Neil DeGrasse Tyson Interviews Stephen Colbert

Summary

In this episode of 'The Late Show,' Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Stephen Colbert, delving into topics ranging from philosophy to science fiction. They discuss the philosophical question 'Is it better to know or not to know?', with Colbert advocating for knowledge. The conversation touches on the concept of multiverses, the rarity of supernovae, and the impact of human actions on wildlife. They also explore the intersection of faith and evidence, with Colbert sharing his Catholic background and the importance of questioning within his faith. The discussion concludes with concerns about future challenges, including artificial intelligence and environmental issues.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts 'The Late Show' with Stephen Colbert as the guest, reversing their usual roles.
• 🪑 Stephen jokes about being shorter than the host's chair, indicating a playful dynamic between the two.
• 🤓 The conversation delves into their shared 'geekiness' and past experiences discussing deep topics like life, the universe, and everything.
• 🧐 Stephen's philosophical background is revealed, including his time as a philosophy major in college and a thought-provoking final exam question about knowledge.
• 🌌 The concept of parallel universes is discussed, with a humorous take on alternate realities where political situations differ.
• 💡 Stephen emphasizes the importance of knowledge, quoting phrases about not walking blindly in the dark and being a source of light.
• 🌟 The topic of supernovas and their role in the universe, including the creation of gold, is explored with Neil's scientific insight.
• 🌍 Stephen expresses concern about current global issues, including the loss of wildlife and the potential future threats that humanity might face.
• 💔 The discussion touches on the sadness of humanity's impact on wildlife and the role we play in driving extinctions.
• 🤖 Stephen shares his fear of AI, not because it will take over, but because of the potential consequences if it doesn't, given humanity's track record.
• ❓ The conversation concludes with a reflection on unknown future concerns that may be on the horizon a century from now.

Q & A

What is the humorous situation described at the beginning of the script?

Stephen Colbert is the guest on 'The Late Show' hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, and they joke about Colbert being seated at a lower height than usual, implying a status difference.

What shared interest do Neil deGrasse Tyson and Stephen Colbert have, as mentioned in the script?

Both Neil deGrasse Tyson and Stephen Colbert share a 'geek bromance' and enjoy discussing topics like life, the universe, and everything.

What philosophical major did Stephen Colbert study in college?

Stephen Colbert was a Philosophy major in college, where he took a yearlong course on great books and had a final exam with a single question.

What is the single question on the final exam Stephen Colbert mentioned?

The final exam had one question: 'Is it better to know or not to know?', which the students had to answer using one of the philosophies studied during the year.

How does Stephen Colbert feel about the current state of the world?

Stephen Colbert believes we are in a 'bad timeline' in the current state of the world, comparing it to a science fiction story.

What is the concept of a 'supernova' discussed in the script?

A supernova is a powerful explosion of a star, which is one of the processes where elements like gold are created. It's a rare event but common enough across the universe due to the vast number of galaxies.

What is the geekiest thing Stephen Colbert has ever done according to the script?

Stephen Colbert visited Hobbiton in New Zealand, where he wanted to fit into the small houses and felt a deep connection to the fictional world of 'The Lord of the Rings'.

What is Stephen Colbert's profession and how does it relate to his upbringing?

Stephen Colbert is a host of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'. His upbringing in a Catholic, intellectual household influenced his approach to faith and evidence.

How does Stephen Colbert reconcile his faith with the pursuit of evidence?

Stephen Colbert sees faith and evidence as separate entities. His faith comes from a place of gratitude and does not conflict with his appreciation for evidence.

What concern does Stephen Colbert express about the future?

Stephen Colbert is concerned about the potential for artificial intelligence to take over and the environmental impact of human actions, such as the significant loss of wildlife.

What is Neil deGrasse Tyson's view on the importance of knowing versus not knowing?

Neil deGrasse Tyson believes it is better to know than not to know, emphasizing the value of knowledge and understanding over ignorance.