Richard Dawkins: Evolution, Intelligence, Simulation, and Memes | Lex Fridman Podcast #87
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- čas přidán 28. 04. 2024
- Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist, and author of The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker, The God Delusion, The Magic of Reality, The Greatest Show on Earth, and his latest Outgrowing God. He is the originator and popularizer of a lot of fascinating ideas in evolutionary biology and science in general, including funny enough the introduction of the word meme in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene, which in the context of a gene-centered view of evolution is an exceptionally powerful idea. He is outspoken, bold, and often fearless in his defense of science and reason, and in this way, is one of the most influential thinkers of our time.
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: / 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
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
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
CONNECT:
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- Twitter: / lexfridman
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- Medium: / lexfridman
- Support on Patreon: / lexfridman - Věda a technologie
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
After this interview I am confident to say I love you Lex. You are a great asset to the civilization.
Do you regret singing that terrible "Joe Rogan" song yet?
Lex, If you get Putin you will be the greatest Podcaster to ever live. This will define you as a man who potentially saved us from ourselves. You should use everything you can to get this done.
Let me guess, you ‘really enjoyed your conversation with Richard’....?
*The Blind Watchmaker* is one of my all time favorite books! Thank you so much for this interview.
At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if Lex interviews God himself for his 100th podcast
Imagine if Feynman were alive!
I think that the ultimate Turing test will be an AGI fooling Lex in an interview ;-)
I know, right
lmaooo
For a lot of atheists he just has!
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
😂😂😂😂 be careful what you wish for!
A non sequitur and an antagonistic use of emojis, typifying an arrogant person of low intelligence and high immaturity.
Mark Twain
That does not make much sense to me. In order for something to be dead, it needs to be alive first. *Death is the moment something goes from alive to dead. The fear of death exists only when you are alive. You could not have known what it means or feels to be dead, since you didn't exist before. There was nothing to be had, nothing to be lost, which is the case when you live. And this were that fear comes from.
Then Mark Twain was a fool.
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.
I agree Lex Friedman is a great interviewer... he has humility honesty curiosity
You can tell Richard enjoyed the conversation by how he says thank you at the end. Not to mention his enthusiasm throughout. Great job
He really did, didn't he?!
@Chris p true
Yeah I suppose Richard would be fine as long as he doesn't have to deal with stubborn flagrant ignorance & stupidity 😂
Lex has a great way of keeping the focus on his guests. He always comes across humble and non threatening to his guests.
After doing hundreds of interviews, saying "thank you" enthusiastically is automated . Having never heard of Lex before, i noticed Richard didn't seem particularly stimulated with many of the questions, especially the generic ones he gets asked a lot. Lex's slow rate of speech seemed to frustrate Richard at times.
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.
He interviewed Ryan hall......twice lol
He and Joe actually both have very different styles but I like them both for different reasons as well as on the basis of mutual authenticity.
Lex loves martial arts almost as much as Joe does. He interviews plenty of fighters
Nice point.
Yes this exactly lol
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.
Dawkins is so obsessed with death and god.
I used to like him but i start to dislike him more and more.
Besides there are much more interesting things than evolution in my opinion.
@@scottwarren4998
Why are you posting that whiny little rant over and over again. Posting it once was pathetic enough
@@scottwarren4998 what else is there really to talk about? chores?
@@akjohnny5997 And why talk about evolution of all billions of things that exist in life?
@@scottwarren4998 idk maybe cause its the origin of life? if that doesn't interest you go watch some anime or something 🤷
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.
Ok
nah he sounds like any typical college teacher using long words to sound smart even tho anything he says can literally be understood by anyone lol
@@macias7125 i can see where you're coming from
tbh idk much about him to know a lot
i was reading one of his books tho, and it's pretty interesting
it's nothing groundbreaking in my opinion but a good collection of thoughts and ideas on the topic
I wish Hitchens is still alive to speak on Podcasts like these.
he is.
Christopher said enough
Sadly we are left with this greenhouse gas bag Dawkins...💩🤡💩
79 years old and sharper than ever. Thanks for this interview!
Lex Fridman is how old?! /s
Ninety seven I heard.
Agreed, I'd dare say sharper and more eloquent than most of Lex's guests. Love Sir Richard Dawkins. His books God Delusion and Selfish Gene were the nails in coffin... closing my previous life of irrational, superstitious mindsets instilled by mainstream religiosity. Dawkins' introduced a more scientific, evidence based, and rational mode of thinking which liberated me from the conditioning of theological false narratives, and to think/live beyond the egocentric self. Sam Harris' literature also reinforced the unharnessing revelation to embrace and appreciate the life at the present moment.
@@ssotkow Haha you are very funny, only fools say that there is no God.
@Kitalia the kitsune ok boomer
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!
Lex has filled the hole created by jre leaving youtube
@@faiz.shaikh Exactly mate, spot on. I sometimes go over to spotify to see whats on JRE but tbh I was bored of the comedians and MMA guys anyway.
Totally agree! I love his guests
Honestly I thought he was either not overly intelligent (inspite of his position at MIT) or socially awkward. But he's thoughtful and relatable upon further listening. A good lesson.....don't make judgements about someone or something based upon 1st impressions.
I have had a similar conversion to belief in Lex Fridman.
I wish this one was longer. Thank you Lex for all the podcasts. You are an incredible human being!
