Lee Cronin: Origin of Life, Aliens, Complexity, and Consciousness | Lex Fridman Podcast

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0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
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2:02 - Life and chemistry
15:27 - Self-replicating molecules
25:51 - Origin of life
42:16 - Life on Mars
47:20 - Aliens
54:01 - Origin of life continued
1:00:55 - Fermi Paradox
1:10:35 - UFOs
1:18:56 - Science and authority
1:24:59 - Pickle experiment
1:27:54 - Assembly theory
2:10:53 - Free will
2:22:08 - Cellular automata
2:45:40 - Chemputation
3:02:54 - Universal programming language for chemistry
3:16:05 - Chemputer safety
3:28:47 - Automated engineering of nanomaterials
3:37:46 - Consciousness
3:47:19 - Joscha Bach
3:58:35 - Meaning of life

Don’t sell yourself short. This is no silly little podcast. It’s one of the most interesting podcasts that I listen to. There’s many that feel the same. Hang in there if at all possible.❤️

Never paid for YT content, but this is golden. Small token of my appreciation. What a conversation!

Don’t stop brother. You’re making people better, and enriching the lives of everyone who has the chance to listen. Whenever I spend time listening to you and your guests I feel like I’m back in my college physics classes, except this time I’m enjoying myself! Sending good energy to your friends, family, and colleagues in Russia and Ukraine.

Every podcast I watch my brain is exposed to another form of philosophy and I love it, the power of your platform is immeasurable. I hope this stays around for a long time.

I was skeptical when you began this podcast-even critical. But now it has become something really valuable. You have grown with it Lex. It’s too good, my friend. Keep up the good work! You are putting something great into this world. Thank you

Lex, thank you for the love you bring into the world, and always stay curious, genuine, fearless... keep doing what you're doing, the world needs you and more like you! 🙏🏻

This podcast is *not* silly. You're doing really important work here, bringing on such a wide range of guests to have important and sometimes hard conversations! Thanks for all your hard work!!

Lex don't ever quit! You're a light in a very dark world and this is what people need. Anytime you think of quitting, remember your love/energy is reaching people and you're making a difference.

Lex, never stop. I have learned so much thru you. You have the intelligence to understand your guests and you bring it to us how we can understand. Its like they speak a different language and your the best interperator out there. Your Robot idea is great too. You know its coming whether you do it or someone else does. Go for it.

Lex, I stoped breathing for awhile when you said that you considering to stop. You bring light to the world challenging the reality of hard questions. You bring peace to suffering minds that is able to see beyond certain levels. Thanks from of the bottom of my heart that I found you. Continue your work. Love from a county-side Swedish girl.

Lex's face got a beautiful softness and smile when he addressed the audience, the people he loves to interact with during the introduction. We love you, too, Lex.

I am more than sure you will never see this, Lex. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your time. Your selfless will to go above and beyond has brought joy to countless people, myself included. You are appreciated on another level by your viewers, whether they know it or not...

Take the time you need but know that you enrich our society with your presence and your work, Lex. Thank you so much for everything.

Yes, please dont ever stop the podcast. You ask great questions and make great insights. There is no other like it.

Lex is one of my favourite podcasters now. All interesting guests and all articulate and very interesting conversations about alien life, ufos etc. Keep them coming Lex.

Your ability to summarise and reformulate your guests' thoughts in real tim is truly incredible.

Lex is so humble & open minded & embracing 😌💜

Most educational and insightful podcast out there! Thank you, and keep it up!

I am a very ordinary middle-aged Japanese living in Middle-East for long time. Though I don't understand the technicalities of technology in details, I am learning about the progress of science, technologies and the potential of human beings by watching your podcasts.
I learnt the given power of human beings that transcends even science from you. Its sounds too simple to say but I think I will not give up now though many hopes were crushed. Because reaching conclusion is not at this point. Rather, it may start here and now.
It's an honor to get to know such an amazing scientist like you through this podcast. May God bless you and your work.　 My heart is with you always.

Lex, you are an inspiration to humankind. Thank you for existing. You have helped me with the daily questions of existence and I appreciate you for more than I can verbalize in a youtube comment. All the best from Alaska.

Absolute top quality stuff! Such great work by whoever is lining up the oh so many fascinating guests for this show. Lex you are a legitimate "sense maker" in the world today but you also do such an incredible job at helping the listener to build a foundational understanding for themselves. You are cultivating a movement of goodness, intellectual curiosity, openness, and humility that I think is absolutely essential for the forward progress of humanity!! I LOVE YOU

This is one of the best guests so far! I have never heard you pause before replying so many times, nor get "lost" as to whether or not the question was "answered." AMAZING!! Thank you both

Love your podcast! Don’t stop, a lot of people need your insight and the insights of your guests. You ask the right questions and this makes your podcast amazing.

