‘Is there a God?’: Piers Morgan grills astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson

Summary

In this engaging interview, Professor Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses his new book 'To Infinity and Beyond,' exploring the vast unknowns of the universe, including dark matter and dark energy. Tyson, a self-proclaimed non-atheist, addresses the question of God's existence in the face of humanity's limited knowledge. The conversation also delves into the ethics of veganism, the plight of insects, and Tyson's iconic mustache, drawing parallels to other great scientists. The interview concludes with Tyson expressing his desire to dine with Isaac Newton, reflecting on the progression of scientific discovery.

Takeaways

• 📚 Neil deGrasse Tyson's new book 'To Infinity and Beyond' discusses the vast unknowns in the universe.
• 🌌 Dark matter makes up 85% of the universe's gravity, and dark energy is responsible for its accelerated expansion, yet both remain unidentified.
• 🤔 The known forces of nature, including gravity and electromagnetism, account for only 4% of the universe's activities, highlighting our limited understanding.
• 🧐 As our knowledge expands, so does our awareness of what we don't know, which Tyson describes as the essence of science.
• 🤨 Tyson does not identify as a strict atheist, as he uses language associated with belief without endorsing it, and enjoys works with religious themes.
• 🌩 Historically, phenomena once attributed to deities, like lightning and weather, have been explained by science, suggesting a deity may not be at the center of current unknowns.
• 🥑 Tyson humorously critiques vegans for potentially overlooking the environmental impact of their food choices, such as almond and avocado farming.
• 🌱 He also points out the irony of vegetarians consuming plant reproductive organs and infant versions of plants, which could seem strange from an alien perspective.
• 👨‍🦱 Tyson's mustache is iconic and part of a tradition of great scientists with notable facial hair, including Einstein and Tesla.
• 🍽 If given the chance, Tyson would choose to have dinner with Isaac Newton to discuss the advancements in science and technology since Newton's time.
• 📈 The script showcases Tyson's engaging way of making complex scientific topics accessible and entertaining.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Neil deGrasse Tyson's new book 'To Infinity and Beyond'?

The main theme of the book is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but given the context, it likely explores the mysteries of the universe and our quest for cosmic discovery.

What does Neil deGrasse Tyson quantify about our knowledge of the universe?

Neil deGrasse Tyson states that we know about 4% of what's going on in the universe, with the remaining 96% being driven by dark matter and dark energy, which we can measure but do not fully understand.

What is dark matter and why is it significant?

Dark matter is a type of matter that is not directly observable but can be inferred due to its gravitational effects on visible matter. It is significant because it is responsible for 85% of the gravity in the universe.

What is dark energy and its role in the universe?

Dark energy is a form of energy that is believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. Its exact nature is unknown, but it can be measured.

How does Neil deGrasse Tyson view the relationship between the growth of knowledge and ignorance?

He believes that as the area of our knowledge grows, so too does the perimeter of our ignorance, which is the essence of science and the drive to explore and answer new questions.

What is Neil deGrasse Tyson's stance on the existence of a supernatural god-like entity?

He does not identify as a staunch atheist but argues that just because there are unknowns in the universe does not mean there is a deity behind them. He emphasizes the importance of looking for scientific explanations first.

What is Neil deGrasse Tyson's view on veganism and animal rights?

He challenges vegans who focus on not killing animals but overlook the impact of their diet on other creatures, such as bees affected by almond and avocado farming.

What is the significance of mustaches among famous scientists according to the transcript?

The transcript humorously notes that many brilliant scientists, including Nikola Tesla, Louis de Broglie, and Albert Einstein, had impressive mustaches, suggesting a trend or cultural association.

Why does Neil deGrasse Tyson keep his mustache?

Neil deGrasse Tyson has never shaved his mustache since he was able to grow one, and it has become a distinctive part of his appearance.

Who would Neil deGrasse Tyson choose to have dinner with if given the chance?

He would choose Isaac Newton, expressing curiosity about how Newton would react to modern technological advancements.

What misconception does Neil deGrasse Tyson correct about Isaac Newton's appearance?

He clarifies that while popular images often show Newton with long hair, it was likely a wig, and he actually had shorter hair, as depicted in a statue at Trinity Church in Cambridge.

