Dwarkesh Podcast

In this enlightening conversation, Jacob Kimmel, Co-founder and President of NewLimit, shares his groundbreaking work in reversing aging through epigenetic reprogramming. He discusses why evolution hasn't optimized for longevity and the complexities of drug discovery. The chat delves into the role of transcription factors in rejuvenating cells and innovative gene delivery methods that could transform medical treatments. Kimmel also offers intriguing insights into CAR-T cell therapy and how biotech innovations may revolutionize healthcare.

In this engaging conversation, Casey Handmer, a Caltech PhD and former NASA JPL engineer, dives into the US-China energy rivalry and the implications for artificial intelligence. He argues that solar energy will be key in meeting the massive energy demands of AI. Handmer discusses the transformative potential of synthetic fuels, challenges in aligning land use for solar, and the financial realities of energy deployment. Appealing to contrarian views, he insists that understanding energy use will redefine AGI's value, challenging traditional economic metrics.

Lewis Bollard, Farm Animal Welfare Program Director at Open Philanthropy, discusses the meat industry's surprising efficiency and its vast political influence. He highlights challenges in creating competitive cultivated meat and shares advancements like Inovo Sexing to reduce animal suffering. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic reforms and innovative funding strategies to improve animal welfare in farming. Bollard advocates for informed consumer choices and better labeling in alternative farming to combat misperceptions.

Sarah Paine, a historian specializing in East Asian history, delves into Japan's meteoric rise as a dominant power by defeating much larger adversaries like China and Russia. She highlights Japan's strategic modernization and military tactics, particularly the surprise attack at Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese War, drawing parallels to modern conflicts. The conversation also critiques traditional views of national power by emphasizing the importance of military logistics and cultural dynamics in shaping geopolitical outcomes.

Stephen Kotkin, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and acclaimed biographer of Joseph Stalin, delves into the complexities of authoritarian regimes. He discusses Stalin's paradoxical relationship with revolutionary ideals, the psychological factors that drove cruelty under his rule, and the implications of autocratic governance on modernization. Kotkin raises thought-provoking questions about why people accepted Stalin's tyranny and the contemporary challenges faced by ideologically driven governments. His insights provide a compelling lens on the dynamics of power and legitimacy.

The discussion dives into skepticism surrounding the current capabilities of AI in achieving artificial general intelligence. Insights are shared on how timelines for AGI vary wildly among experts, with some believing it's just years away. The challenges faced by large language models in learning and adapting like humans are explored, shedding light on their limitations. Predictions about future advancements in AI emphasize the need for improved continuous learning capabilities.

George Church, a pioneer in synthetic biology and a professor at Harvard and MIT, dives into groundbreaking topics like de-aging and de-extinction. He discusses the incredible advancements in gene therapy and the potential to extend human lifespan. The conversation takes a darker turn as Church warns about the ethical risks of synthetic biology, including weaponized mirror life. He also highlights the synergy between AI, material science, and synthetic biology, envisioning a future where biobots could revolutionize production technologies.

Arthur Kroeber, a founding partner at Gavekal Dragonomics and expert on China's economy, dives deep into China's high-tech manufacturing dominance. He likens the government's approach to a giant VC fund, fueling fierce local competition with massive subsidies. Kroeber challenges the adversarial mindset towards China, advocating for a cooperative strategy instead. He also analyzes the rapid evolution of China's electric vehicle sector and the implications of its ambitious tech goals amid rising global tensions.

Ken Rogoff, a Harvard economist and former chief economist of the IMF, shares insights on the economic challenges facing China and the U.S. He discusses the stagnation in China, highlighting the risks of debt crises globally. Rogoff warns of impending inflation in the U.S. and explores how AI could reshape economic forecasts. He also examines the future of the dollar, the impact of digital currencies, and the varying financial strategies of Asia's economies, revealing the interconnectedness of global finance and the urgent need for systemic changes.

Victor Shih, an expert on China's political and banking systems from UC San Diego, dives into the intricacies of Chinese governance and the implications of Xi Jinping's leadership. He discusses the CCP's unique approach to AI and the central role of a key Politburo figure in its regulation. The conversation also addresses China's staggering local debt crisis, highlighting how corruption has fueled overbuilding. Shih provides insights into Xi's strategies and the potential ramifications for Taiwan, painting a complex picture of China's future.