Neal Stephenson: Sci-Fi, Space, Aliens, AI, VR & the Future of Humanity | Lex Fridman Podcast

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 18 тра 2024
  • Neal Stephenson is a sci-fi writer (Snow Crash, Cryptonomicon, and new book Termination Shock), former Chief Futurist at Magic Leap and first employee of Blue Origin. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
    - Mizzen+Main: mizzenandmain.com and use code LEX to get $35 off
    - InsideTracker: insidetracker.com/lex and use code Lex25 to get 25% off
    - Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil
    - Grammarly: grammarly.com/lex to get 20% off premium
    - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free
    EPISODE LINKS:
    Neal's Twitter: / nealstephenson
    Neal's Website: www.nealstephenson.com/
    Termination Shock (book): amzn.to/3HhmDKi
    Snow Crash (book): amzn.to/3H7yFFW
    Cryptonomicon (book): amzn.to/3C01HDF
    The Diamond Age (book): amzn.to/3wxUF83
    Seveneves (book): amzn.to/3kkhveg
    The Baroque Cycle, Vol. 1 (book): amzn.to/3koMW7n
    Innovation Starvation (article): bit.ly/3mYLSJ2
    PODCAST INFO:
    Podcast website: lexfridman.com/podcast
    Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2lwqZIr
    Spotify: spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
    RSS: lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
    Full episodes playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast
    Clips playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast Clips
    OUTLINE:
    0:00 - Introduction
    0:43 - WWII and human nature
    9:28 - Search engine morality
    14:06 - Space exploration
    31:07 - Aliens and UFOs
    39:30 - SpaceX and Blue Origin
    46:52 - Social media
    51:19 - Climate change
    1:03:09 - Consequences of big ideas
    1:07:50 - Virtual reality
    1:30:58 - Artificial intelligence
    1:45:57 - Cryptocurrency
    1:58:35 - Writing, storytelling, and books
    2:21:13 - Martial arts
    2:30:31 - Final thoughts
    SOCIAL:
    - Twitter: / lexfridman
    - LinkedIn: / lexfridman
    - Facebook: / lexfridman
    - Instagram: / lexfridman
    - Medium: / lexfridman
    - Reddit: / lexfridman
    - Support on Patreon: / lexfridman
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @lexfridman
    @lexfridman  2 роки тому +195

    Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast.
    0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
    - Mizzen+Main: mizzenandmain.com and use code LEX to get $35 off
    - InsideTracker: insidetracker.com/lex and use code Lex25 to get 25% off
    - Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil
    - Grammarly: grammarly.com/lex to get 20% off premium
    - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free
    0:43 - WWII and human nature
    9:28 - Search engine morality
    14:06 - Space exploration
    31:07 - Aliens and UFOs
    39:30 - SpaceX and Blue Origin
    46:52 - Social media
    51:19 - Climate change
    1:03:09 - Consequences of big ideas
    1:07:50 - Virtual reality
    1:30:58 - Artificial intelligence
    1:45:57 - Cryptocurrency
    1:58:35 - Writing, storytelling, and books
    2:21:13 - Martial arts
    2:30:31 - Final thoughts

    • @cluistube
      @cluistube 2 роки тому +2

      Hey Lex, have you had the chance to see a movie called Aniara? If not, I think it might be your jam. Great episode btw. 👍

    • @Mehlmanmedical
      @Mehlmanmedical 2 роки тому +2

      Lex, get *Isaac Arthur* on your podcast. PLEASEEEEEEE

    • @RighteousBrother
      @RighteousBrother 2 роки тому +1

      Looking at the titles of these time stamps, I think im gonna listen to all of it , great work!

    • @planetdisco4821
      @planetdisco4821 2 роки тому +1

      Anathem is an absolute masterpiece. Read it twice now. Destined to b come a classic...

    • @toddprifogle7381
      @toddprifogle7381 2 роки тому +1

      Consider an other planetary system where life is formed and a space faring species is reaching out exploring.
      Let's say their first craft here lands on the white house lawn and out steps an advanced alien insectoid species.
      Looking to advance naturally their own agenda and need for resources. In many ways similar to our reaching out across the Atlantic destroying most in our path .Those humans surprised use to surprise me.

  • @theswill729
    @theswill729 2 роки тому +50

    I think it's hilarious that he said if you Google Pythagorean Theorum, you'll find someone with an angle. I'm not sure he intended that pun, but I love it.

    • @nR00R
      @nR00R Рік тому +2

      He most certainly intended that pun, did you not see his smirk?

    • @MyMomSaysImKeen
      @MyMomSaysImKeen 11 місяців тому +1

      It's so beyond true.
      As an artist I'll try to show people X historical item like
      jewelery from King Tuts tomb, and no matter how specifically I phrase the search I will only be displaywed purchasable reproductions to buy.
      I'm 40 now, but I remember an internet where a similar search would at the very least lead me to a neuseum.

  • @arnetrautmann9783
    @arnetrautmann9783 2 роки тому +995

    Lex is killing me. How can this man not only get almost all my favorite public intellectuals on the show, but also talk to them on eye-level. Awesome.