I watch lots of podcasts, I like to be educated while being entertained.
As I listen/watch them you seem to be one of the most genuine and humble humans and are my favourite host😊
If I want to watch something I go to your channel and just randomly select any of them

Don’t stop Lex, I binge watch your podcasts….. so interesting!
I’m a 75 year old woman and by my watching you, I can feel my brain expanding. My level of education….. graduated high school but I never wanted to stop learning
Stay strong!!!!!

It´s no time to let wonderful voices like yours become quiet. Don´t ever leave us, Lex. We need smart people who give us hope to be humans, and a method for thinking outside the box. We need more "What does love mean to you?" type of questions out there!!

You give me hope Lex. I need to know that people like you exist.

Absolutely brilliant! One of the best conversations I've ever heard in my entire life. Please don't ever stop, Lex.

Lex, I love the way you conduct interviews.
Please don't stop. You're a cool human.

The best podcast in the world. Please never stop. This interview was completely mind blowing and made me think out of the box. Thank you.
The universe evolved into @leecronin to try to understand itself.

The tightness in your throat during your heartfelt introduction echoes the devastating feeling of helplessness in this betrayal of peace. For now though, I am able to turn to your podcast and let my mind be soothed for a few hours. I know that, for now, I am extremely lucky to be living elsewhere in Europe. Your podcasts are a gift to us all and I am so sorry you are hurting Lex and hope your family and friends are safe. Much love 🕊️☮️

You're one of the most authentic people I've ever had the luck to discover, I can't describe to you how much your approach and humility is cherished and loved

I can't believe I've actually listed to the whole 4 hours, what a great talk! Thank you Lex!

For a curiosity junkies this podcast is our fix. 4 hours sounded like an overdose; it was a mellow rush and brought a steady stream of incredible mind bending wonder to the fantastical world we inhabit. I only want to say Thank You for the journey, I am truly inspired.

This is so fascinating!! I've watched it more than 4 times already and it's enlightened me every time

Another lovely episode, very thought provoking, flowing, joyous romp...thank you both!

Please keep going. The world needs real conversations like these !

Thanks so much for this. Assembly theory explains a thought I’ve not been able to explain coherently for decades. Life is localized anti-entropy.

You’re a new podcast discovery for me and I adore your manner and use of language. Tackling challenging emotional and moral conversations with dignity, respect and intelligence. I’m making my way through your uploads. Fantastic work. Thank you.

I'm a huge fan of you, Lex. It was great to hear from your heart at the beginning of this podcast. My heart is with you and everyone affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Lee Cronin interview was one of the best I’ve listened to. Thank you Lex. Keep it up.
Now about Cronin: I just say he’s one of the most articulate and creative scientists I’ve come across to listen to.
I learned a lot. That doesn’t happen often (in a good way). The conversation reminded me of the time when I was doing my PhD thesis and the thinking that went into it. Purely beautiful thoughts and imagination that comes from relentless struggle and persist of perfection.
And most curious results.
Thanks again.

The conversations you have with others really help the world, whether you give your self credit for that or not. You are hugely instrumental to technology spreading. What waves will that create? Thank you, please keep going!!

I have to say, Lex, this is one of the best podcasts on the internet. Thank you for stimulating my brain in a world full of nonsense. We need this.

This is the only podcast I consistently watch. Its not silly, its brilliant

Thank you Lex Fridman and Lee Cronin for the wonderful conversation!
I also work on Assembly Theory but from the stand point of the Sport Science. Waiting forward for the further development of Computer Science and Neuroscience!
I believe that we Scientists can work together for a better World!❤

This podcast is .. freaking brilliant. This man is an old soul

Lex, dont stop. You are an inspiration already for many viewers around the world, with the amazing guests you bring and your interesting and clever questions, you touch so many wide variety of topics that every podcast is a blast to wonder.
Kudos from Portugal!

“I thought about quitting this podcast for a time; but for now at least I’ll keep going.
I love people to much, You the listener”
-Lex Fridman
We love you too; and thank & applaud you for your commitment to excellency and dedication to spreading knowledge!

I happend to stumble upon this podcast, and this is the first episode I listened to. As a theoretical physicist that moved into finance after obtaining my master this episode made me question my life choices. Listening to such intelligent conversation on such fascinating topics like assembly theory with such well formulated and thought out arguments quenched a thirst I didn't know I had. Big compliments on creating such an interesting discussion!