Did u hear that last quote?? What he said he’d rather spend eternity under a general anesthetic which is what it will be… doesn’t this sound just like the mental programming of the movie the matrix?? I’d rather be delivered up in the tribulation than to live forever in this help
@@zachmccaleb7281haha that’s not what he meant. General anesthetic is death. It is general because we all will face death, it is an anesthetic because it relives us of the pain and strife that one endured while a live. I hope this explanation was useful. What he said was pretty straightforward I think you may have overdone it with the analysis of it.
Dawkins’ “Best Evidence for Evolution” disappears before his eyes.
Famous Evangelical atheist Richard Dawkins used to teach that the “best evidence for evolution” was that organisms; which were similar to each other have similar DNA. This is pure supposition and absolute speculation driven by a passion to obliterate God from the equation of life. Richard Dawkins claimed that genetic research proved Darwin’s tree of life; nothing could be further from the truth. These claims were made before we learned more about DNA and RNA and in 2009 he got his book published: “The Greatest Show on Earth” in which he taught that Darwin’s Tree of Life was supported by the pattern of resemblances, that you see when you compare genes. The fossil record does not support Darwin’s Tree of Life, because there is no evidence of transitional fossils in the actual earth’s geology demonstrating evolution. There is no evidence that plants and animals diversified from a Common Ancestor over millions of years, being due to imaginary evolution. In 2009, the same year, New Scientist magazine ran an article with the title: “Why Darwin was wrong about the Tree of Life.” In it, scientists stated that the Tree of Life was “mis-leading” because Darwin’s theory limits and even obscures the study of organisms and their ancestries end of quote. The “best evidence for creation” is the fossil record, finding only fully formed organisms in Cambrian rocks. Our technology has advanced to such a stage that we can now “read” the genes of many different species and it is even clearer now that Dawkins’ “Best Evidence for Evolution” does not exist. Now scientists have sequenced a great number of genomes belonging to different organisms. Casey Luskin, Associated Director of the Center for Science and Culture, wrote for Evolution News, that Dawkins was wrong! Every gene does not deliver approximately the same Tree of Life end of quote. DNA research does not show a Tree of Life. But what is described as “bushes of life” meaning no branching as in Darwin’s Tree of Life, but organisms that reflect the fossil record throughout time with minor variations, these are attributed to kinds within species due to genetic variety until they went extinct. “Genes are dissimilar in their development and unique as they form into the embryos of different organisms. Ernest Haeckel German scientist tried it on; by drawing fraudulent embryos making them look alike, because he loved Darwin’s theory of evolution. At the University of Jena he was convicted of fraud in 1875. When asked why he had lied, he said it is necessary for us to believe in spontaneous generation: that everything made itself by random chance, because the alternative is Creation and that is unthinkable! A lot of people have a similar mind-set today, this is why evolution will not go away as a theory and be buried. It should be disqualified by the “scientific method” today, but there is wide spread indoctrination through the education system with the theory of evolution which should be abandoned, because there is no evidence to support such a theory which has outlived its usefulness. The indoctrination of evolution through the education system is a “back door” to promoting immoral behaviour within the populace. This is the aim and plan of the globalists to bring about chaos, anarchy and confusion, in short lawlessness, whereby they have a legitimate reason to use modern technology to mark and control the masses. It is simple, if you teach students there is no God to answer too, then why bother to behave! Create fear among the populace and they will be happy to except electronic monitoring by those in authority, but first they must create the environment and the people will look to those in authority for a solution: it is called Cause and Effect. The general public need to waken up and smell the coffee as there is a lot of corrupt manipulation going on by the elite billionaires, who are now controlling bank accounts, politics and the education system, where people are taught what to think, not how to think critically. There is a desire to take away your freedom of speech in relation to telling the truth.
I'm in awe of how this dude manages to get all the big guys on his show. Incredible
He’s Jewish
@@bradIeyyy whats that got to do with anything?
David Banner
An ’Upside’ of Atheism.
A question sometimes asked, by people probing the motivation of Atheists is : Why, if as they claim, they care enough to want to bring “truth” to misguided followers of religion, yet their caring is not enough involve them charitable work? Such work is almost exclusively left to people of religious persuasion?
However, there may be a facet to Atheism which seems to have escaped the reasoning of Atheist, in their public debates, defending the Atheist position?
It is this: Setting aside the Charlatans who pretend Atheism as a convenient way of being important, there is something noble about Atheists who are sincere in what they believe, yet still do good works, knowing that there can be no spiritual rewards for what they do, as they do not believe in anything….
@@davidbanner6230
You’re spouting the usual smug, lying nonsense that self regarding Christians always do about charity. In fact the majority of aid and charity is dispensed by secular organisations but religious people tend to be incredibly self regarding and pompous so they make much more of a big deal about any charity work they do.
Your repellent arrogance was also displayed by the moronic comment about atheists not believing in anything. The fact we don’t share your comforting religious delusions does not mean we don’t believe in anything.
There, I’ve put you right on two issues now. No need to thank me.