    • @kellanaldous7092
      @kellanaldous7092 2 роки тому +5

      Call 9-11!

    • @digita1dope
      @digita1dope 2 роки тому +9

      business of business is business

    • @theonlycaulfield
      @theonlycaulfield 2 роки тому +63

      @@thelmaviaduct He's the best science fiction author of the last 30 years, and operates in a completely different league than other science fiction writers. As is apparent in all of his works, his brand of science fiction is inherently intellectual, and visionary, and this feeds into why he was a futurist for several engineering companies. He is the inventor of the term "metaverse" (now made famous by Zuckerberg), and the first to use the term avatar in a literary context, in reference to a version of ones-self in a virtual reality context. He is knowledgable on a broader range of topics, and touches on more in his works, than just about any science fiction writer in history.

    • @arnetrautmann9783
      @arnetrautmann9783 2 роки тому +30

      @@thelmaviaduct Have you read one of his books? He is not behind the curve. He is the curve.

    • @arnetrautmann9783
      @arnetrautmann9783 2 роки тому +12

      @@theonlycaulfield Maybe with the exception of Stanilaw Lem who, in a way, was even more prophetic and knowledgeable. I mean, hell: that guy described the Metaverse and the IoT in details (technologically plausible!) in the early 70ies.

  • @dpcsoup04
    @dpcsoup04 Рік тому +114

    I’m going through a shitty mental period, and your podcasts have been a beacon of hope for my odds of smiling every day. Thanks for that.

    • @braindisorder5043
      @braindisorder5043 Рік тому +5

      Stay strong brother

    • @messedupfmj
      @messedupfmj Рік тому +6

      @@braindisorder5043 Hope things have gotten better for you. Dealing with similar issues now, and it is tough.

    • @braindisorder5043
      @braindisorder5043 Рік тому +2

      @@messedupfmj 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 my name is a joke

    • @messedupfmj
      @messedupfmj Рік тому +3

      Meant this for the OP Devon 🤣

    • @sg5104
      @sg5104 Рік тому +3

      same here! keep it up bro!

  • @Oryansbelt
    @Oryansbelt Рік тому +19

    What a brilliant thinker. Sci Fi writers, for decades, have been providing the fuel for people across the world to change an idea into a reality. Humans have an expansion mindset, an endless curiosity. Authors like Neal continue to inspire the future generations to explore their ideas and reach for the stars.

    • @kaidenpieszak8186
      @kaidenpieszak8186 Місяць тому

      Just what we need to shoot high amounts of sulfur into the atmosphere lmao

  • @jerrystark8500
    @jerrystark8500 2 роки тому +90

    Hey Lex if you read this I just want to thank you for not blasting ads I really appreciate that other podcasts talk about something then randomly mix in an Ad and it completely ruins the experience but Thank you and keep making these podcasts I never miss one

  • @PrintFailed210
    @PrintFailed210 2 роки тому +200

    This is my dream interview, Snow Crash is one of my all time favorites!

    • @Outplayedqt
      @Outplayedqt 2 роки тому +14

      Snow Crash and Neuromancer were major influences of mine growing up. Mind blowing to see Neal on this podcast!

    • @JuanHernandez-ze3si
      @JuanHernandez-ze3si 2 роки тому +7

      A cyberpunk masterpiece

    • @Ekklo
      @Ekklo 2 роки тому +6

      'When the Deliverator puts the hammer down, shit happens'

    • @Charles_Bro-son
      @Charles_Bro-son 2 роки тому +1

      And the metaverse is around the corner. Who wants Zuck's Nam-Shubs?!

    • @richardsawicki8521
      @richardsawicki8521 2 роки тому +3

      @@Charles_Bro-son I never met-a-verse as creepy as the proposed Sucker-uhm-"ZUCKER"verse! It's the "verse" thing I ever did see a cheesey 90s level animation info-mercial for! (Now that Face-book has done it's all but irreversable damage, let's see how the lunatic super-villain responsible for that can ruin the future too!)

  • @franklinlyons4372
    @franklinlyons4372 2 роки тому +11

    Neal Stephenson's work puts him at a level that feels unattainable. You've helped show his humanity and realness. Many surprises.

  • @camerynlamare4356
    @camerynlamare4356 2 роки тому +9

    Thanks Lex for continuing to ask about the UAP report despite the dismissal from the media. Bringing this topic to the scientists, writers, philosophers, and all of the other great guests you have on the podcast is a great way to give weight to the subject and open it up to the publics eye. I really appreciate that! And can't wait to see what we discover.

  • @jamesdavid1874
    @jamesdavid1874 2 роки тому +161

    "The physical world is pretty Cool" also, "it's the only place you can get a decent meal". Great interview, two of my favorites, doing their thing. Thanks Lex!

    • @wes8190
      @wes8190 2 роки тому +7

      I don't know, I've had some fried cat fish that is out of this world.

  • @sjdanthem
    @sjdanthem 2 роки тому +173

    HOLY SHIT! He's more public than he used to be, but this is rare!

