#2184 - Sara Imari Walker

At a Glance

• Assembly Theory and Origin of Life - “The key idea of the theory is that the universe cannot generate complexity outside of living processes.” This concept challenges conventional ideas about the generation of complexity in the universe.

• Authenticity in Podcasting - “There’s also an unusual authenticity in having access to individual minds without influence of producers and directors.” Highlighting the unique and genuine nature of podcast conversations.

• The Concept of the Muse - “I almost always think of my best ideas as not even really mine, but like a gift.” Discussing the mysterious and creative process of summoning ideas through the concept of the muse.

• Unconscious Brain and Creativity - “I’ve kind of resigned myself to like almost all of my thinking is my unconscious brain and I should just like leave it there.” Exploring the role of the unconscious mind in creativity and idea generation.

• Consciousness and Language - “Maybe you feel bad that day. Maybe you feel lonely. Maybe you feel this. Like these sort of subconscious things are very conscious.” Reflecting on the connection between consciousness, language, and subconscious thoughts.

What to Do

• “Be more excited about things” - Enthusiasm and passion are infectious, and finding your own passion is important for personal growth and fulfillment.

• “Stimulate minds with interesting conversations” - Engaging in discussions about intriguing topics can spark curiosity and critical thinking, leading to personal and intellectual growth.

• “Consider alternate histories and test theories against the record” - History is a predictive science, and exploring different perspectives on past events can help broaden understanding and challenge assumptions.

What to Get

• Life as No One Knows It: The Physics of Life’s Emergence by Sara Imari Walker - Amazon - Discussing assembly theory and the physics of life

• From Matter to Life: Information and Causality 1st Edition, Kindle Edition by Sara Imari Walker - Amazon

Summary

In this podcast episode, the conversation delves into intriguing topics such as assembly theory, the physics of life’s emergence, and the search for aliens in the lab. The guest, Sarah Amari, discusses how assembly theory aims to solve the origin of life and find aliens by formalizing the idea that the universe cannot generate complexity outside of living processes. She also touches on the definition of life as a self-sustaining chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution, highlighting the complexity boundary that distinguishes molecules derived from life. The conversation explores the concept of shared history connecting all living objects on the planet, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cues in our environment that reflect this shared history.

Furthermore, the discussion delves into the idea of human connection and the potential for new abilities that humans may eventually possess. The guests ponder the emergence of shared abilities and the interconnectedness of all living objects through time and size. They also touch on ancient myths, telepathy, psychics, and the embodiment of stories in technology, suggesting that the stories we tell may become embodied in the observations and implementations we make in the world. The conversation emphasizes the value of personal narratives and mysticism in culture, while also highlighting the importance of making shared knowledge and experiences collectively usable.

Overall, the episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of complex scientific concepts, human connection, shared history, and the embodiment of stories in technology. It encourages listeners to consider the interconnectedness of all living objects, the potential for new human abilities, and the value of personal narratives in shaping collective knowledge and experiences.