I know I'm very late to the party, but I've been benching your podcasts lately, and I'm unbelievably grateful you didn't give up! I haven't watched the entire podcast yet, but for the past many podcasts I've listened to in the past few days, I'm incredibly humbled about your devotion to spreading the word of love and understanding! You're truly a gem to the world, and you deserve every single viewer and admiration of your guests.

Personally I find these podcast episodes with scientists doing groundbreaking research, and who are capable of discussing ideas, the most interesting ones. Thanks, Lex!

Your podcast is the best thing available on the internet right now! Thank you so much ❤️

this guy's theories are incredible...
one of the best episodes of the podcast

Please keep going Lex. I can only speak for my wife, Sharon and myself. You bring such clarity and truth to so many topics of interest to us. Your podcast is successful because of your participation with your guests. Thank you for staying strong during this terrible crisis. Don Jackson, San Diego, California.

Don’t stop!!! I just discovered your amazing podcast. You’re guests are so fascinating and your interviewing style sets you apart. Keep going please!!!

This may be one of the best podcasts ever. The very fact you ask these questions, bringing out the details that other listeners want to hear without knowing it is what makes them special. This, along with your humility to paraphrase and appreciate your guests is a very rare skill. Most people are only interested in their own views whereas you open the door for other beings to fully express theirs. Please keep going, the universe and especially this planet with it’s stumbling confused media need you! And I wish all the best to you and your family.
Thank you for being a human being for real!

You are a rare shining bright light in a Time when so much darkness is being exposed I look forward to an appreciate your podcast beyond measure

Thank you so much for this interview. Lee Cronin lives in such a different paradigm of thought than me, I spent half my time Googling terms and the other half trying to catch up. Loved it!

Amazing Discussion, thanks for turning me on to Lee Cronin. Two unique minds, so impressive to listen to. keep it up Lex, you are having some of the most intellectual and inspiring conversations of modern times.

Noting how the "Please check out our sponsors in the description" took out two seconds of four hours worth of content. Lex, you're awesome.

I love how sincerely Lex addresses his audience before the conversation begins.

This podcast is absolutely important to me personally. I ALWAYS derive many special ponderous funny inspiring things from every podcast of yours I listen to!!! It’s not a silly little podcast by any means. I love Lex Friedman! I tell people to give you a listen all the time. You are adding important information to those that participate in your podcast by listening. Thank you!

This was my favorite conversation so far Lex. You are the man.

Lex brother stay strong. I know that this most be a very difficult, complex and hard to understand moment for you and for most of us for that matter. Don’t stop doing what you love. We’ll get through this my friend. Love to everyone listening to this wonderful podcast.

Lex is my idol. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't had chosen to study a degree in Computer Science. Him and Ivan On Tech push me to a higher level.

Fabulous to see Lex and Lee together. Truly an episode to savor and sip like a fine tumbler of Talisker; both featuring fine and complex chemistry 🥃

Lee totally reminds me of my first cousins all gathered around the Christmas tree or any family gathering playing hypothetical math computational trivia for days on end, each and every year.
I actually felt at home once again and stuck it through till the end.
Love Lee’s fun and brilliant imagination. Probably the best teacher in the world.
🕊❤️🕊

Lex, this is the best content not only on UAclips, but the entire internet. Please don’t stop. Thank you Lex for your work.

Love your podcasts.💕
Please don’t stop.
You have a real talent for this.
Thank you!💕

Keep up the good work Lex. Honor, Courage, Commitment. ❤️

His Assembly Theory and the increasing novelty is chillingly similar to the late Terence Mckenna's theory of Novelty, and maybe even timewave zero. Amazing

There is a lot of pain and suffering in your eyes Lex. Please stay strong, we love you back as much as you love us.

Please go on, this is sooooo refreshing to listen to. I am expanding my brain just listening. I appreciate your generosity to release all of this on the web.

Your podcasts are so freaking awesome and amazing. Always interesting.

Lex, you are cherished. The conversations you have with people are so, so important. please dont stop, unless you absolutely had to.

Lex, You are giving us all a beautiful example of human connection at its best. The way you have of tackling the difficult stuff, understanding yourself and the contours of reality, you come to the conversations full of humility and grace. I've gained insights into the world from your podcast that have changed the way I live in it. Most importantly, I've become a better listener by watching you listen to your guests. That's huge! And I know there are others out there who would agree with me. Please keep going, Lex. You're adding so much good to our world, one connection at a time.

Love your podcast. Thank you for making me think. The content is awesome. I'm sorry for you and your family and friend's pain. I hope a solution will make itself known asap but I also know you can't reason with the unreasonable. Light will ultimately defeat the dark. I know it can't happen soon enough. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Loved this one. “Life is the universe developing a memory.” An inspiring thought.