@@davidbanner6230 Interesting position - although I have always found the argument that religious persons are inherently more charitable to likely be incorrect, or at best, misguided. I would absolutely concur that data supports the position that religious persons tend to both donate financially and volunteer their time in support of charity at a rate higher than that of atheists. Data seems to suggest this rate is in the single digits - but I don't think the variance is where the argument falls apart. It's who they contribute to - and in that regard, religious persons tend to donate a majority of their overall contributions to their retrospective religious institutions and their time. This seems to be less of an act of pure altruism, and perhaps a bit more self-serving, whereas this bias in selection does not hold. So, even in that small percentage of high contributions by religious persons, based upon the overall rate of their average donations to their own religious institutions - one could easily posit that the entirety of the difference between their contributions vs those of atheists is entirely to their own religious institution and self-serving contributions.
I appreciate your work, love the interviews you do with scientists. I watch you instead of Joe Rogan now
That sounds like a wise trade
Why not both lol
Jr is cringy and stupid af
I watch both for that more balanced take on things.
JR is much more articulate in his questions and guiding the topic; an area where Lex is very weak. Often times I understand what the guests are speaking, but not what Lex is asking.
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.
Same here, rewatching 2 years later ;-)
Same here :)
Well said
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.
Dawkins’ “Best Evidence for Evolution” disappears before his eyes.
Famous Evangelical atheist Richard Dawkins used to teach that the “best evidence for evolution” was that organisms; which were similar to each other have similar DNA. This is pure supposition and absolute speculation driven by a passion to obliterate God from the equation of life. Richard Dawkins claimed that genetic research proved Darwin’s tree of life; nothing could be further from the truth. These claims were made before we learned more about DNA and RNA and in 2009 he got his book published: “The Greatest Show on Earth” in which he taught that Darwin’s Tree of Life was supported by the pattern of resemblances, that you see when you compare genes. The fossil record does not support Darwin’s Tree of Life, because there is no evidence of transitional fossils in the actual earth’s geology demonstrating evolution. There is no evidence that plants and animals diversified from a Common Ancestor over millions of years, being due to imaginary evolution. In 2009, the same year, New Scientist magazine ran an article with the title: “Why Darwin was wrong about the Tree of Life.” In it, scientists stated that the Tree of Life was “mis-leading” because Darwin’s theory limits and even obscures the study of organisms and their ancestries end of quote. The “best evidence for creation” is the fossil record, finding only fully formed organisms in Cambrian rocks. Our technology has advanced to such a stage that we can now “read” the genes of many different species and it is even clearer now that Dawkins’ “Best Evidence for Evolution” does not exist. Now scientists have sequenced a great number of genomes belonging to different organisms. Casey Luskin, Associated Director of the Center for Science and Culture, wrote for Evolution News, that Dawkins was wrong! Every gene does not deliver approximately the same Tree of Life end of quote. DNA research does not show a Tree of Life. But what is described as “bushes of life” meaning no branching as in Darwin’s Tree of Life, but organisms that reflect the fossil record throughout time with minor variations, these are attributed to kinds within species due to genetic variety until they went extinct. “Genes are dissimilar in their development and unique as they form into the embryos of different organisms. Ernest Haeckel German scientist tried it on; by drawing fraudulent embryos making them look alike, because he loved Darwin’s theory of evolution. At the University of Jena he was convicted of fraud in 1875. When asked why he had lied, he said it is necessary for us to believe in spontaneous generation: that everything made itself by random chance, because the alternative is Creation and that is unthinkable! A lot of people have a similar mind-set today, this is why evolution will not go away as a theory and be buried. It should be disqualified by the “scientific method” today, but there is wide spread indoctrination through the education system with the theory of evolution which should be abandoned, because there is no evidence to support such a theory which has outlived its usefulness. The indoctrination of evolution through the education system is a “back door” to promoting immoral behaviour within the populace. This is the aim and plan of the globalists to bring about chaos, anarchy and confusion, in short lawlessness, whereby they have a legitimate reason to use modern technology to mark and control the masses. It is simple, if you teach students there is no God to answer too, then why bother to behave! Create fear among the populace and they will be happy to except electronic monitoring by those in authority, but first they must create the environment and the people will look to those in authority for a solution: it is called Cause and Effect. The general public need to waken up and smell the coffee as there is a lot of corrupt manipulation going on by the elite billionaires, who are now controlling bank accounts, politics and the education system, where people are taught what to think, not how to think critically. There is a desire to take away your freedom of speech in relation to telling the truth.
Richard, we're eagerly waiting for "Richards Dawkins reads friendly fan email" part 3.
I'd pay for it
Lol ive been waiting for this moment half of my life
@SpocksBro : And also wathing him reading up recieving hatemails is being funny as well. :-)
@@poppopN How old are you? I'm not sure the math on that checks out.
You can tell Richard really enjoyed this interview. Well done, Lex!
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.
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.
"I never experienced having a grandpa and he was here on youtube felt so much love, care, and honesty" - Touch grass
@@Anus88 Richard is a nerd himself. That's a very weird thing to post.
@@BOZ_11 'sincerity is gay huh huh'
@@Isaiah-wt1fg and what do yo I suggest a holy book or divine power 😂
I am glad that you found Dr. Dawkins to fill the void in your life.
The father of the memes! One of the four horsemen! The OG!
We shall, forever miss the inimitable Christopher Hitchens.
@@avimohan6594 Yes Sir!
Rip Christopher, dearly missed horsemen
Looking around, I wonder if he has any regrets
The Four Dorks*
the random bottle of soy sauce in the background has a special place in my heart
racking my brain trying to think of what richard orders when he gets takeout sushi
....Random.... how..?
