
41 segments available
Ann Druyan is the writer, producer, director, and one of the most important and impactful communicators of science in our time. She co-wrote the 1980 science documentary series Cosmos hosted by Carl Sagan, whom she married in 1981, and her love for whom, with the help of NASA, was recorded as brain waves on a golden record along with other things our civilization has to offer and launched into space on the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft that are now, 42 years later, still active, reaching out farther into deep space than any human-made object ever has. This was a profound and beautiful decision she made as a Creative Director of NASA's Voyager Interstellar Message Project. In 2014, she went on to create the second season of Cosmos, called Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, and in 2020, the new third season called Cosmos: Possible Worlds, which is being released this upcoming Monday, March 9. It is hosted, once again, by the fun and brilliant Neil deGrasse Tyson. This episode is presented by Cash App. Download it & use code "LexPodcast": Cash App (App Store): https://apple.co/2sPrUHe Cash App (Google Play): https://bit.ly/2MlvP5w PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4 Clips playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOeciFP3CBCIEElOJeitOr41 EPISODE LINKS: Cosmos Twitter: https://twitter.com/COSMOSonTV Cosmos Website: https://fox.tv/CosmosOnTV OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 3:24 - Role of science in society 7:04 - Love and science 9:07 - Skepticism in science 14:15 - Voyager, Carl Sagan, and the Golden Record 36:41 - Cosmos 53:22 - Existential threats 1:00:36 - Origin of life 1:04:22 - Mortality CONNECT: - Subscribe to this YouTube channel - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman
Ann Druyan reflects on her profound contributions to science communication, including co-writing the iconic series 'Cosmos' with Carl Sagan. She shares the emotional significance of their love, which was immortalized on the Voyager Golden Record, a message sent into space that represents humanity's achievements and aspirations. This segment highlights the impact of their work on generations of scientists and curious minds.
"the following is a conversation with an Julianne writer producer director and one of the most important and impactful communicators of science in our time she co-wrote the 1980 science documentary ser..."
Druyan discusses the critical role of science in a democratic society, emphasizing the need for informed decision-makers who understand scientific values and methods. She references Einstein's belief that science must penetrate the consciousness of everyone, highlighting the importance of public engagement with science in a technology-dependent civilization.
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In this segment, Druyan explores the spiritual and uplifting aspects of science, equating the pursuit of knowledge with love. She articulates how understanding the universe can be a profound experience, akin to love, and discusses the humbling nature of our limited knowledge. Druyan connects the quest for scientific understanding with the emotional depth of human relationships.
"is the role of Science in our society well I think of what Einstein said when he opened the 1939 New York World's Fair he said if science is ever to fulfill its mission the way art has done it must pe..."
Druyan addresses the balance between skepticism and wonder in science, reflecting on Carl Sagan's approach. She emphasizes that skepticism should not stifle curiosity or the pursuit of revolutionary ideas. This segment highlights the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder while being rigorous in scientific inquiry, showcasing how Sagan embodied this duality.
"well first of all as Socrates thought you know knowing that you know is knowing really knowing something knowing more than others and it's the it's that voice whispering in our our heads you know you ..."
Druyan shares insights about the Voyager spacecraft, detailing its groundbreaking mission to explore the outer solar system. She describes the technological marvels of Voyager, including its discoveries and the ongoing communication with the spacecraft decades after its launch. This segment captures the essence of human curiosity and the quest for knowledge beyond our planet.
"self-aware of its ability I'm not topic I'd like to ask your opinion and a feeling I have that I'm not sure what to do with which is the the sceptical aspect of science so the modern skeptics communit..."
In this concluding segment, Druyan reflects on the societal perception of scientists and the dichotomy between scientific inquiry and human experience. She argues that science enhances our understanding of life and existence, countering the narrative of alienation often associated with scientists. This segment reinforces the idea that science is a vital part of being fully alive and engaged with the world.
"tragedy of Western civilization is that it's you know when it's one of its greatest gifts it has been science and yet at the same time it believing that we are the children of a disappointed father a ..."
Druyan introduces the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, highlighting their role as humanity's first reconnaissance mission into the outer solar system. She explains the gravitational assist technique that allowed these spacecraft to explore distant planets and moons, and their ongoing journey through the Milky Way.
"the extent that we are aware of our surroundings and understand them which is what science makes it possible for us to do we're even more alive so you mentioned a million awesome things there let's ev..."
