Michael Levin: Biology, Life, Aliens, Evolution, Embryogenesis & Xenobots | Lex Fridman Podcast #325

I have always been in awe of how much Dr. Levin reads. After browsing through pictures of his book collection on Twitter I emailed him to ask how he managed to read so quickly. Although I didn't expect a response, I was amazed not only because he responded, but also by the depth and thoroughness of his response. He obviously took a significant chunk of his valuable time to reply, and I'll never forget that feeling of being acknowledged by someone I hold in such high regard. Dr. Levin is a giant in the research community, and, perhaps more importantly, he is exceedingly kind and generous. He doesn't let his position and influence go to his head. I hope his colleagues and research assistants know how lucky they are to work with him. That would be a dream come true for me.

This is the most mind-blowing podcast I have EVER watched! Thank you Lex!

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Henson Shaving: https://hensonshaving.com/lex and use code LEX to get 100 free blades with your razor - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings - LMNT: https://drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free sample pack - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off 1:40 - Embryogenesis 9:08 - Xenobots: biological robots 22:55 - Sense of self 32:26 - Multi-scale competency architecture 43:57 - Free will 53:27 - Bioelectricity 1:06:44 - Planaria 1:18:33 - Building xenobots 1:42:08 - Unconventional cognition 2:06:39 - Origin of evolution 2:13:41 - Synthetic organisms 2:20:27 - Regenerative medicine 2:24:13 - Cancer suppression 2:28:15 - Viruses 2:33:28 - Cognitive light cones 2:38:03 - Advice for young people 2:42:47 - Death 2:52:17 - Meaning of life

This guy is mind blowing to the fullest extent possible

I haven't had my mind blown so consistently throughout a podcast before. Actually took me 3 days to watch it because I kept pausing and going down rabbit holes

Yesss finally hosting this future Nobel prize winner!!!

We are electric! One of my academic heroes. Great to see him here. Straigjtforward, humble, dedicated scientist.

I need a lot of time to take all this in. This was about 10 podcasts in one. Just incredible.

It is truly amazing how a person can have such a vast knowledge in biology and overall broad understanding of so many topics and STILL be so humble and with the notion that he does not know it all, but quite the contrary questioning everything, even his own tested ideas. Makes me wondering how we, the other people, make so many assumptions that we stick with throughout our whole lives and sometimes we never let go of ideas that no longer serve us despite obviously understanding that everything is changing and we do not truly understand anything.

As a trained historian and philosopher of science, I can assure you that the work of this man will change absolutely everything.