I was looking for this comment:)
kinda annoys me. might be some low ocd kicking in
I noticed that too, lol, kikkoman ;) I switched to low sodium, the one with green cap. There is too much salt in Thai cuisine.
What a marvelous gift this interview is! Thank you for all your work and for stretching our minds with these discussions.
Dawkins’ “Best Evidence for Evolution” disappears before his eyes.
Famous Evangelical atheist Richard Dawkins used to teach that the “best evidence for evolution” was that organisms; which were similar to each other have similar DNA. This is pure supposition and absolute speculation driven by a passion to obliterate God from the equation of life. Richard Dawkins claimed that genetic research proved Darwin’s tree of life; nothing could be further from the truth. These claims were made before we learned more about DNA and RNA and in 2009 he got his book published: “The Greatest Show on Earth” in which he taught that Darwin’s Tree of Life was supported by the pattern of resemblances, that you see when you compare genes. The fossil record does not support Darwin’s Tree of Life, because there is no evidence of transitional fossils in the actual earth’s geology demonstrating evolution. There is no evidence that plants and animals diversified from a Common Ancestor over millions of years, being due to imaginary evolution. In 2009, the same year, New Scientist magazine ran an article with the title: “Why Darwin was wrong about the Tree of Life.” In it, scientists stated that the Tree of Life was “mis-leading” because Darwin’s theory limits and even obscures the study of organisms and their ancestries end of quote. The “best evidence for creation” is the fossil record, finding only fully formed organisms in Cambrian rocks. Our technology has advanced to such a stage that we can now “read” the genes of many different species and it is even clearer now that Dawkins’ “Best Evidence for Evolution” does not exist. Now scientists have sequenced a great number of genomes belonging to different organisms. Casey Luskin, Associated Director of the Center for Science and Culture, wrote for Evolution News, that Dawkins was wrong! Every gene does not deliver approximately the same Tree of Life end of quote. DNA research does not show a Tree of Life. But what is described as “bushes of life” meaning no branching as in Darwin’s Tree of Life, but organisms that reflect the fossil record throughout time with minor variations, these are attributed to kinds within species due to genetic variety until they went extinct. “Genes are dissimilar in their development and unique as they form into the embryos of different organisms. Ernest Haeckel German scientist tried it on; by drawing fraudulent embryos making them look alike, because he loved Darwin’s theory of evolution. At the University of Jena he was convicted of fraud in 1875. When asked why he had lied, he said it is necessary for us to believe in spontaneous generation: that everything made itself by random chance, because the alternative is Creation and that is unthinkable! A lot of people have a similar mind-set today, this is why evolution will not go away as a theory and be buried. It should be disqualified by the “scientific method” today, but there is wide spread indoctrination through the education system with the theory of evolution which should be abandoned, because there is no evidence to support such a theory which has outlived its usefulness. The indoctrination of evolution through the education system is a “back door” to promoting immoral behaviour within the populace. This is the aim and plan of the globalists to bring about chaos, anarchy and confusion, in short lawlessness, whereby they have a legitimate reason to use modern technology to mark and control the masses. It is simple, if you teach students there is no God to answer too, then why bother to behave! Create fear among the populace and they will be happy to except electronic monitoring by those in authority, but first they must create the environment and the people will look to those in authority for a solution: it is called Cause and Effect. The general public need to waken up and smell the coffee as there is a lot of corrupt manipulation going on by the elite billionaires, who are now controlling bank accounts, politics and the education system, where people are taught what to think, not how to think critically. There is a desire to take away your freedom of speech in relation to telling the truth.
I just wanna let you know how much you inspire me every single day when I watch your podcast. I send to my friends and they all love you, You are humble and fascinating smart. I am you fan and I love hearing you! I wish there was more people like you on this planet. Thank you for existing!
it's somewhat nice to hear this humble conversation instead of seeing dawkins debating
You should see the one with Joe Rogan as well. It's a pretty friendly chat like this one.
His discussions with Sam Harris are good too
@@ofAwxen 000
Dawkins' mum is 100; may he live to that age!
Thought the same thing! She died in 2019 one month before her 103rd birthday. Let's hope her son will have a similarly long life
I hope so, we really love this man
As typical people of higher intelligence, Richard Dawkins suffers dunning kruger effect, who assumes everybody else can understand what he understands. Also low mental ability makes people think they are smarter than everybody else.
Can't wait til he's fertilizer... 💩🤡💩
This was the first ever lex posdact i 'rewound' and listened to again in full. Get Dawkins back on sometime in the near future :)
This man helped me leave religion. Thank you for having him on. 🙏
So now you're religiously non-religious. 😏
@@222ableVelo that makes absolutely zero sense. I am not religious in any way or in any sense of the word.
@@peterdembowy4459 Of course you're religious. You now belong to the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices -- namely the belief that all the religions are false. It usually entails the belief in evolution, but that's not always necessarily the case. I am curious, do you believe in evolution?
@@222ableVelo You’re changing the definition of religious to for your criteria… I am not religious in any traditional sense of the word. I don’t “believe” in anything. Evolution by natural selection is a scientific consensus, all the evidence I’m aware of points towards evolution being a fact, therefor I accept it as the most plausible explanation for the diversity of life on earth…
@@peterdembowy4459 Yes, you believe in evolution.