Ann shares the groundbreaking discoveries made by the Voyager spacecraft, including close-up images of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, as well as the identification of new moons and volcanic activity on Io. She emphasizes the technological marvel of the 1970s that continues to function today.
"Voyager spacecraft okay so voyagers 1 & 2 where our first reconnaissance mission of what was then considered the outer solar system and it was a gift of gravity the idea that swinging around these wor..."
Druyan marvels at the engineering behind the Voyager spacecraft, which operates on minimal energy, likening it to the power of a toaster. She recounts a recent communication with Voyager, illustrating its remarkable longevity and the ingenuity of its design.
"galaxy for one to five billion years so Voyager gave us our first close-up look of Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune it's discovered new moons it discovered volcanoes on Io it it its achievements are asto..."
Ann discusses the creation of the Golden Record, a message designed for potential extraterrestrial civilizations. She explains the collaborative effort led by Carl Sagan and Frank Drake to include scientific information and cultural artifacts that represent humanity.
"Voyager a few days ago we talked to it in fact a year ago I think it was we needed to slightly change the attitude of the spacecraft and so we fired up its thrusters for the first time since 1987 do t..."
Druyan elaborates on the inclusion of diverse musical traditions on the Voyager Golden Record, emphasizing the importance of representing the rich cultural heritage of Earth. She describes the sound essay that narrates Earth's story through geological and biological sounds.
"yeah a Voyager and Carl was one of the key participants in in in imagining what its mission would be because it was a a gift actually of the fact that every hundred and 75 years plus or minus there is..."
Ann shares her personal experience of meditating while connected to the recording equipment for the Golden Record. She reflects on the profound thoughts she aimed to convey about humanity's existence and the state of the world during a time of geopolitical tension.
"is your one where's your one these two spacecraft not only gave us a our first close-up look hundreds of moons and planets these four giant these planets but also it told us the shape of the solar sys..."
Druyan recounts the early days of her relationship with Carl Sagan, coinciding with the creation of the Golden Record. She describes the emotional significance of their connection and how it influenced her contributions to the project.
"toaster something like 11 watts so ok but because of this gravitational assist both voyagers were destined as I say to they were just they were personal they were supposed to function for a dozen year..."
Ann discusses the controversies that arose regarding the imagery included on the Golden Record, particularly the depiction of human nudity. She reflects on societal attitudes towards human representation and the debates that shaped the final content.
"turn to Frank and to Carl and said we'd like you to do a message for Voyager because if it's going to be circumnavigating the Milky Way galaxy for one to five billion years you know it's like 20 trips..."
Druyan explores the complexities of representing humanity on the Golden Record, questioning whether to showcase our darker moments alongside our achievements. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in portraying the human experience.
"118 photographs images of life on Earth as well as 27 pieces of music from all around the world many people describe it as the invention of world music world music was not a concept that existed befor..."
Ann reflects on the nature of truth in art and communication, suggesting that even if certain aspects of humanity are omitted, future civilizations will understand the essence of our existence. She discusses the inevitability of revealing our true selves over time.
"likes I think what you were getting at is that at the end of this sound essay I had asked Carl if it were in the making of the record it was my honor to be the creative director of the project if it w..."
Druyan contemplates the serendipity of human connections, particularly her relationship with Carl Sagan. She muses on the randomness of life and the extraordinary nature of finding meaningful relationships in a vast universe.
"about in the meditation like what I mean it's such an interesting idea of recording as you think about things what were you thinking about so I was blindfolded and couldn't hear anything and I had mad..."
Ann Druyan reflects on the complexities of human nature, discussing the debate around what to include in the Golden Record. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging both our achievements and darker moments, suggesting that understanding our full history is essential to represent humanity authentically. This segment explores the balance between showcasing beauty and confronting our past atrocities.
"to show the fetus inside this woman that was developing and then that went off into you know additional imagery of human reproduction and it really hit me that how much we hate ourselves that we could..."
Druyan shares her thoughts on the randomness of life and the unlikely events that lead to significant connections, such as her meeting with Carl Sagan. She discusses how chance plays a role in existence and the beauty that can arise from seemingly random situations, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experiences and the serendipity of life.
"they probably took one look at this derelict spacecraft and they knew that these were people in their techno logical adolescence yeah and they were just setting forth and they must have had these issu..."