    • @nowithinkyouknowyourewrong8675
      @nowithinkyouknowyourewrong8675 2 роки тому +8

      Next greg egan, that would be the ultimate

    • @TheRemarkableN
      @TheRemarkableN 2 роки тому +4

      @@nowithinkyouknowyourewrong8675 I’m pretty sure Greg Egan is an AI that doesn’t actually have a physical body. Would make for a very interesting interview.

    • @TheSkullConfernece
      @TheSkullConfernece 2 роки тому

      Neal or Lex? To me, both of them are very famous and influential. Of course, Lex is very new to the scene relatively speaking but I find it hard to find people who know Neal Stephenson. While far more people know of Neal, Lex has been catching the public eye in the past couple years far more than Neal ever has.

  • @Seehart
    @Seehart 2 роки тому +11

    I found Snow Crash at a used book store (this was way before Amazon), by picking three random numbers for a shelf, row, and book. It's one of my favorites.

  • @freakerbell
    @freakerbell 2 роки тому +26

    I wish Lex had read more of Stephenson’s novels. He, Lex refers to concepts NS has already fleshed out. NS is so patient and humble! Thanks LEX! Loving this!

    • @The_XCIV
      @The_XCIV 5 місяців тому

      stop riding NS,s Beef

  • @phew5888
    @phew5888 2 роки тому +16

    Watching videos on 1.25x or 1.5x speed is such a blessing. Wish there was a setting to lock it this way

    • @jhpjhun
      @jhpjhun 2 роки тому +1

      there's a chrome extension that does just that. I use Video Speed Controller. You have to go into the settings and set it as default though (and you can use your keyboard to speed up or slow down the video)

    • @phew5888
      @phew5888 2 роки тому +1

      @Nick Williams thanks for your valuable information

  • @GooserGamez
    @GooserGamez 2 роки тому +260

    "The Cryptonomicon" changed my perception of literature. This man is a Legend!

    • @oglala_lakota2o
      @oglala_lakota2o 2 роки тому +7

      my favorite book of all time

    • @garrisjones7476
      @garrisjones7476 2 роки тому +11

      Every year or so I’ll alternate rereading either that, Anathem, or Ream-de. I love all those books so much. He can tell a damn good story

    • @Mhz-rt4zw
      @Mhz-rt4zw 2 роки тому +2

      Ignoti et quasi occulti

    • @toddmank45
      @toddmank45 2 роки тому

      Me too. Temporally amazing. Seamless contrasts

    • @luciferangelica
      @luciferangelica 2 роки тому +6

      did you read the baroque trilogy? it had dem shaftoe and waterhouse ancestors chillin' with eli and isaac newton

  • @11arkasha11
    @11arkasha11 Рік тому +24

    wow! Neal is one of my favorite sci fi authors! thank you for bringing this to us!

  • @chrisshupe985
    @chrisshupe985 2 роки тому +13

    Lex, your podcasts are like reading a beautiful poem. Your optimism is contagious, love you man

  • @cloudbloom
    @cloudbloom 2 роки тому +48

    Snow Crash was the first cyberpunk novel I read as a teenager and it's still an all time favorite

    • @M0ebius
      @M0ebius 2 роки тому +2

      I loved Snow Crash, but I could never finish Cryptonomicon.

    • @AuraReadsBooks
      @AuraReadsBooks 2 роки тому +2

      Same. I was 15 and it blew my mind.

    • @edwardfletcher7790
      @edwardfletcher7790 2 роки тому

      Me too, pity it was the last book he wrote under 600 pages ....

  • @luckyjinxer
    @luckyjinxer 2 роки тому +50

    So glad to see his name pop up. His writing was really influential to me. Really cool guest to get!

  • @lisamarie661
    @lisamarie661 2 роки тому +35

    I read “Gulag Archapelego” as a young person. My paternal grandpa had it in his collection and I learned a lot about human capabilities from the book.

  • @lacasa3514
    @lacasa3514 2 роки тому +4

    One of the people I’ve always wanted to talk with, but never see anyone talking with. It’s a relief to know that with Lex the questions and conversations will be intelligent, interesting, and draw on the work of the individuals and explore their perspective. Thanks товарищ.

  • @jander7567
    @jander7567 2 роки тому +6

    This was probably one of my favorite Lex podcasts. Only complaint would be that lighting man, his bald dome was gleaming lol

  • @anon5597
    @anon5597 2 роки тому +134

    Just finished Anathem, a true visionary. I was searching for some podcasts of him the other day, and now you post this! what a treat. Thanks Lex

    • @zachh3660
      @zachh3660 2 роки тому +15

      I rarely read fiction but I’ve read Anathem twice. Just an amazing book.

    • @drsmoto3400
      @drsmoto3400 2 роки тому +4

      we need anathem for real

    • @Stfugb2s
      @Stfugb2s 2 роки тому +8

      it's my personal favorite of his books

    • @SahilP2648
      @SahilP2648 2 роки тому +2

      @@zachh3660 I want to read it too

    • @jksatte
      @jksatte 2 роки тому +1

      @@zachh3660 what is it about?

