Betül Kaçar: Origin of Life, Ancient DNA, Panspermia, and Aliens | Lex Fridman Podcast #350

Every interview is amazing, but this conversation was on another level. Thank you.

Lex taking himself less seriously with each podcast, i like it.

2:36:50 - Betul Kacar on the meaning of life: "Let me just put it this way: Because there is, I think, so much unfairness going on, I wouldn't even dare myself to think there is a meaning, out of respect to the ones that are suffering." You don't hear everyday something this profound, humane and humbling from a person in her position. Thanks for the interview, and for letting us know about this wonderful scientist and fellow human being.

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - House of Macadamias: https://houseofmacadamias.com/lex and use code LEX to get 20% off your first order - Mizzen+Main: https://mizzenandmain.com and use code LEX to get $35 off - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod to get 3 months free - GiveDirectly: https://givedirectly.org/lex to get gift matched up to $1000 - Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex to get 25% off premium 0:56 - History of life on Earth 9:00 - Origin of life 31:47 - Genetic language of life 44:43 - Life and energy 55:26 - Ancient DNA 1:14:24 - Evolution 1:25:55 - Alien life 1:53:55 - Panspermia 2:00:17 - Restarting life on Earth 2:12:58 - Where ideas come from 2:20:30 - Science and language 2:29:07 - Love 2:30:30 - Advice to young people 2:35:04 - Meaning of life

Omg, she s amazing. I ve understood so many things more clearly thanks to her now. We need another round Lex!! Bring her back please.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!! The intelligence, curiosity, ableness to portray them is amazing….

"If you want to benefit from all human power ... you need to include everybody on the table." That was so simple and profound. I think I'll remember it for the rest of my days.

Yes, indeed..very impressive both of you. But the young lady easily surpasses every expectations..So brilliant, her humanity is on every word she spelled..I am not tired of listening to her!..Thank you, Lex, for having her in your podcast…

I would talk to this woman for hours and hours! She clearly loves what she does and wants to share the knowledge/love with the world. What an amazing person.

WOW!!! This was mind-blowing. If we as humans spent more time having conversations like this we could solve all our problems. The thought that LUCA occurred and 3.8 billions years later two random iterations of its progeny met and had a discussion contemplating its origins, mechanisms and significance is beautiful.