Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

The Crisis in String Theory is Worse Than You Think...[feat. Leonard Susskind]

Oct 31, 2024

Join Leonard Susskind, the "Father of String Theory" and a professor at Stanford University, as he dives into the current crisis in string theory. He critiques its limitations and explores the disconnect between its mathematical beauty and real-world applications. Susskind discusses the challenges of grand unification and inflation in cosmology, while highlighting the intriguing relationship between quantum mechanics and black holes. He also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and independent thinking in the scientific community.

01:43:58

Episode guests

Leonard Susskind

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Quick takeaways

Leonard Susskind addresses the crisis in string theory, citing overwhelming complexity and uncertainty causing discouragement among young physicists.

The podcast elaborates on the holographic principle, emphasizing the need to reevaluate theories that align with our universe's true nature.

Susskind encourages aspiring physicists to pursue their curiosity and challenge dominant theories, fostering intellectual independence and innovation.

Deep dives

The Shift to Streamlined Processes

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Intro

2min

Challenges and Horizons in String Theory

21min

Navigating Theoretical Physics and Business Solutions

2min

Exploring SU(5) and the Challenges of Grand Unification

19min

Inflation and Cosmological Debate

9min

Challenges of Probing Planck Length

4min

Navigating Quantum Limits and Mentorship

7min

Quantum Complexity and Black Holes

15min

Challenging Quantum Paradigms

21min

10.

Engaging the Audience: Support and Community Building

3min

In today's episode, we are joined by Leonard Susskind, the renowned theoretical physicist often called the "Father of String Theory," who has profoundly shaped our understanding of quantum mechanics, black holes, and the nature of the universe.

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LINKS MENTIONED:

- Conformal Field Theory (book): https://amzn.to/4fooVr8

- Leonard Susskind Bio: https://physics.stanford.edu/people/leonard-susskind

- Leonard on The Origins Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhszd_wqAgQ

- Leonard Susskind’s String Theory lectures: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL202191442DB1B300

- Latham Boyle on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyLeeEFKk04

- Peter Woit on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTSeqsCgxj8&list=PLZ7ikzmc6zlN6E8KrxcYCWQIHg2tfkqvR&index=8

- Stephen Wolfram on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YRlQQw0d-4

- Stephen Wolfram at Mindfest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHPQ_oSsJgg

- Roger Penrose on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGm505TFMbU

- Cumrun Vafa on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUHOoMX4Bqw

- Neil Turok on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUp9x44N3uE

- Garrett Lisi on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ulJmfFvd8

- TOE’s String Theory Iceberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4PdPnQuwjY

- Sean Carroll on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AoRxtYZrZo

- Sean Carroll’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrxfgDEc2NxY_fRExpDXr87tzRbPCaA5x

- The de Sitter: https://hal.science/hal-00109682/document

- Susskind: String theory not a complete picture of how quantum gravity works: https://www.math.columbia.edu/~woit/wordpress/?p=6252

- Can we unify quantum mechanics and gravity?: https://physicsworld.com/a/can-we-unify-quantum-mechanics-and-gravity/

- New theory claims to unite Einstein's gravity with quantum mechanics:

https://phys.org/news/2023-12-theory-einstein-gravity-quantum-mechanics.html

- Time and Quantum Mechanics SOLVED? | Lee Smolin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOKOodQXjhc

- Fay Dowker on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgYHEPCLVas

- Edward Frenkel on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_oPMcvHbAc

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro

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