  • @gothwhiteinc
    @gothwhiteinc Рік тому +1

    Lex and Brian Keating my top 2 for a heady brew of discourse

  • @nickwise6440
    @nickwise6440 Рік тому +2

    I just started listening to these as I sleep and they are the best podcasts ever made. Even though they can be a bit biased, lacking knowledge or experiance in some areas, the infotmation that breach new grounds, consciously... Priceless.

  • @oceantree5000
    @oceantree5000 2 роки тому +88

    Lex, my man, what a get! NS is a genius, to say the very least. Nice! Stoked for my copy of _Termination Shock_ next week. Thanks, brother.

    • @RyanR3STL3SS
      @RyanR3STL3SS 2 роки тому +3

      His thinking shows his age. It is amazing to me the man who wrote Snowcrash doesn't grok the crazy cultural stuff going on in VR Chat. He talks about VR motion sickness, which is so 2018. Simply put, he has lost his vision of the future. His books were really an inspiration to so many.

    • @F3d4ykin
      @F3d4ykin 2 роки тому

      @@RyanR3STL3SS Aye, also it was a smidge ironic hearing him talk about the 70s ideas of everything being a double edged sword, listing several cases that arguably were but clinging to another of that periods ideas about optimal CO2 levels as if that is only single edged....talking about needing to drop the CO2 ppm to 200 is frightening. Plants stop being able to photosynthesize in the 180s if I’m not mistaken.

  • @TheRemarkableN
    @TheRemarkableN 2 роки тому +26

    Was so excited to see Neal on the podcast. One of my favorite authors of the last 30 years. Great interview Lex.

  • @roddlez
    @roddlez 2 роки тому +10

    OMG. ALL-TIME FAVORITE AUTHOR. This guy's books has shaped so much of my life and interests.

  • @tmstani23
    @tmstani23 2 роки тому +12

    I connect with this podcast on another level. Nobody is doing anything remotely as great and the deep thoughtful questions are ones I always wished I could ask some of the most profound and insightful people. I've learned more from this podcast than probably anywhere else. Thank you so much Lex. Keep up the amazing work!!!

    • @Blondybeastfit
      @Blondybeastfit 5 місяців тому +1

      I agree! First podcast Im listening to ever… Never thought I would find someone as interesting as Lex ever doing podcasts

  • @Home-Loans
    @Home-Loans 2 роки тому +6

    Sitting here at work and Lex just planned my night 👍🏼

    • @RamseyHaddadWZ
      @RamseyHaddadWZ 2 роки тому +4

      Already done with work here in the UK.
      Do I stay up past my bedtime?

    • @Home-Loans
      @Home-Loans 2 роки тому +1

      @@RamseyHaddadWZ 💯 worth it

  • @RaneBowen
    @RaneBowen 2 роки тому +31

    Great episode. The diamond age is one of my favorite sci fi novels of all time and he has written so many other great books.

    • @howlando6989
      @howlando6989 Рік тому +1

      The Diamond Age was simply amazing. Now just sitting back watching everything in the book come true one thing at a time.

  • @lotterydiscounts4326
    @lotterydiscounts4326 2 роки тому +34

    I'm a huge Stephenson fan. I seek out interviews with him all the time. This is the best one I've seen hands down!

  • @tomburroughes9834
    @tomburroughes9834 Рік тому +3

    Lex, kudos to you for getting this brilliant man on for an interview.

  • @samanthabogen9639
    @samanthabogen9639 2 роки тому +23

    So cool! Would love to see more high quality sci authors on the pod.

    • @BillShatner31
      @BillShatner31 2 роки тому

      Ted Chiang would be dope. Another great Seattle-based sci-fi author

  • @epilpstd1
    @epilpstd1 2 роки тому +16

    I read a few Azimov books years ago but then I read Seveneves. Wow, I didn't know science fiction could be so awesome and emotional. A real page turner for me. I want to read more of Neil's books.

    • @jhpjhun
      @jhpjhun 2 роки тому +2

      I would recommend Diamond Age next which is kind of a light read like Seveneves, then probably Anathem. Anathem is kind of heavy but one of my favorite books of all time. Truly a masterpiece.

    • @toooes
      @toooes 2 роки тому

      C.W. Longbottom

  •  2 роки тому +12

    Mr Shatner’s expression upon return from space was absolutely incredible. And a 90 year old man that looks at least half his age!

  • @danieldosen5260
    @danieldosen5260 2 роки тому +4

    Only had a half hour, but I'll listen to this fully; Great interview - makes me think of 100s of more questions I've never thought about.

  • @murder0ne
    @murder0ne 2 роки тому +3

    Like so many others have noted below, it just blows me away that Lex is getting all these amazing guests to come on his podcast. Not that Lex doesn't deserve them, quite the opposite. His guest list achievements speaks volumes about his reputation and character. Neal Stephenson though? WOW.

  • @magnustuve
    @magnustuve 2 роки тому +14

    Thanks Lex! One of those conversations that brightens the rest of the day. It gives energy. 1:43:40 Best definition of love, deeper connection, that I have ever heard.