Lex, you manage to have those intellectual giants mostly enjoy talking to you while educating the word. That by itself is a magnificent achievement. Congrats and thank you!!
lex is the worst iv seen..
Richard always delivers such a beautiful delivery of the english language.
See also: Christopher Hitchens.👌
@@Buddfox You read my mind! I miss his insight to be honest, top bloke.
Love me some Richard Dawkins....his voice is like music to my brain.
@@Buddfox hitchens doesn't stand a chance
'delivering a delivery' is pretty tasty English too.
Absolutely mesmerizing to listen to Richard Dawkins. Thanks Lex for bringing this to us.
As always, an absolutely fantastic conversation! Thank you for asking great questions, Lex!
I have watched countless interviews with Richard Dawkins. Rarely do I hear such interesting questions. Richard’s enthusiasm was refreshing to see as well. This was a pleasure to watch, Lex I hope you get to interview Prof. Dawkins again. PS. the natural light where you recorded this is nice.
Wow that's nice, thanks for replying, you can send a message to my administrator James on watsap to earn in crypto, Stocks and ETFs.
+ 1... 6... 6... 2... 2... 6 ... 0... 3...0 ... 7... 3....
he's excellent at what he does, tell him I referred you to him. His passionate strategies are top notch.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
really, he has been asked these questions many times
"I like Dawkins but he keeps saying the same stuff all the time. Nothing ever new."
Well,
yeah, then watch Professor Dave Explains
and his amazing videos,
doing things like catching Con-Artists,
debunking Science-Denial, spreading Truth.
@@nenmaster5218 A Darwinian evolutionary creation myth is. a religious belief in its own right. According to Darwinist evangelist Dawkins natural selection, the modern pagan cult main deity, would have taken some bacterial life forms through billions of years of an evolutionary journey, resulting in the creation of all living creatures on earth, Here is a lecture by the darwinist evangelist as to how the atheistic miracle was made possible. "Far from being a difficulty peculiar to Darwinism, the astronomic improbability of eyes and knees, enzymes and elbow joints and all the other living wonders is precisely the problem that any theory of life must solve, and that Darwinism uniquely does solve. It solves it by breaking the improbability up into small, manageable parts, smearing out the luck needed, going round the back of Mount Improbable and crawling up the gentle slopes, inch by million-year inch." Pretending that billions of years would solve the issue the astronomic improbability is clearly unscientific nonsense. Dawkins pretending that the human eye, the human heart and other organs in our body would only be presenting an illusion of design is also beyond stupid.
@@piertinence Yeah, Evolution isnt a Religion, only the silliest of people think so.
Here, if you have intellectual INtegrity, surely you will view and examine and take a deep, long Look at my Proof, right?
As Proof, i cite Professor Dave Explains and his various videos,
starting with his video on the Discovery Institute and on James Tour.
But i also rest my Case with theMention of Forrest valkai.
What a great teacher! Thanks a lot Lex and Richard Dawkins. Dawkins rekindles our desire for wonder in nature everytime.
Holy s***. How do you on your 87th podcast get a world renowned figure like Richard Dawkins? You're really doing something right!
The quote at the end… brilliant, thank you so much for this episode!
"The non random survival of randomly generated codes" thats a cool way of putting it.
D.Numesh Another cool way of putting it would be to say: *it’s as if nature constantly throws out hypotheses about what design is best suited to survive and make viable copies of itself given various local conditions. These hypotheses are empirically (and mercilessly) tested leaving behind only those that stood the requirements of the environment.* Luckily evolution itself evolves, and the rules by which new patterns are created are destined to suffer modifications. If we are to believe the majority of scientists, there’s nothing special about brain matter as opposed to all other matter, meaning that in theory we can eventually make healthy happy beings without having to put everything through the savage test of survival. Perhaps the noblest goal of civilization is to transcend the paradigm of the "randomly generated" and achieve "intelligently and wisely generated".
This “theory” is raw philosophy, supported by very limited empirical information, with most adherents unwilling to consider the option of “I don’t know” as a viable response as to the “mechanism” that caused and supports life.
Atheism is a religion. The definition of atheism is a lack of a belief in God. If it was just that it wouldn't be a religion, but it's not just that. Atheism goes well beyond that. Atheists have their own holy book, Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion. Atheists have their own church, reason rally and atheist clubs at college. They have their own preachers, youtube atheists. They have their own evangelists, youtube atheists. They have their own denominations, atheism plus, anti theists, skeptics, humanists. They have their own belief in miracles, the big bang theory. They have their own propaganda. They have their own political agenda, taking in God we trust off of money, teaching evolution in schools, gay rights, abortion. Richard Dawkins wrote a 500 page book about how much he doesn't believe in God. That's like writing a book about not collecting stamps.
William Seaton Evolution isn’t concerning itself with the cause of life. For that you should search for the work of people like Jeremy England or Terrence Deacon who use physics, mainly thermodynamics, to explain the emergence of living organisms. It’s a nascent field but it points to the fact that life emerges *precisely* due to entropy, not in spite of it. Knowing history (how science plowed again and again and again through all the neigh-sayers who maintained that nothing can be understood because everything is divine magic) it’s only common sense to believe that abiogenesis is likely to have a scientific explanation within a few decades to a few centuries.
