‘Is there a God?’: Piers Morgan grills astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson
Summary
TLDRIn 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
🌌 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.
🥗 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Neil deGrasse Tyson
💡Dark Matter
💡Dark Energy
💡Ignorance
💡Atheist
💡Vegan
💡Mustache
💡Isaac Newton
💡Cosmic Discovery
💡Scientific Inquiry
💡Vegetarian
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
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