  • @nokiot9
    @nokiot9 2 роки тому +6

    I LOVE Stephenson! He’s a flippin genius. I hope to god someday he writes a seveneves sequel

  • @WanderfalkeAT
    @WanderfalkeAT 2 роки тому +2

    Lex, I love how you are behaving towards your Guests. You Sir, are a very mannered Intellectual.

  • @theaklair
    @theaklair 2 роки тому +17

    Seveneves is brilliant! So excited to listen to this podcast!

    • @Nathan-ng1kp
      @Nathan-ng1kp 2 роки тому +1

      we need another podcast where they just talk about Seveneves

  • @PhallicDivinity
    @PhallicDivinity 2 роки тому +30

    Holy crap I'm excited for this. Currently reading Cryptonomicon for the second time at the moment.

    • @donaldbarton6701
      @donaldbarton6701 2 роки тому +1

      What's it about?

    • @warlockEd73
      @warlockEd73 2 роки тому +6

      @@donaldbarton6701 It's an intergenerational tale of code making and code breaking. How the individuals involved with both tasks did or had done all the things that go into cryptography and how the results affected them, those in their orbit, and the world at large. With a great dose of humor and a nice preview (from twenty years ago) of our current problems with wokeism thrown in for good measure.
      Easily one of the best books I've ever read.

  • @jakestyles002
    @jakestyles002 2 роки тому +11

    Another brilliant conversation. You ask some extraordinary questions that evoke incredible responses. Happy Howlidays Lex!

  • @CockatooDude
    @CockatooDude 2 роки тому +30

    What I found super interesting about this interview is that while I had of course thought Stephenson would be a knowledgeable and eloquent person, I didn't expect him to be nearly as technically knowledgeable as he is. Granted, the only novel of his I've read is Snowcrash, but wow, this man writes recursive algorithms in Mathematica, programs, CAD's stuff in fusion360 to then machine it out, has a deep understanding of physics and spaceflight, and knows how to do AR very well too. No wonder his science fiction is world class when he knows as much as he does.

    • @bobbyshaftoe45
      @bobbyshaftoe45 2 роки тому +3

      Horizontal Expertise is much broader than deep siloed knowledge...

    • @adityasanthosh702
      @adityasanthosh702 2 роки тому

      @@bobbyshaftoe45 if everyone in the world has browser knowledge instead of deep expertise, we would still be stuck in 20th century.

    • @bobbyshaftoe45
      @bobbyshaftoe45 2 роки тому +1

      @@adityasanthosh702 browser knowledge.. thats one hell of an assumption... one that smacks of an opinion coming from an insecure educate digging for ever more publish or perish nails for his or her *very narrowly * defined hammer.

    • @thezyreick4289
      @thezyreick4289 2 роки тому

      @@adityasanthosh702 I think what he was referring to were polymaths. Which I would consider Stephenson to be

  • @kirdnehh
    @kirdnehh 2 роки тому +7

    I’m amazed Lex got him on here. Thank you both for this!

  • @NinjaofApathy
    @NinjaofApathy 2 роки тому +5

    I'd love to hear more about authorship and writing from the best.
    Lex, you would be a great guy to talk to writers about their process as well as their advice for new authors.

  • @bigd4366
    @bigd4366 2 роки тому +2

    One note on the "slowing down" problem--Bob Zubrin came up with a possible solution a couple decades ago. A magsail--functionally similar to a solar sail, but using plasma in the solar wind rather than photons--can provide substantial deceleration on approach to a star. In theory, of course.

  • @Ty-ri7dy
    @Ty-ri7dy 2 роки тому +3

    I've been saving this for a reward after getting all my work done, and now it's finally time! I cannot wait to hear what this brilliant, well-spoken man has to say.

  • @DustinGunnells
    @DustinGunnells 2 роки тому +6

    I was never expecting him to have him in an interview. Wildly unexpected guest!

  • @BertoBeats
    @BertoBeats 2 роки тому +36

    Seveneves is one of my favorite books of all time, can't wait to dive into this one! What a get!

    • @unalcachofa
      @unalcachofa 2 роки тому +4

      Mine too! Just started listening, I hope he asked if there is a sequel in the works.

    • @luckyjinxer
      @luckyjinxer 2 роки тому +1

      I thought it was good, but a bit disjointed. I'm partial to Anathem myself.

    • @billybookmarks8572
      @billybookmarks8572 2 роки тому +3

      I don't think Lex has read Seven Eves yet. He didn't seem aware of the whole "Space Bullwhips" concept. So many big space concepts got explored in that book.

    • @ridespirals
      @ridespirals 2 роки тому

      I loved snow crash and diamond age and am reading seveneves now (which is quite a bit different and I'm only a couple hundred pages in but there's not much of the comedic sarcasm type of stuff I'm used to, luckily I still find the "dry" scientific explanations interesting, I love hard scifi that dives into deep technical explanations), it's pretty interesting so far but not quite what I was expecting. anyways I realized I had never heard Neal talk before (I like to look up interviews with authors I like just to get an idea of what they're like) so that's why I'm here

  • @akilaganlath7055
    @akilaganlath7055 2 роки тому +1

    So so glad I paused this to read Anathem first. Wouldn't have appreciated much of this interview without it. @Lex, hoping for a Round II and a discussion about whether a true AI will be able to tap into the Platonic Ideals of an object/concept as we do.