@@raresmircea __ Evolution of the sort that takes you from fish to fishermen is impossible and hence a fiction. Mr Richard Dawkins is an unabashed *fantasist.*
What a legend. Dawkins has shaped perspectives on religion and intelligent life for me and many others
He's a disgusting leftist though, he does a lot of damage to society.
@@danxdanx8877 how?
Atheism is a religion. The definition of atheism is a lack of a belief in God. If it was just that it wouldn't be a religion, but it's not just that. Atheism goes well beyond that. Atheists have their own holy book, Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion. Atheists have their own church, reason rally and atheist clubs at college. They have their own preachers, youtube atheists. They have their own evangelists, youtube atheists. They have their own denominations, atheism plus, anti theists, skeptics, humanists. They have their own belief in miracles, the big bang theory. They have their own propaganda. They have their own political agenda, taking in God we trust off of money, teaching evolution in schools, gay rights, abortion. Richard Dawkins wrote a 500 page book about how much he doesn't believe in God. That's like writing a book about not collecting stamps.
@Connor CookI have never heard or read Dawkins' arguments as being pro-eugenigs. You are conjuring this up. With that said - people are not created equal. Get over it and make the best of it. Don't deny it.
@Connor Cook You've been reading far beyond your capacity for understanding. He said nothing whatsoever like what you're describing.
A brilliant interview. I made a special effort to see Richard Dawkins speak in Washington DC several years ago. Thanks to both gentlemen for this discussion that can be accessed again and again.
30:10 I currently think that the major selling point of all religions is to not to have to say "we don't know". For some reason introducing supernatural as the "explanation" is less frightening for many people than saying "we don't know".
Missed the opportunity to ask him what his favorite memes are.
@@UniverseWillProvide 🤣 fuck I wish I could’ve seen that
I guess "God" ? ^^
Imagine not asking the father of memes what his favorite meme is.
Aw piss
I would eat one for 20 psshh
The Selfish Gene is a must read for every person. It would be a great high school text book. Not only preparing people for a better logical life, but parenting if they so choose to go that route. Dawkins is one of earths greatest minds. I appreciate that he could easily retire but he is so generous and continues to give interviews and share his knowledge. I have learnt so much and read new materials just from watching his many interviews.
Richard Dawkins is far from one of Earths greatest minds hahahahahaha
@ I guess you have no answer to the ridiculous claim by Darwinist evangelist, atheist Dawkins to the effect that the human eye, and other human organs would only be presenting an illusion of design or on his unscientific conclusion that billions of years could deal with the astronomic improbability of eyes and knees, enzymes and elbow joints and all the other living wonders could have been assembled under an unintelligently supported evolutionary process. Keep feeding on the quack unscientific poetry in which he puts his follower to sleep
@@GooseBurt Darwinist evangelist Dawkins is admitting candidly that his atheist his atheist brain would be too deficient to be the creation of an intelligent entity. "The kind of design that natural selection creates is qualitatively different than the kind created by an intelligent entity. We don't want to say design, because in our language, design implies a designer." Darwinist atheist Dawkins
@@feralmode That the human eye would only present an illusion of design is not logic. It is rather darwinist evangelist atheist Dawkins use of shakespearean English that is over. rated
@@piertinence He doesn't use 'Shakespearean English'; hahaha, dear me! 😂🤣 He speaks correct, standard dictionary modern English in an eloquent manner, which clearly confuses some people since they are typically dim.
Damn, you attract a lot of CZcams graduates. Keep it up! Your interviews are wonderful and your comment section is entertaining
Lex Fridman is so sharp and intelligent a person. There are few interviewers that can hold their ground with Dawkins. Enjoyable to see one that really can meet Richard on a good and interesting level.
Why does he sound bored, maybe stoned?
You know what, everybody's making looongest long podcasts and videos but none of them outlines the phases for the audience. Its very indulgent and smart to add that. I dont click to long videos because of this reason. I think you're great communicator, good job.
i didnt know you could note the times in the video and separate the timeline like that, good organisational work dude! :)
Lex seems to be very aware of our limited time and he just wants to be a beacon to express interesting ideas to move us forward. I honestly believe if that if he could find a way to to get thoughtful answers from his guests in context without being on camera he would do it.
You have become my favorite podcaster to listen to while doing analytical chemistry homework, your intellect and that of your guest somehow helps me focus on tedious work. Thanks Lex!
The fact that consistently people will say to Lex that he has a good point or he will stump them for a minute is awesome :)
Great interview both and thank you.
I truly loved that you ended this podcast with the opening paragraph of Unweaving The Rainbow - albeit not the first of Dawkin's books I had read (The God Delusion takes that slot) it was the second, and more importantly,, the most influential. Not influential solely by its content or profoundness, I would argue this award goes to The Selfish Gene, but because reading it led me to read all of his other works. This paragraph so greatly moved me - I regularly pick up my copy off the shelf and read just this opening. There is something profoundly beautiful about it
TGD changed my life. It made me realise how unsatisfied I'd been with the received way of looking at the world, and how many niggling frustrations there were when I heard people talk about things like religion, morality, science, truth, even politics. It's like there had been a pebble in my shoe, but I had never noticed it because it had always been there. And I read the book and said to myself...'what the fuck am I doing walking around with this pebble in my shoe? Why haven't I taken it out?'.
Totally agree about the ending, very powerful words (albeit abridged by Fridman) that always bring a lump to my throat. Often recite them (now memorised) during philosophical discussions with friends - everyone goes very quiet. It was written as a eulogy and I've asked for it to be read at my funeral too.