Outlines

00:00

🌌 Cosmic Ignorance and the Quest for Knowledge

In this engaging paragraph, Professor Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses the vastness of the unknown in the universe. He quantifies our ignorance by explaining that dark matter and dark energy account for 96% of the forces driving the universe, while all known forces of nature only make up 4%. Tyson emphasizes the growth of knowledge and ignorance as parallel, and he highlights the importance of questioning the unknown. He also touches on his agnostic stance, distinguishing it from atheism, and argues against attributing the unknown to a deity, citing historical examples of scientific discoveries that once were considered acts of gods.

05:00

🥗 Veganism, Ethics, and the Irony of Plant Consumption

This paragraph delves into a debate about veganism and animal rights, with Tyson challenging the ethical consistency of vegans who overlook the impact of their diet on smaller creatures like bees. He humorously suggests that a plant-based alien might be horrified by the consumption of plant reproductive organs and infants by vegetarians. Tyson's commentary provokes thought about the selective empathy towards certain animals and the ecological consequences of dietary choices, while also injecting humor into the conversation with a cosmic perspective on plant life.

🧔 The Iconic Mustache: A Mark of Brilliance

The focus shifts to the iconic mustaches of famous scientists, with Tyson's own mustache taking center stage. The paragraph humorously explores the connection between great minds and their facial hair, citing historical figures like Nikola Tesla, Louis de Broglie, and Albert Einstein. Tyson reflects on his own mustache, which he has never shaved, and considers the historical and cultural significance of this symbol of scientific prowess. The paragraph concludes with a playful discussion about the dinner invitation to Isaac Newton, revealing Tyson's admiration for the father of classical mechanics and his curiosity about Newton's reaction to modern inventions.

Keywords

💡Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist, science communicator, and author. He is known for his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public. In the video, Tyson discusses his new book, 'To Infinity and Beyond,' and shares his insights on the vast unknowns of the universe, emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry.

💡Dark Matter

Dark Matter is a hypothetical form of matter that is thought to account for approximately 85% of the gravity in the universe. Despite not being directly observable, its existence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter. In the script, Tyson mentions dark matter to illustrate the vast amount of the universe that remains unknown to us.

💡Dark Energy

Dark Energy is the term used for the unknown force that is causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate. Like dark matter, it cannot be directly observed but is inferred from its effects on the cosmos. Tyson discusses dark energy to highlight the significant portion of the universe's behavior that is not yet understood.

💡Ignorance

In the context of the video, ignorance refers to the lack of knowledge or understanding about the universe. Tyson uses the term to emphasize that while we have made significant scientific progress, there is still much more to learn. He mentions that we know only about 4% of what's going on in the universe, quantifying our ignorance.

💡Atheist

An atheist is someone who does not believe in the existence of any deities. Tyson clarifies in the script that he does not identify as a strict atheist, as he does not dismiss the possibility of the unknown. He discusses this in response to a question about being certain of the non-existence of a supernatural entity.

💡Vegan

A vegan is a person who does not consume or use animal products. In the script, Tyson humorously challenges the ethical consistency of vegans, pointing out the potential harm to insects and other small creatures caused by the production of plant-based foods like almonds and avocados.

💡Mustache

The mustache is a style of facial hair that Tyson is known for, and it has become iconic in popular culture. In the video, the host refers to Tyson's mustache and its significance, comparing it to those of other famous scientists, suggesting a link between distinctive facial hair and scientific brilliance.

💡Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, renowned for his laws of motion and universal gravitation. Tyson expresses his admiration for Newton and would choose to have dinner with him if given the opportunity, indicating Newton's significant influence on Tyson's scientific worldview.

💡Cosmic Discovery

Cosmic Discovery refers to the process of uncovering the secrets of the universe through scientific exploration and research. The term is related to Tyson's book title and reflects the overarching theme of the video, which is the pursuit of understanding the universe's mysteries.

💡Scientific Inquiry

Scientific Inquiry is the process of asking questions, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to gain knowledge and understanding. Tyson emphasizes the importance of this process in advancing our understanding of the universe, particularly in the face of vast unknowns.

💡Vegetarian

A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, but may consume other animal products like dairy and eggs. Tyson humorously critiques vegetarians from a cosmic perspective, suggesting that a plant-based alien might be horrified by the consumption of plant reproductive organs and infant versions of plants.

Highlights

Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses his new book 'To Infinity and Beyond', emphasizing its ability to bring complex scientific topics to life.