Lex, I love the calmness in your entire person regardless of the subject. Really allows the listener to absorb more information. Thank you for the guest's as well as the content you choose to explore! Good on you my friend! Keep it up! 🗣💋

Lex i have become very committed to your Podcast. The way you approach subjects is always thoughtful and almost spiritually. Please don't stop.

Please don't quit this for some time lex, you've helped me and many others become better people.

Truly appreciate all of your videos, I've learned more watching them than anything other type of media combined. Thank you for all you do Lex, keep up the amazing work

Lex you are one of my favorite podcasts I only discovered you this year but I listen to you often infrequently whatever you got going on in your personal life I hope you sorted out and figure out your path because you definitely help a lot of people including myself on this path thank you for what you do brother

Lex, I could feel the pain in your words at the opening of this, I can’t pretend to understand what you are going through personally right now, but I can tell you that you have been an inspiration and what you are doing has great value, please don’t give up on it, and don’t let the bastards get you down!

This “silly” little pod cast gets me through the rough spots brother. Thank you so much for doing it. You are a beautiful person.

When you model two people having a respectful back and forth dialogue you are giving an extremely important gift to the world. As opposed to where impatience and debate become a normal way of having a verbiage interaction leaving people feeling lonely and ruled over. Your conversations create rather than tear down. We need this. Thank you so much.

This was so fascinating. I want to study synthetic biology or something related when I finish my genetics degree. I just discovered this podcast recently, i'm looking forward to listening to many more episodes. I like how some of them are several hours long and you can have proper full conversations rather than trying to get them down to half an hour or an hour or something arbitrarily

Please, don't quit. You are a source of inspiration for me and, I'm quite sure, for many people. Your podcast is awesome.

Don't stop your podcasts, please. You've helped me a lot over this past year, and I would hate if you stop sharing your thoughts and words. 🧡 If you ever need to talk with someone, please email me. I have family in Iran so I understand when something horrific is happening in the motherland and you can't do anything. But whether you know it or not, you help us all with your podcasts. "No matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up, and handle it." - Tupac Shakur🧡

Don't quit this podcast my dude. Much love and respect for you always putting your cards on the table, and wearing your heart on your sleave. You bring so much positivity to the world, and are fighting the good fight. Eternally appreciated my brother

Keep doing what you do your lovely to listen too your voice is so calming and good subjects you speak so beautifully remind me slightly of bright eyes 🥴 my fav artist lol , well I love listening to this pod cast and enjoy quantum physics learning so much ❤️

We love you Lex, we need this content for the furtherance of humanity. Thank you for all your very hard work.

Don't quit Lex! You're the amazing one

i had a panic attack recently and went completely mental to the point i was completely gone crazy, that little voice that speaks in my head became quiet and there was only me, and in my trip for some reason my mind kept feeding me this sentence " i am life discovering the universe itself with all possibilities through time ", it was such a strong experience, i was aware but completely gone, it got so bad that it took me 3 days to remember what is reality and to convince myself that i was being delusional all the time, but damn, i felt that every second was like a eternity because i would, in my delusion, start breaking down every second that passes by and deconstruct every aspect of reality, as in time passing, emotions i am having and what is my mind thinking.
because every second passed like an eternity (literally) when i came back to sanity, my understanding of emotions changed so much, i felt that every emotion is something we chose to carry from one moment to another, and we carry it to remember something we want to remember, but worse i realized so much of what brought me pain in my life, are emotions that we want to forget but still chose to carry just so we dont feel them again which is the funny thing, we are so afraid that we would rather chose to remember that fear just so the next time we might be in that situation, we can evade it, so when i comeback to sanity, i realized i no longer need to hold to these emotions as i am the one in control of what to feel in the next moment.
it changed me

Thank you for your videos Lex! Please don't stop in this time of human stupidity and confusion your intellectual discussions are Far and Few between! You are a source of sanity and I appreciate all you do for all of Us!

Lex: Please, please continue your podcast. Your podcast gives me hope, while it is also always enjoyable and educational. What you do is so valuable, so unique and so needed. I hope you continue.

Love you Lex, you are important to this community! You have a purpose! ❤️
We all have a purpose, love you guys!

You are one of my only inspirations in life currently Lex. We need you, don't doubt that for a second. Bringing actual unbiased content from all sides. How society should be allowed to see things.

Pains me to hear how heavy your heart is for those back home. To the point that it's weaning on your motivation to put out he podcast that I, and I'm positive that you as well, hold so dearly. I hope for the best for you and those closest, stay strong brother.