In this segment, Druyan discusses the Voyager spacecraft and the romantic notion of sending messages into space. She reflects on the advancements in technology since Voyager's launch and considers what new information or representations of humanity we could send to potential extraterrestrial civilizations. The conversation touches on the evolution of communication and the importance of curating our messages thoughtfully.
"hour I know just all of the things all of the skeins of causality yeah it's interesting because you know that our shower is the source of stress for a lot of people but clearly in its moments it can a..."
Druyan explores the transformative impact of the internet on human communication and knowledge sharing. She discusses the potential of sending vast amounts of information, like Wikipedia, into space, and emphasizes the importance of human curation in the digital age. This segment highlights how technology has democratized access to information and the role of individuals as curators of culture.
"just stood send you know ever we I mean that's the wonder like I would send you know Wikipedia or something and not being a gatekeeper but this thing because we are you were also it's interesting beca..."
Druyan articulates the vision behind the Cosmos series, emphasizing its goal to make science accessible and engaging for everyone. She reflects on the importance of storytelling in science communication and the need to inspire curiosity and understanding among viewers. This segment captures the essence of Cosmos as a celebration of scientific discovery and the human spirit.
"only be good so you could also send now cosmos yes I love it I will be proud I mean you're spoken about a very specific voice that cosmos I had in that it reveals the magical science I think you said ..."
In this segment, Druyan discusses the democratization of science through the Cosmos series, highlighting its global reach and impact. She shares anecdotes about how the series has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in science, reinforcing the idea that scientific knowledge should belong to everyone. This conversation underscores the importance of inclusivity in science and education.
"so the idea of cosmos from the 1970s when Carl and I and Steven Soter another astronomer first imagined it was that interweaving not only of these scientific concepts and revelations and using you kno..."
Druyan emphasizes the critical responsibility that comes with scientific knowledge and the potential consequences of its misuse. She discusses the importance of ensuring that science is used wisely and ethically, particularly in the face of existential threats. This segment highlights the need for a collective understanding of science's role in society and the responsibility of scientists to guide its application.
"amazing for it there is no science-based program by the way just to clarify this series was rolled out so it was shown in in that many countries you said we were in well our show the show the show whi..."
Druyan reflects on the legacy of the Cosmos series and its impact on inspiring future generations of scientists. She shares memorable moments from the creation of the series and the importance of maintaining creative control to ensure its vision is realized. This segment encapsulates the passion and dedication behind the Cosmos project and its mission to ignite curiosity about the universe.
"that's that's why we did the first cosmos we wanted to take not just as I say the scientific information but also tell the stories of these searchers because for us and for me it carrying on this a se..."
Druyan discusses the imaginative process behind Cosmos, explaining how it blends rigorous scientific principles with creative storytelling. She describes her vision for the series and the careful crafting of words that elevate scientific concepts into poetic narratives, aiming to inspire viewers and awaken their curiosity about the universe.
"would look at me like I was nuts you know and they probably must have entertained the idea that maybe I didn't really want to do it you know because that was afraid or something but I kept saying no a..."
In this segment, Druyan highlights the scientists featured in Cosmos as embodiments of perseverance and humility. She shares the story of Michael Faraday, illustrating how individuals from humble beginnings can contribute significantly to science, and emphasizes the importance of hope and inspiration in overcoming current global challenges.
"season 2 and then Brannon Braga came into our project at the perfect moment and has proven to be like just the really I have been so lucky my whole life I've collaborated I've been lucky with the peop..."
Druyan introduces the new season of Cosmos, titled 'Possible Worlds,' and explains its significance. She discusses how the title encapsulates not only the exploration of exoplanets but also a hopeful vision for humanity's future, emphasizing the need for a collective understanding of science to navigate the challenges ahead.
"my home looking out the window and I'm you know really imagining like what I wanted to do can you pause on that for a second like what's that process because it you know cosmos is also it's grounded i..."
Druyan draws parallels between humanity's technological adolescence and the challenges we face today. She reflects on the need to overcome fears and embrace our potential as a civilization, likening our current state to that of a teenager ready to venture into adulthood, with the hope of maturing into a wiser society.
"very often they come they're poor they're a female they're outsiders who are not expected to have gifts that are so pretentious but they persevere and so you have someone like Michael Faraday who is c..."