  • @annier6835
    @annier6835 2 роки тому +7

    Beautiful interview. Two interesting, highly intelligent and humble people exploring stuff together!

  • @jaygeeee4754
    @jaygeeee4754 2 роки тому +10

    Great guest! I've read many of his books. Keep up the good work, Lex!

  • @greg4367
    @greg4367 2 роки тому +7

    Thank you both. This is what happens when my favorite interviewer meets my favorite auther. Lex, thankyou for your deeply human perspective and Neal, your new book has been "pre-ordered" for months. I do wish there had been some discussion of WHO IS Enoch Root?!!!

  • @JakubStuglik
    @JakubStuglik 2 роки тому +6

    Neal Stephenson's books really impacted my life greatly in a good way, so thank you Neal, and thank you Lex for this awesome interview :-)

  • @JMnyJohns
    @JMnyJohns 2 роки тому +4

    Agreed Neil. Have Spacesuit, Tunnel in the Sky, Space Cadet, Starman Jones...all those Heinlein YA novels are great and are special to a lot of people. :)

  • @zzzzzzzzzzz6
    @zzzzzzzzzzz6 2 роки тому +6

    This conversation is perfect because finally Lex found a guest who speaks similarly slow so I can play it at 2x and listen to them at normal speed.

    • @v1kt0u5
      @v1kt0u5 2 роки тому

      Lol, yeah, 2x, for sure; you must be sooo sharp and quick XD

    • @zzzzzzzzzzz6
      @zzzzzzzzzzz6 2 роки тому

      @@v1kt0u5 more like you're slow...

    • @v1kt0u5
      @v1kt0u5 2 роки тому +1

      @@zzzzzzzzzzz6 Of course, buddy, along with those fellas that surely are much smarter than you ;D

  • @markmutschlechner2227
    @markmutschlechner2227 2 роки тому +4

    I was thinking the day before the podcast (not knowing, of course) that Neal Stephenson would make an awesome guest on the Lex Fridman podcast. Man, I just love those synchronicities!

    • @rrrrgjfbitjodio74i
      @rrrrgjfbitjodio74i 2 роки тому +2

      If you're interested in synchronicities you would like the channel New Thinking Allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove.
      ua-cam.com/video/Hvo6BciUrfQ/v-deo.html

  • @mafeizaguirre
    @mafeizaguirre Рік тому +4

    Thank you, Lex. I can't stop listening to your content. Very interesting and inspiring.

  • @dagdaish
    @dagdaish 2 роки тому +3

    those podcasts are absolutely awesome, I love how there is no interruption people have a chance to really lay out their thoughts, it's super fascinating and very hard to stop listening really.
    It's very refreshing comparing to other podcasts and noise, thanks a million
    just on a side note... vim is the best :)

  • @anniemal9312
    @anniemal9312 2 роки тому +3

    This was low key surprise - enjoyed it with each listen - I was poppin in and out of this one. Thank you for this guest highlight. Cool dude, insightful man.

  • @davidmoyer5401
    @davidmoyer5401 2 роки тому +6

    Can we get Kim Stanley Robinson on the podcast??

  • @ericzenk4404
    @ericzenk4404 2 роки тому +2

    thanks Lex for the interview with Neal Stephenson.

  • @STONETOAD316
    @STONETOAD316 2 роки тому +2

    I'm definitely gonna start reading some of his books. Extremely great conversation. Love you Lex, keep up the great work!!!

  • @ParallelNewsNetwork
    @ParallelNewsNetwork 2 роки тому +3

    The myth of John Henry is that he beat the steam drill not that the steam drill wins… (time stamp 2:02:55)

  • @rediger2355
    @rediger2355 2 роки тому +5

    I believe ive read all of Stephenson’s works; incredible scope of material. Sure look forward to is new one

  • @sethlandis93
    @sethlandis93 2 роки тому +1

    ‘Isn’t that love? When the door slams and you both look’ damn, that one got me

  • @AbdulrahmanAlQallaf
    @AbdulrahmanAlQallaf 2 роки тому +2

    "When you present less the imagination works more.", great insight.

  • @hamentaschen
    @hamentaschen 2 роки тому +5

    Dude! Cryptonomicon is on my desk right now as I watch this! I love every word this man writes. Thank you Mr. Fridman for your hard work and your wonderful guests. LOVE this channel. (Proud to be Subscriber #91,114)

    • @gcm4312
      @gcm4312 2 роки тому +2

      asking strictly out of curiosity: do you take notes of your 'subscriber number' for all channels you sub to?

