum theory, discussing its implications for our understanding of reality and consciousness. They explore the interconnectedness of all things and reflect on how solitude inspires creativity. The duo emphasizes the role of inquiry in shaping narratives and the legacy of both science and literature.
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Helgoland's Isolation
- Heisenberg sought solitude on Helgoland, a desolate island, to confront complex physics problems.
- This isolation, reminiscent of Newton during the plague or Coleridge seeking metaphors, fosters profound insights.
Relational Reality
- Quantum mechanics suggests reality is relational, not built on individual objects with inherent properties.
- This relational view dissolves problems like consciousness, reframing "I" as a network of relations rather than a separate entity.
Network of Meanings
- Meaning isn't solely scientific; this pen's meaning includes its use for writing novels.
- We exist within interconnected meanings, not isolatable facts, impacting how we live and love.