In this segment, Druyan discusses how science can serve as a redemptive force for humanity. She emphasizes the importance of envisioning a future where scientific advancements can remediate current crises, urging society to harness its capabilities for positive change rather than succumbing to fear and paralysis.
"century with his various inventions and yet he never took out a single patent at a time when people were patenting everything because that was not what he was about and to me that's a kind of almost a..."
Druyan uses the metaphor of a toddler to describe humanity's current state in space exploration. She reflects on the moment of realization that we can achieve great things, yet acknowledges a 'failure of nerve' that has led to a retreat from ambitious goals, urging a collective push towards overcoming these limitations.
"you asked me what is common to all three seasons of what is that voice it's the voice of hope it's a voice that says there is the future which we bring to life and I think fairly dazzling fashion that..."
Druyan addresses the existential threats facing humanity, including nuclear weapons and climate change. She expresses deep concern over the current state of the planet and the urgency of recognizing these threats, emphasizing the need for a scientific understanding to navigate the challenges that could lead to mass extinction.
"redemptive can actually remediate our future we have those capabilities right now as well as the capabilities to do things in the cosmos that we could be doing right now but we're not doing them not b..."
In this segment, Druyan discusses the politicization of science, particularly regarding climate change. She reflects on how public perception has shifted and the importance of acknowledging scientific realities, urging society to prioritize long-term thinking over short-term political agendas.
"we're returning back exactly you're exactly and that and that's one of my theories about our current situation is that this is our adolescence and I was a total mess I wasn't I was reckless irresponsi..."
Druyan highlights Carl Sagan's contributions to science and his foresight regarding climate change. She discusses how Sagan's work in the original Cosmos series laid the groundwork for understanding environmental issues, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and action in the face of climate challenges.
"sort of darker and more difficult subject in terms of so you talked about the cosmos being an inspiration for science and for us growing out of our messy adolescence but nevertheless there is threats ..."
Druyan stresses the urgency of addressing climate change and its implications for future generations. She discusses the alarming discoveries related to methane emissions and the need for immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change, urging society to take responsibility for the planet's future.
"capability in artificial intelligence not and to see how sick so much of the planet is not to be concerned and sick isn't evil potentially well hum-hum is cruelty and brutality is happening at this ve..."
In this segment, Druyan emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking in scientific endeavors. She critiques the short-sightedness of political systems and advocates for a perspective that considers the future of humanity and the planet, urging a shift in how we approach global challenges.
"at night I think about it every single every moment really because I really think that's how we have to be we have to begin to really focus on how grave the challenges to our civilization and to the o..."
Druyan discusses the growing acceptance of climate change as a reality among the public. She reflects on how extreme weather events have influenced perceptions and emphasizes the need for collective action to address the environmental crisis, focusing on the responsibility we have towards future generations.
"some detrimental effects currently there's a large percent of the population of the United States that would as opposed to listening to that statement would immediately think oh that's just a liberal ..."
Druyan articulates the core message of Cosmos: the necessity of understanding science to navigate the future. She reflects on the historical context of climate discussions in the series and emphasizes the importance of scientific literacy in addressing global challenges.
"heart and they look at their children and grandchildren and they don't feel good because they come from a world which was in many ways in terms of climate fairly familiar and benign and they know that..."
In this concluding segment, Druyan discusses the potential for humanity to overcome current challenges through scientific understanding. She emphasizes the need for a collective vision that prioritizes long-term sustainability and the role of science in shaping a hopeful future for all species on Earth.
"problem is that we have to get a grip on reality and where we're headed and it's I I'm not fatalistic at all but I do feel like it you and in setting out to to do this series each season we were talki..."
Druyan reflects on her thoughts about mortality, particularly in the context of her late husband, Carl Sagan. She expresses a desire for a meaningful life rather than immortality, emphasizing the richness of her experiences and the importance of addressing pressing global challenges over personal longevity.
"inspires you inspire me but I just say that to me at the archana as I've gotten older to me the origin of life has become less interesting interesting well because I feel well not because it's more I ..."
In closing, Druyan shares a poignant quote from Carl Sagan about the power of books to connect people across time and space. She underscores the significance of storytelling and writing as fundamental human inventions that foster understanding and connection among individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.
"me I I really I love nature and I have to say that I I because I'm a product of nature I recognize that it's it's great gifts and it's great cruelty well I don't think there's a better way to end it a..."