    • @hamentaschen
      @hamentaschen 2 роки тому +3

      @@gcm4312 Actually, no, I never keep track... But... When I found Lex Fridman's channel, I was so impressed with the interview I just watched, and then was even more impressed with the subject (Max Tegmark I think it was, talking about his book 'Life 3.0'') that I subscribed immediately. When I looked at his subscriber count it was then 91,114. I was amazed it was so low and thought, one day he will be huge, in the millions. And look at him now! I just remembered how taken aback I was with the quality here on this channel and knew he would be much bigger. That's how this one stuck with me.

    • @gcm4312
      @gcm4312 2 роки тому +3

      @@hamentaschen I envy your memory. Barely remember last night's dinner 😂 (edit: also asked because frequently I'm curious about when I subbed to channels.. thought you might have found an app for that 🤙)

  • @r0sal3sr
    @r0sal3sr 2 роки тому +3

    Just finished seveneves! Thanks for the fun over the years!

  • @titobeme
    @titobeme 2 роки тому +2

    I love Lex’s self deprecation within the context of his conversations.

  • @danielekirylo
    @danielekirylo 2 роки тому +7

    I already noticed how I react to AI when for example I use it to restore old picture and videos, it looks like magic how good it is but then I ask myself if that picture is even legit if it's a proper representation of "reality" and hence what is the proper "representation" of reality?
    Another episode that hit me was past summer, where I booked a vacation week with my family in a random place in a different country. Me and my family reach the place and we are amazed to find out that our best friends are in the same place for the same week. We were so excited for the coincidence of the episode, but then we realized we had booked the place with the same application and started to reflect on the possibility that it was the algorithm who decided to propose to us the same location, maybe due to the fact that it realized we are connected. So the magic of the coincidence kind of left.

  • @GiffysChannel
    @GiffysChannel 2 роки тому +3

    Holy shit. I was just reading his book Snow Crash and was curious about the author so I went looking for an interview. This is so much more than I could have hoped for. YOU ARE THE MAN LEX.

  • @BillShatner31
    @BillShatner31 2 роки тому +7

    Seven Eves is one of my favorite sci-fi novels ever. especially recommend to anyone interested in learning more about rocket propulsion and orbital mechanics. Stephenson has such a uniquely descriptive style of writing , it’s almost like reading a screen play.

  • @kokolanza7543
    @kokolanza7543 Рік тому

    I love the interviewer's (Lex Fridman?) thoughtfulness and questioning. It seems obvious that he is actually thinking while listening. It is easy to get into a reflex response mode while engaged in a high-energy discussion. The thoughtfulness makes for a good discussion, some different perspectives, and is something I don't come across often. I'm not so sure much of the discussioni stuck with me - listened to it about 1 and a-half times. Thank you.

  • @user-kc3ce4xq2e
    @user-kc3ce4xq2e 2 місяці тому

    I've read everything Neal Stephenson has had published. My favorite writer by far.

  • @marvinsannes9397
    @marvinsannes9397 2 роки тому +3

    "Classic Comics" was my start in Literature: Mom would leave me at the mag. stand while she shopped - 1954 - 9 yrs. old and discovered Classics - she let me subscribe and I got one in the mail every month. My career choice began as a freshman at PSU, doing a paper on the Depression and ask my dad what it was like during "The Depression" (he was 14 in 1930). "Ya know, Marvin, we really didn't notice it - when you're a farmer, ya get up and go to work whether you're making money or not." I'm 77, still get up and go to work, money's got nothing to do with it.

  • @vantage789
    @vantage789 2 роки тому +21

    I love Lex's optimism about humanity and because of this he seems to have hope for the future. Yet I worry that sometimes it's a kind of empty optimism, as if he's presenting the possibility of the good in humanity doubtfully. It's like he wants to believe that it's true but ultimately, deep down, he knows that evil will prevail.

    • @ianbarr9925
      @ianbarr9925 2 роки тому +1

      Maybe I'm giving him too much credit... But it's exhausting to think this way. Optimism is difficult, but it's the only way we can do it. Evil is in our hands, and we can use it or not. Sometimes we can't control it. But seeing it and discussing it is our only hope.

    • @vantage789
      @vantage789 2 роки тому +3

      @@ianbarr9925 Tell that to Zuckerberg as he ascends to the throne of Lord of the Metaverse.

  • @Lemonpopz
    @Lemonpopz 4 місяці тому +1

    The mention of Moby Dick really hit me. In 4th grade my teacher wouldn't let me read it because she told me 4th graders couldn't understand it. I got in trouble for continuing to read it, and she took it away. Never got it back. It always amazes me how much one can be set back, or propelled forward in life by the environmental influences on them.

  • @fjauge2465
    @fjauge2465 2 роки тому

    I love how you strive to be more meta. And how love and optimism is itertwined in that strive. Thanks for making and inspiring a better world.

  • @chrisdenbyhema8982
    @chrisdenbyhema8982 2 роки тому +4

    Great convo, and surpised to hear him talk about HEMA!

  • @choiceblade
    @choiceblade 2 роки тому +6

    Lex, trust even more. Your instincts are revelatory. Please, keep this up. GREAT WORK, here man.

  • @Hyzer_Sozay
    @Hyzer_Sozay 6 місяців тому

    Can we start doing post David Grusch and congressional hearing interviews including the NHI/UAP questions? I have such a long bucket list of people i can't wait to hear from post disclosure.

