Name: Chemical scum that dream of distant quasars
Uploaded: 2006-09-12T00:11:00Z
Duration: 18 min 46 s
Description: Legendary scientist David Deutsch puts theoretical physics on the back burner to discuss a more urgent matter: the survival of our species. The first step toward solving global warming, he says, is to admit that we have a problem.

Legendary scientist David Deutsch puts theoretical physics on the back burner to discuss a more urgent matter: the survival of our species. The first step toward solving global warming, he says, is to admit that we have a problem.

Chemical scum that dream of distant quasars

Earth is far from a typical spot in the universe; most of space is cold, dark, and almost unimaginably empty, yet here, human brains model distant quasars billions of light-years away. Our power comes not from special luck or resources, but from our ability to generate explanations and knowledge. Survival hinges on this ability, because even with abundant matter and energy, it is knowledge that enables progress and resilience. Problems are inevitable, but history shows that civilizations endure only by solving them—not simply avoiding them.

Knowledge, Not Resources, Shapes Humanity’s Place In The Universe

climate change

culture

environment

global issues

physics

science

technology

universe

TED Stage Talk

David Deutsch: Chemical scum that dream of distant quasars