Quantification of human ignorance about the universe: We know only 4% of what's going on, with 96% being driven by dark matter and dark energy.

Dark matter is responsible for 85% of the gravity in the universe, yet its composition remains unknown.

Dark energy is responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe, and its cause is still a mystery.

As knowledge grows, so does the perimeter of our ignorance, which is the essence of science.

Tyson's approach to the unknown: Focusing on questions we don't yet know, rather than those we want answered.

Neil deGrasse Tyson's stance on atheism and the distinction between atheism and agnosticism.

The historical pattern of attributing unknown phenomena to deities, only for science to later explain them.

Tyson's skepticism about finding a deity at the center of the unknowns of the universe.

Debate with vegans about the impact of their diet on the environment and animal life, including bees.

Tyson's humorous perspective on vegans and vegetarians from a cosmic and plant-based alien viewpoint.

The cultural and scientific significance of famous scientists and their mustaches, including Tyson's own.

Tyson's mustache as a lifelong feature and its cultural impact, even when out of style.

Comparison of Tyson's mustache to historical figures like Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla.

Tyson's desire to have dinner with Isaac Newton and the imagined conversation about modern technology.

The revelation that Isaac Newton was clean-shaven, contrary to popular depictions.

The ongoing fascination with Neil deGrasse Tyson's ability to make science engaging and accessible.