  • @altonobriant6908
    @altonobriant6908 2 роки тому +2

    It's amazing to me how few people with so much intelligence understand how easy it would be to solve the CO2 emission problem. The key is in agriculture. Pursuing alternatives to generate cleaner energy is certainly good but the Department of Agriculture in France has long completed a groundbreaking study to show that organic regenerative farming can clean all the CO2 existing out of the air. This would only require a 6% shift in our current agricultural processes.

    • @formernavyspook
      @formernavyspook 2 роки тому +1

      The path to a worldwide, bureaucratic, totalitarian dictatorship requires ignorant masses to believe a really big lie.

  • @DmitriVanderbilt
    @DmitriVanderbilt 2 роки тому +26

    Absolutely fucking love Neal. Seveneves and Anathem remain two of my favourite books of all time, and I continually look forward to re-reading them; Anathem especially might be the most challenging novel I have ever read but God is it compelling and expansive - feels more real than the real world, at times.
    Amazing podcast, thanks for having such great guests Lex 😁

    • @gregorylent
      @gregorylent 2 роки тому +2

      taste is interesting .. those two novels turned me off of stevenson's work .. totally ..
      cryptonomicon, the baroque trilogy, his highpoint for me

    • @FH-cn3mg
      @FH-cn3mg 2 роки тому

      @@gregorylent Yep. I hated Seveneves so much.

    • @EnzoFerenczyo
      @EnzoFerenczyo Рік тому

      I have to try and read it again, it fried NY noodles. A reviewer summed it up best on goodreads: " I found all the made-up googlies in this snarfle, really boinged my thnoode. Surely there is a slankier way of telling us that we are reading about another zoof than to make up every other googly. It made it very difficult to forkle the snarfle and I put it down after only 80 ziffies. This will not stop me from attempting the next Neal Stephenson snarfle. LOL brilliant 👏

    • @DmitriVanderbilt
      @DmitriVanderbilt Рік тому

      @@EnzoFerenczyo Don't make the same mistake I didn't and not realize Anathema has a glossary of terms until you're halfway through. Puzzling out what everything is is half the fun though, I felt extremely satisfied when I finally clued into what "syntactic devices" actually are.

  • @warlockEd73
    @warlockEd73 2 роки тому +3

    Holly shit! I love Stephanson's writing! Cryptonomicon, The Baroque Cycle, Reamde, all absolutely fantastic.

  • @fiedag
    @fiedag 2 роки тому +1

    Happy for people to praise NS as an outstanding futurist but let’s not forget his stellar opus of historical fiction The Baroque Cycle. So entertaining. So well written. So pertinent to today’s problem🤞

  • @JSchlo401
    @JSchlo401 2 роки тому +7

    I’m reading Snow Crash for the first time! It’s a really fun read so far. About halfway through. Super excited to see you are interviewing him today! What a crazy coincidence. ⚡️💯

    • @smanni01
      @smanni01 2 роки тому

      That's the best way to see that book, it is FUN!
      Check out The Diamond Age next, it's really great

  • @BitcoinMotorist
    @BitcoinMotorist 2 роки тому +5

    The conversation about smart contracts had some real errors. 1. Smart contracts aren't new. They have existed preinternet. 2. Digital smart contracts haven't solved the "oracle problem". You still need an arbiter to rule on whether the Browns or the Patriots won the game. Pure data won't do it

  • @xyonblade
    @xyonblade 3 місяці тому

    a few years late, had this on my watch later list for a while, but finally watching it

  • @ms.buoyant
    @ms.buoyant Рік тому

    Love how Hedgy was part of this interview. Very memorable indeed. 😊

  • @jamesdavid1874
    @jamesdavid1874 2 роки тому +6

    I was thinking recently, it would be great to hear a podcast between my favorite interviewer and my favorite author. Please, Lex, reach out to Nikita Buyanov!

  • @salsung73
    @salsung73 Рік тому +3

    Lex I love your podcasts and I really appreciate the questions you ask and you sharing your knowledge. I wish you an awesome day 🙏🤗😃

  • @AuraReadsBooks
    @AuraReadsBooks 2 роки тому +1

    Fun fact: I own two copies of Zodiac. One for me and one for lending. It's my gateway Stephenson book before I push Cryptonomicon or Snow Crash on them.

  • @angec6682
    @angec6682 2 роки тому +4

    You are a bloody legend Lex. Love your work Sir. Subscribed and liked as always

  • @RowdonTM
    @RowdonTM 2 роки тому +13

    Lex! Thanks for bringing us the absolute best Podcasts out there.

  • @jwetzel3141
    @jwetzel3141 2 роки тому +4

    I would like there to be VR concerts. Classical in my case. Saves me a trip to Vienna.

  • @mikezbones
    @mikezbones 2 роки тому

    Thank you Lex , for the wonderfully intelligent interview with no ads!!!!!

  • @gwensstepbro4966
    @gwensstepbro4966 2 роки тому +1

    thank you again Lex, another beautiful discussion with two beautiful minds