Lex this is legitimately one of Richards best interviews. Great job man
I feel like Lex misses a few important points during the meme section. Or he at least doesnt ask the right questions. It is not an easy topic to understand so I dont blame him, but I guess if he prepared a little better this section could have been awesome
Can we please take a moment to appreciate how far our guy Lex has come over the past few months!👌
What I love about Dawkins most is he's savagely cold hearted. This man has not one second for spirituality. EVERYTHING in us can be explained by evolution from the liver to the love of music to the seeking of god. He's 100% right 100% of the time because he says nothing that is not supported by fact. The ULTIMATE scientist. A truly magnificent intelligence. Oh, and he likes soy sauce.
I've watched a lot of Richard Dawkins interviews. This might be the most satisfying. Lex creates a kind of calm energy with Richard so the conversation just flows.
That was a great discussion! I would love to talk with such a brilliant minds from time to time.
I am amazed by how many interviews Lex Friedman has done and look forward to watching them all. Lex has the advantage, as an interviewer, of being very intelligent, understanding what the interviewees will be talking about, and also doing the due diligence, preparing himself well for the interviews.
I am a longtime follower or Prof. Dawkins and have a great regard for him and his work, but you have succeeded in drawing out some aspects of him that gives a rare glimpse into a highly developed and well informed mind. Well done, thanks!
You fanboys just love smiling wraiths who promote violence & hatred don't you? Do some fckn research... geeze!
I didn’t forward the ad at the beginning because of the respect he’s showing for viewers
Awesome to see Dawkins feisty self again. He had a huge impact on world view in my 20s that continue to guide me today.
This is the one I've been waiting for!! Only Ray Kurzweil left now.
@@TheReferrer72 That would be amazing - it would be interesting to see how they carry it out though because Geoff Hinton never sits down
Lex got Ray on his show about 2 years ago
A superb interview .. maybe the most relaxed and engaging I've ever seen the great Richard Dawkins, he appeared open to exploring alternative ideas too with Lex, simply as he recognised that the man is a thoughtful intelligent good guy and wasn't poking fun in any way, just curious. I loved watching this conversation I must say. Thank you.
K lnA sa vno
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Lex, you are a great person. All of your videos are great. All of them helped me to think in a different perspective. Thank you very much man.
I have no idea why it took me so long to learn about Lex's existence, but I've been binging this channel for two days.
Microsoft will be happy.
Richard Dawkins is a world treasure. A living Legend. Been 5years since I came across his works and his life...I can't admire him more for his contributions to science and our society and our civilization as a whole.
I'm so glad this is a common opinion in this crowd
@@rhysknight8681 It's not fanboy..
The world has a chance to move into broad sunlit uplands... upon his demise - and hopefully soon!
@@shadowdawg04 Sorry, when I'm said "this crowd" I meant intelligent, thoughtful people.
I wasn't referring to you.
Really enjoyed this discussion. Just recently discovered Lex. Love his style. Incredibly satisfying to watch.
When it comes to biology prof Dawkins has a way to explain nature in a way that is so eye opening. Love all his books. A true ambassador to science and a true inspiration.
He always makes things easy for everyone to understand. I dont know anything about biology or science but I always comprehend and get the gist of what hes saying.
Lex is on a roll. According to his reveal on Rogan's podcast recently, he has a 3 hour interview with Eric Weinstein coming up soon too. Yesssss so good
Thanks Lex, really appreciate these amazing guests you keep lining up. Would love to know your process for outreach and sourcing them. I can't believe the caliber and quality - keep it up
Please have him on again. I loved this!
Thank you Lex. Richard Dawkins is a LEGEND. This dude invented idea of memes. One of 4 great horsemen.
This has been one of the best youtube channels I've ever found. Thank you Lex, for your interviews, guests, and great interviewing process with such interesting questions.
Lex I love how you keep such an open mind about science. I've always felt like science was one of the most powerful tools we have but not a language which we can reduce all the phenomenon in the universe.
Always admired and appreciated Richard Dawkins and his work.
Dawkins is so obsessed with death and god.
I used to like him but i start to dislike him more and more.
Besides there are much more interesting things than evolution in my opinion.
@@scottwarren4998
You’re humiliating yourself little fella
@@timwatts9371 Are you fat or something, my "big" fella?
@@timwatts9371 Says the simp! 💩🤡💩
@@scottwarren4998 Is that what you’re hearing? Maybe death and god are your “obsessions” not his.
Thank you Lex. Most interesting guest. I will have to listen to this podcast multiple times. A great expansion of the thought processing event within oneself.
This was absolutely an amazing conversation! Every second was fascinating. Kudos Lex!
Fascinating conversation! The questions were very well articulated and I loved the fact that a wide range of topics were covered. Thank you, Lex! Inspiring stuff!
Highly recommend Dawkins' book - the God Delusion. Even when you are a religious person, especially when you are a religious person. Thank you Lex and Richard !!
no thanks
That book is an embarrasment. His main arguement is "who created God?". Like seriously, that's what kids in 3rd grade ask. That's the best Dawkins has to offer in his massive book. EVen atheist philosophers said that that book is "horrible". Dawkins needs to stay in his expertize of biology and stay out of philosophy and religion
@@categories5066
" His main arguement is "who created God?"
