The Cosmic Significance of Knowledge and Human Potential

3min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Comments

Transcript

Episode notes

The potential for human knowledge to expand and influence the universe is a remarkable fact that needs explanation. While space exploration and the idea of aliens may seem far-fetched, it is conceivable that human beings can become increasingly influential in our solar system, galaxy, and beyond. This understanding underscores the limitless power of knowledge and its potential for transformation. The progress we have already made in terms of knowledge is comparable to the jump between natural human beings and space travel. Our intuition, based on past experiences and limited circumstances, is not reliable when it comes to determining the possibilities of the future. Instead, scientists rely on the laws of nature to envision what is possible.

Podcast: The TED Interview
Episode: David Deutsch on the infinite reach of knowledge
Release date: 2018-10-23

It can be easy to believe that humans are insignificant. We’re specks of dust on a random planet in a vast universe. Less powerful than elephants. Fewer than ants. But David Deutsch believes that’s all beside the point, because humans possess one unique skill: attaining knowledge. David Deutsch – Oxford professor, father of quantum computing, recluse – convinced Chris years ago to take over leadership of TED with his ideas about knowledge. In this mind-bending conversation, the two dive into his theory that the potential reach of knowledge is infinite. They explore how knowledge first developed, why it sets us apart and what all of these heady concepts really mean for our present and future. To find out more about TED, please visit TED.com.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/interviewdeutsch