Lex Fridman Podcast #123 – Manolis Kellis: Origin of Life, Humans, Ideas, Suffering, and Happiness
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Sep 12, 2020 
Manolis Kellis, a professor at MIT and head of the Computational Biology Group, shares his insights into life's profound questions. He discusses the origins of life and the role of evolution, touching on the complexities of the human epigenome and the significance of Neanderthals in our lineage. Kellis also reflects on life’s struggles, emphasizing that suffering is part of the human experience. The conversation encourages listeners to appreciate life's journey, the interplay of love, and the beauty of transformation in both ideas and human connections.
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Epigenome Function
- The human epigenome allows for incredible DNA compaction, going from two meters to a thousandth of a millimeter.
- It also controls the activity of genes, enabling cell differentiation and function.
Multi-level Selection
- Evolution selects not just at the organism level but also at ecosystem levels, favoring cooperation and symbiosis.
- This explains phenomena like altruism, where species benefit from mutual support.
Myth and Ancestry
- Manolis Kellis connects Greek myths about Titans and heroes to discoveries of human ancestors like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
- He suggests that ancient bones might have inspired these stories of conflict and extinction.