Eric Weinstein is a mathematician with a bold and piercing intelligence, unafraid to explore the biggest questions in the universe and shine a light on the darkest corners of our society. He is the host of The Portal podcast, a part of which, he recently released his 2013 Oxford lecture on his theory of Geometric Unity that is at the center of his lifelong efforts in arriving at a theory of everything that unifies the fundamental laws of physics.

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EPISODE LINKS:
Eric’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricRWeinstein
Eric’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ericweinsteinphd
The Portal podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-portal/id1469999563
Graph, Wall, Tome wiki: https://theportal.wiki/wiki/Graph,_Wall,_Tome

This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon.

Here’s the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.

OUTLINE:
00:00 – Introduction
02:08 – World War II and the Coronavirus Pandemic
14:03 – New leaders
31:18 – Hope for our time
34:23 – WHO
44:19 – Geometric unity
1:38:55 – We need to get off this planet
1:40:47 – Elon Musk
1:46:58 – Take Back MIT
2:15:31 – The time at Harvard
2:37:01 – The Portal
2:42:58 – Legacy

#88 – Eric Weinstein: Geometric Unity and the Call for New Ideas, Leaders & Institutions

Lex Fridman Podcast

00:00A Conversation on Geometric Unity and the Need for Collective Action

A Conversation on Geometric Unity and the Need for Collective Action

02:26The Great Nap and Fragility in the Modern World

The Great Nap and Fragility in the Modern World

06:08The Confusion and Severity of the Global Crisis

The Confusion and Severity of the Global Crisis

09:25The Unprecedented Experiment and Uncertain Future

The Unprecedented Experiment and Uncertain Future

12:47The Role of Leadership and Honesty in Challenging Times

The Role of Leadership and Honesty in Challenging Times

16:17The Need for Change and Youthful Perspective

The Need for Change and Youthful Perspective

18:50The Influence of Platform and Viewership in the Media Landscape

The Influence of Platform and Viewership in the Media Landscape

23:51The Current State of Leadership and the Need for Change

The Current State of Leadership and the Need for Change

24:54Exploring Mutual Appreciation and Challenging the Status Quo

Exploring Mutual Appreciation and Challenging the Status Quo

27:36Challenging Weak Leadership and Embracing Bold Change

Challenging Weak Leadership and Embracing Bold Change

31:01The Strength of Gadflies and Weakness of Institutions

The Strength of Gadflies and Weakness of Institutions

33:31The Challenge of Science vs Social Programs

The Challenge of Science vs Social Programs

37:13The Importance of Clear Requirements and Authority in Leadership

The Importance of Clear Requirements and Authority in Leadership

40:01The Need for Exceptional Leaders

The Need for Exceptional Leaders

43:12Challenging Academic Practices and Institutional Leadership

Challenging Academic Practices and Institutional Leadership

46:56Pursuing a Different Path: The Journey of Geometric Unity

Pursuing a Different Path: The Journey of Geometric Unity

49:43The Struggles of Working on the Theory of Everything

The Struggles of Working on the Theory of Everything

52:37Releasing the Big Idea During a Pandemic

Releasing the Big Idea During a Pandemic

55:58The Journey of Masla's Theorem and the Weight of Criticism

The Journey of Masla's Theorem and the Weight of Criticism

1:00:02Geometric Unity and the Pursuit of Mathematical Beauty

Geometric Unity and the Pursuit of Mathematical Beauty

1:02:03Theoretical Physics: Exploring the Relationship Between General Relativity and the Standard Model

Theoretical Physics: Exploring the Relationship Between General Relativity and the Standard Model

1:03:33Theoretical Physics and the Philosophical Implications of a Theory of Everything

Theoretical Physics and the Philosophical Implications of a Theory of Everything

1:08:09The Paradox of Self-Aware AI

The Paradox of Self-Aware AI

1:09:43The Pursuit of Grand Unification

The Pursuit of Grand Unification

1:14:10Exploring the Four-Dimensional World and Technical Debt

Exploring the Four-Dimensional World and Technical Debt

1:17:17The Profound Nature of Spinners in the Universe

The Profound Nature of Spinners in the Universe

1:20:12Exploring the Structure of Space-Time

Exploring the Structure of Space-Time

1:21:28Communicating Complex Concepts

Communicating Complex Concepts

1:26:18Gauge Theory and the Height of Mount Everest

Gauge Theory and the Height of Mount Everest

1:33:18Exploring the Concepts of Richie Tensor and Einstein Tensor

Exploring the Concepts of Richie Tensor and Einstein Tensor

1:35:51Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Engineering in Geometric Unity

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Engineering in Geometric Unity

1:39:32Unleashing the Power of Dimensions: Unlocking New Possibilities

Unleashing the Power of Dimensions: Unlocking New Possibilities

1:41:14Mars or Beyond: Ambitious Engineering and the Quest for Space

Mars or Beyond: Ambitious Engineering and the Quest for Space

1:45:39Exploring Physics Breakthroughs and Hope for the Future

Exploring Physics Breakthroughs and Hope for the Future

1:49:00Reclaiming MIT's Innovative Spirit

Reclaiming MIT's Innovative Spirit

1:52:18Examining the Role of Technical Universities in Society

Examining the Role of Technical Universities in Society

1:54:21Revolutionizing Technical Education

Revolutionizing Technical Education

1:58:39Challenges and Flaws in the System

Challenges and Flaws in the System

2:01:50Inspiring Change and Breaking the Mold

Inspiring Change and Breaking the Mold