Transcripts

I'm talking to I would be the most

popular scientist in the universe ever

Professor Neil deGrasse Tyson whose new

book just to do a bit of media

sensationalism there Neil his new book

to infinity and beyond is out this month

it's it's absolutely riveting you write

about this stuff so brilliantly you

bring it all so alive

um I want to go into a few of these but

first of all

the key question for me with all this

well especially I was reading your book

how much do you think we know and how

much do you think we don't know about

what's out there

that's a great question and I can

actually quantify that answer so there's

there are these things this dark matter

you might have heard about so dark

matter is 85 it's responsible for 85

percent of the gravity in the universe

and we have no idea what it is but we

can measure it there's Dark Energy

responsible for the accelerated

expansion of the universe we can measure

that but we don't know what's causing it

and then you add up all of these sort of

what these forces are doing in the

universe it's 96 of what's driving the

universe and all the forces of nature

that we know and love gravity uh

electromagnetism the strong and weak

nuclear forces life chemistry biology

physics that's in four percent of the

universe so we know enough about the

universe

to quantify our ignorance

so we know four percent of what's going

on out there but also keep in mind that

as the area of our knowledge grows

so too does the perimeter of our

ignorance

and that is the very soul of science

that their questions people say what

questions do you want answered yeah I

don't think that way I think what

question do I not even yet know yes I

think that's the really interesting part

is that you're probably not even

thinking of a great question right

because there may be something correct

that's I I lose sleep over that yes no

how you I know you're an avowed atheist

how can you be so certain

that there is no Supernatural god-like

entity out there given that we know so

little

well first I I don't count myself among

the ranks of a valid atheists and I'll

give a fast example why a friend of mine

went up to fix the Hubble telescope okay

on the space shuttle and on my on my on

my Facebook feed I said godspeed to the

Space Shuttle astronauts and then in the

comment thread it said I thought you

were an atheist how could you possibly

say that and so the fact that I

gleefully said that and atheists

complained about it clearly I'm not an

atheist my favorite my favorite Broadway

musical of all time is Jesus Christ

Superstar which I saw in real time in

New York City and I don't know that

atheists so I don't so is there a goblin

nailed deGrasse Tyson I'll be about to

have break time is there a God

so I will tell you is that with there

are a lot of unknowns in the universe

but just because they're unknowns does

not mean there's a deity

in the unknown if you're gonna it

doesn't mean there isn't that which

it doesn't mean there isn't that's

correct your mind about this right

I everyone should if the the unknown is

the unknown but the the the the track

record of people saying God is behind

this and then you add a little science

to it and you find out no we can

completely explain it and control it

then that the history of that exercise

is so rich with science

discovering the unknowns that were

previously ascribed to deity like

lightning bolts and weather systems

there was Poseidon there was Zeus there

was just look at the history of this I'm

I'm not given reason to say we're going

to find something that God is going to

be at the center of that and there'll be

no science to apply I'm going to look

for the science first because that's how

the history of this exercise has

unfolded I want to play you a clip this

is you talking to Joe Rogan about vegans

you want to save animals

um I never seen I've never seen anyone

say

save the leeches no no one cares about

bugs save the ticks and you can ask

if you really into animals and don't

want to kill them if you heard that

ticks were endangered

would you start a movement to protect

ticks would you do that

and if you would of more power to you

but I'm thinking you're not

they're not it's the little guys they

don't care about I've had this debate

with vegans I won last week I have it

every month and I always point out most

vegans I know Munch away on almonds and

avocados and they turn a blind eye to

the fact that this causes the mass

murder of billions of bees mainly in

California they don't want to have that

debate because they don't care about the

little guy's meal

yeah

but my only reaction there is

um that comment was addressing only

vegans who are vegans because they don't

want to kill animals yes no I agree

other reasons to be vegan of corporate

Health

the ones who run into steakhouses

playing sounds of cows being slaughtered

they're the ones that Munch avocados and

armors invariably yeah and by the way

and they are dining upon the

reproductive organs of plants that's

kind of weird and I imagine if if a

plant-based alien visited Earth they

would freak out when they saw

vegetarians yeah because the virgins

would be eating them right and and

vegetarians Target

um not only the reproductive organs the

nuts the berries the flowers but they

also Target the infant versions of it

with baby lettuce baby carrots babies

this would terrify a plant-based alien

so that's just a cosmic perspective on

that no no you've given me you have

given me a whole new line of attack the

the flower babies I love it this is

fantastic uh I I I just they I find this

that's the way that's dangerous if it's

dangerous to feed you more lines of

attack because I don't know what you're

gonna do with it but I always like to

say these things to them debates to

their logical end right I mean and it

seems to me they when it suits them they

care about the bigger animals the cuddly

ones but when it comes to the little

guys they're not interested um now I

want to talk about furry the furry ones

especially something even more iconic

actually than God or vegans and it's

your mustache which has become one of

the world's most famous mustaches and

his extraordinary there's a whole

website that's been set up called

deGrasse Tyson's mustache and we did a

bit of research ourselves a bit of

scientific research uh and there's a

mustache Montage that we have here which

is quite extraordinary it turns out

almost every brilliant scientist has had

a magnificent task uh Nikola Tesla the

inventor extraordinaire great Tash Louis

de broglie the discovered the wave-like

nature of all matter great Tash Hans

Geiger famous for the geiger counter

Robert H Goddard built the first liquid

fueled rocket and of course Albert

Einstein probably the one nearest to

your own

um you I mean you've become the modern

day Godfather of science mustaches but

very much

running in a sort of a great long

historic list of great tashes

I I I never thought about it that this

mustache I've never shaved it in my life

yes I've trimmed it but it's ever since

I could grow a mustache I've had a

mustache so uh it's just part of my life

and even it was kind of out of style a

few years ago and I I was a little bit I

did get rid of my mutton chop sideburns

I figured okay that's from 1978 I could

lose those but I did keep the mustache

but if I were to vote among those

mustaches I would say you know we

remember Einstein is this wire-haired

yeah you know gray big bushy eyebrows

but he was a dashing young man you see

him in a tuxedo yes look at that

mustache that's like a Magnum PI

mustache right there if you could final

question Neil if you could have dinner

tonight with any scientist in the

history of recording mankind who would

it be

yeah it would be oh no question about it

Isaac Newton but I think about that all

the time and I'd say I said come for

dinner and he'd look out the window and

he'd see these things moving he said

what are those and I say Well they're

horse-drawn carriages without a horse he

said well how do they move well they use

gasoline what's gasoline oh it's fossil

fuels what's fossil fuels and after five

minutes it is I say go back to it

also unfortunately your answer there's

so much that has happened since then

well you're awesome I don't know if I

have the patience well you killed my

theory also because Isaac Newton

famously it was clean shave

oh

well um Newton we see him with these big

locks of curls but I think that was

actually a wig on top of much shorter

hair and the statue of him in Cambridge

at the in a trinity in a church in

Cambridge

um it's you shoot you see him with short

hair wow so I was so disappointed when I

heard of that yeah

Neil I could honestly interview every

single day and it would never get boring

you've got a fantastic way of bringing

this stuff to life to infinity and

beyond a journey of cosmic Discovery

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Lindsay Walker

it's the number one New York Times

bestseller as all your books are it's a

fantastic reading great to have you back

in on censor thank you