#72 | Stephen Wolfram, Wolfram Alpha - Conversational Documentary on My Entire Arc of Life

Get a 10% discount on any course from nfactory School using the turpentine promo code: nfactorialschool .typeform.com/to/K5CmYZYN
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life and mind of one of the most influential figures in the world of computation and physics - Stephen Wolfram.
Today, we are talking to Stephen Wolfram, founder and CEO of Wolfram Research and creator of Mathematica and Wolfram Alpha answer engine.
We traced Stephen's academic journey from Eton College to Oxford and CalTech, covering milestones, first scientific papers at 15, and the shift from space to physics. Delving into chapters on his PhD, teaching at CalTech, and receiving the MacArthur Fellowship, Stephen shared insights on complex systems, mentorship, and encounters with figures like Richard Feynman and Steve Jobs. After exploring the creation and impact of Wolfram Alpha, the Wolfram Physics Project, and his current pursuits, we also gained insights into Stephen's productivity system, reflections on parenting, friendships, and Hollywood interactions.
Throughout the episode, Stephen imparted wisdom and advice for fresh college graduates, leaving a profound mark on the sands of history. We hope that his wisdom will help you mark the trajectory of your academic and professional career while you have fun listening to the new episode of our podcast. Enjoy!
Stephen Wolfram - / stephen_wolfram
Host: Arman Suleimenov - / suleimenov
Location: UCLA Luskin Conference Center, Los Angeles, CA
Hacker News Comments: news.ycombinator.com/item?id=...
Produced and directed by: / good.years
Timestamps:
00:00 Show must go on!
02:45 About childhood
12:03 How did your interest in science develop during your childhood?
20:16 Favorite books before age 10
25:47 When did your interest shift from space to physics?
28:37 The first scientific notes at the age of 12
38:30 The first scientific paper at the age of 15
44:57 Memories from Eton college
52:59 Chapter: Oxford
57:55 Chapter II: California Institute of Technology
01:01:30 About Pasadena City College
01:10:23 The letter from Richard Feynman to Stephen
01:13:08 PhD
01:18:17 Teaching at CalTech
01:22:54 MacArthur Fellowship
01:44:41 Complex System
01:56:38 Mentorship and teaching
01:57:57 S&P Software System
02:00:30 Interaction with Steve Jobs
02:10:40 About Sergey Brin
02:12:14 A Decade on NKS
02:23:31 How did you come up with Wolfram Alpha?
02:41:29 What impact you think Wolfram Alpha had?
02:51:21 When did you start working towards Wolfram Physics Project?
03:05:21 What are you working on these days?
03:27:47 What is your productivity system?
03:40:08 Parenting while being a scientist and business person
03:46:42 How do you find time for your friends?
03:50:47 Top-3 recommendations
03:54:08 Interaction with Hollywood
04:07:17 Advice for fresh college graduates
04:11:42 How do you want to be remembered in history?
#stephenwolfram #mathematics #computer #biography #science