Richard Dawkins: Evolution, Intelligence, Simulation, and Memes | Lex Fridman Podcast #87
1,658,823
Published 2020-04-09
PS: There is some occasional noise in the audio, which I tried to clean up in the edit.
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EPISODE LINKS:
Richard's Website: www.richarddawkins.net/
Richard's Twitter: twitter.com/RichardDawkins
Richard's Books:
- Selfish Gene: amzn.to/34tpHQy
- The Magic of Reality: amzn.to/3c0aqZQ
- The Blind Watchmaker: amzn.to/2RqV5tH
- The God Delusion: amzn.to/2JPrxlc
- Outgrowing God: amzn.to/3ebFess
- The Greatest Show on Earth: amzn.to/2Rp2j1h
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OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
2:31 - Intelligent life in the universe
5:03 - Engineering intelligence (are there shortcuts?)
7:06 - Is the evolutionary process efficient?
10:39 - Human brain and AGI
15:31 - Memes
26:37 - Does society need religion?
33:10 - Conspiracy theories
39:10 - Where do morals come from in humans?
46:10 - AI began with the ancient wish to forge the gods
49:18 - Simulation
56:58 - Books that influenced you
1:02:53 - Meaning of life
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All Comments (21)
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I really enjoyed this conversation with Richard. Here's the outline: 0:00 - Introduction 2:31 - Intelligent life in the universe 5:03 - Engineering intelligence (are there shortcuts?) 7:06 - Is the evolutionary process efficient? 10:39 - Human brain and AGI 15:31 - Memes 26:37 - Does society need religion? 33:10 - Conspiracy theories 39:10 - Where do morals come from in humans? 46:10 - AI began with the ancient wish to forge the gods 49:18 - Simulation 56:58 - Books that influenced you 1:02:53 - Meaning of life
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At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if Lex interviews God himself for his 100th podcast
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What a great quote: “I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” ― Mark Twain
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Came here following the Peterson "discussion" with Dawkins. Lex, you are an excellent interviewer. Thank you for letting Dr Dawkins hold the mike for almost the whole thing whilst probing and encouraging him to go deeper in interesting ways. Masterful, really. Thank you.
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You can tell Richard enjoyed the conversation by how he says thank you at the end. Not to mention his enthusiasm throughout. Great job
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So basically, Lex's podcast is the "I like JRE but I don't watch it for the comedians or fighters" podcast. This is like when you're into a genre of music, but only for certain moments of certain songs, and then you discover an entire subgenre dedicated to just those moments. Nice.
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Man, I love the way Lex can precisely grasp what is being said and his ability to reiterate his point of view or his personal interpretations. And so the chain of thought doesn't just cut, and the conversation becomes one continuous wave from start to end. I don't think I've ever witnessed this before to this extent. And it's just so satisfying to watch—what a rare Gem.
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Even as he gets into advanced age, Dawkins is still just as eloquent and well spoken as ever. Just a pleasure to listen to him speak on these topics.
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I wish Hitchens is still alive to speak on Podcasts like these.
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79 years old and sharper than ever. Thanks for this interview!
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When I first listened to Lex on JRE i mistakenly thought he was boring and drab but now he's almost the only podcast I listen to now. He is actually super thoughtful and is able to speak on the same level as the great minds that come on the podcast. The mutual respect really creates a great atmosphere and allows the distinguished guests to feel at ease with going deep into their particular subject matter which is superb. Thank you Lex!
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I wish this one was longer. Thank you Lex for all the podcasts. You are an incredible human being!
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I'm in awe of how this dude manages to get all the big guys on his show. Incredible
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I appreciate your work, love the interviews you do with scientists. I watch you instead of Joe Rogan now
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Coming back to watch this 2 years after I watched it was not a mistake. Lex asks great questions, gets the most out of richard. Really enjoyed Joe's podcast with him, but lex to me asked more poignant questions, and Richard seemed to enjoy the slightly more intelligent line of questions. Lex and Joe together have brought so much information, and great people to us all. I'm forever grateful.
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Richard is such an incredible man and thinker. If only everyone on the planet was had as smart as he we would be in such better shape.
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Richard, we're eagerly waiting for "Richards Dawkins reads friendly fan email" part 3.
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You can tell Richard really enjoyed this interview. Well done, Lex!
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Favorite experience listening to a conversation. Every time something was said that created a question or new thought in my mind, one of you immediately followed in addressing that next thought. Felt so immersive.
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Richard Dawkins filled up a void in my life. I never experienced having a grandpa and he was here on youtube felt so much love, care, and honesty. Imagine having Richard Dawkins as your grandpa, I would spend all weekends and after school at his place. Finish homework and start bombarding him with questions. I know for sure he would never say stop asking questions.