Don't be so stupid. That is just one of the point he raises. It's painfully obvious you were too lazy to actually read the book and you're just repeating the angry whining from Christians that the book generated. Talk about something being an embarrassment.
And contrary to your infantile sneering the question of who created God is entirely pertinent and is never truly addressed by theists. As you prove so well by just spewing out a pathetic sneer at the question.
But I love the snivelling about Dawkins staying within his expertise when we are constantly inundated with laughably stupid and ignorant comments about science from theists who know nothing about it.
@@champ6277 Don’t be scared it will enlighten you. Take away societal and parental indoctrination and religion ceases to exist. Grow up in the woods or the remote desert and a god Is irrelevant to your life.
@@champ6277 Don’t be scared it will enlighten you. Take away societal and parental indoctrination and religion ceases to exist. Grow up in the woods or the remote desert and a god Is irrelevant to your life.
This is a thundering discussion, esp for someone who is listening to Dawkins for the first time.
Lex, my boy, you are really killing the game man. I love your podcasts, keep it up!!
i love listening to Richard Dawkins and i really enjoy Lex's questions, great podcast!
What a pleasure to watch, excellent watch/listen!
The shortness of view of this guest is amazing, specially in the abstract level.
One of the greatest conversations I have ever seen, thank you Lex and Richard.
Big thank you to both for that beautiful dialogue! Love you, the perspectives and knowledge you share❤ keep on sharing
This is why I love Lex and Rogans podcast. They interview some great great minds such a wide variety I mean who would of thought Joe rogan would ever have Sir roger Penrose, Elon musk and Lex interviewing Richard Dawkins, Kanye west 😂. Best podcasters on the planet
Thank You both for an honest and great conversation! I believe that Richard is as smart as Sir Penrose (14:25) and You Mr. Lex are a brilliant interviewer!
This was one of my favorite discussions. Richard has such a unique view on human behavior and his observations on ideas resembling both genetic and viral transmission was mind-blowing.
Ive never thought of it quite like that.. Folks, take this to heart and understand how important it is to get your data from reliable sources and most things that seem highly improbable, probably are just that. Fanciful stories are great, I love The Lord of the Rings, it doesn’t mean I want us all to start toting swords and looking to attack Mordor.
Here's my conversation with .
1 second later: what is the meaning of life, is there a multiverse and do you think about death?
1 minute later: lets talk about memes.
@skin09588 no, but now I do.
Lex, most your science research will be forgotten or neglected when you pass away, but these interviews will keep you and your guests remembered. Good job short guy.
I love Richard. He's just so bloody sharp. Clean, & logical. That's why I loved watching Carl Sagan talk.
A creator behind everything is more logical than big bang and evolution. All Dawkins do is to speculate.
@@darrello9478 oh ok. I'd call it incredibly lazy.
@@kevinn1158 I see your point
@@darrello9478 think about the how the people thousands of years ago saw their world and the limited technology they had. Even now, we are still just starting to have the capability of seeing far into the universe. And millions have died over their belief that maybe a book written who knows when has everything right… books full of hatred toward others. People just seem desperate for east answers to the immense complexity of our existence.
@@kevinn1158 czcams.com/video/4o__yuonzGE/video.html
The selfish gene was one of the most profound science books I have ever read - a complete decoupling of my spiritual livelihood.
This was brilliant. Thank you for bringing out such an interesting conversation with one of the greatest evolutionary biologists. What an absolutely beautiful line at the end.
"What females found attractive can be completely useless" says Richard. You got that right!! 😆 This was a great interview with very interesting questions. Good job!
I must be the definition of useless then. Oh yeah!
Just kidding. God, I'm lonely.
@@braxtonagee412:( I hope you find someone to have a loving, fulfilling, healthy relationship with.
Very good Interview, wasn't sure I would enjoy it at first but I thought it made Dawkins very excited at points which I love to see.
As always Lex, love ❤️ your stuff. I feel more patient with us the human race when I listen to you and your guests.
Hi Lex, get David Sloan Wilson on your podcast to talk about Multilevel Selection. Dawkins is on the gene level selection end of the spectrum, Wilson on the group level side of the debate. It's mindblowing to think of human intelligence as being a function of ever larger and more co-operative groups being able to outcompete smaller or less co-operative groups through cultural evolution - starting from strands of DNA to multiceluar organism (where gene centric Dawkins stops), up through tribes, city states, nation states etc via cultural evolution. With different cultures allowing for larger more co-operative group being able to outcompete smaller groups or less co-operative groups - so you get a selection pressure. Religion can be seen as a form in group identity to compete with out groups despite them not being factually true. The end point of human evolution would be when our species becomes a fully eusocial species that cooperating at the world level. Perfect content for your channel.
through atoms, particles, things, bodies, groups, corporations, cities, states, alliences, ideologies, global societies, interplanetary civilisations, systems, galaxies, universa, to... don't know, infinitely small particles in something other and so on both ways and all that in just 3 dimensions with added time function
Thanks Lex. Great podcast and amazing work in general.
Always enjoy listening to Professor Dawkins.
This was fantastic, especially the final 15 minutes!
Wow, with the list of guests you have, I'm sure you'll pass the Turing test.
Thanks!
The quote at the end of this video is beyond amazing and inspiring.
I really enjoyed this Podcast, it's such a shame it's only 1 hour long