Edward Frenkel: Reality is a Paradox - Mathematics, Physics, Truth & Love | Lex Fridman Podcast #370

Lex, I am a 73 year mama and life learner. Listening to your podcasts has brought a new meaning to my life. Please stick around and do not give up ❤

Wtf, how does this podcast consistently bring forth people that I’ve never heard of, yet absolutely adore within minutes.

In a world of artificial conversations, clickbait preachings, and misleading information, Lex's podcast is a breath of authenticity and deep insights.

Lex is frickin' killing it with the guests lately! The work ethic on this man is insane.

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 - Shopify: https://shopify.com/lex to get free trial - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod to get 3 months free 1:10 - Mathematics in the Soviet Union 11:20 - Nature of reality 22:39 - Scientific discoveries 36:00 - Observing reality 52:12 - Complex numbers 1:00:58 - Imagination 1:08:49 - Pythagoreanism 1:16:44 - AI and love 1:29:22 - Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems 1:49:48 - Beauty in mathematics 1:54:17 - Eric Weinstein 2:16:12 - Langlands Program 2:22:51 - Edward Witten 2:25:57 - String theory 2:31:25 - Theory of everything 2:40:18 - Mathematics in academia 2:45:45 - How to think 2:51:31 - Fermat's Last Theorem 3:06:22 - Eric Weinstein and Harvard 3:13:47 - Antisemitism 3:34:00 - Mortality 3:41:58 - Love

Am I the only one who thinks this is one of the most emotional of Lex’s interviews? Towards the end, 3 hrs onwards, Edward’s discussion of his discrimination, reconciling with his trauma, his younger self and his talk on mortality and his father is one of the most mind bending, enthralling listening experiences. Who would have thought the story of a famed mathematician would pull at the heart’s strings? Thank you Edward and thank you Lex for such great questions and allowing Edward the floor for much of this interview 🙏

Edward Frenkel was my professor at Cal. Without a doubt the best professor I’ve had. His lectures were so well explained and captivating. He is a gift to this world!

What a rare combination - a genius mathematician, superior orator (in a second language) and a beautiful personality. I’m blown away by this individual! Lex, you’re ok too!

Mr. Frenkel seems like an absolute fantastic person. The way he seems constantly on the edge of laughing fills me with joy.

I didn’t know how deeply my heart needed this conversation.