Understanding The Wonders Of Science - Neil deGrasse Tyson - #581

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
Hello friends, welcome back to the show. My guest today is Neil deGrasse Tyson. He's an astrophysicist, planetary scientist, author and a science communicator. The universe is filled with mystery. Science has answered a lot, and yet there's still so many fundamental questions which we seem no closer to understanding. What is consciousness? Are we alone in the universe? And why do people argue so much on the internet? Expect to learn what would happen if the moon disappeared, how Neil has dealt with the fallout from Patrick Bet David's podcast, why sir Christopher Wren was an architect troll, Neil's best answer to the Fermi paradox, why the world of astropolitics will be very complicated, why your colon bacteria doesn't think very highly of you, and much more. You might be listening, but not subscribed. 70% of you are listening, but not subscribed, in fact, and it really does make a difference if you want to support the show. Just press the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, there's a plus in the top right hand corner, or the follow button on Spotify. Thank you very much. In other news, this episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. You are not eating enough fruit and vegetables in your diet, and you know it, and this is going to help. Athletic Greens contains dairy-free probiotics to support your gut health. It's got adaptogens which respond to influences like stress and can aid in supporting better sleep quality. The superfood complex contains antioxidants that are known to counteract the impact of free radicals, and they've added ingredients with naturally occurring enzymes that bolster the digestive process and enhance nutrient absorption. Altogether, it fills in the gaps in your diet without the need to take multiple products or pills. One scoop contains everything that you need every single day, and they have a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy it and try it for 89 days, and if you do not like it, they will give you your money back. There is also a one-year free supply vitamin D, five free travel packs, free pots, shakers, and more if you go to athleticgreens.com/modernwisdom. That's athleticgreens.com/modernwisdom. In other other news, this episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. There might be something interfering with your happiness or preventing you from achieving your goals. BetterHelp will assess your needs and match you with your own licensed professional therapist who you can start communicating with in under 48 hours. It's not a crisis line or self-help. It is professional counseling done securely over the internet. their therapists have a broad range of expertise, which may not be available in your area. The service is available for clients worldwide. You can log in to your account at any time and send a message to your counselor. You get timely and thoughtful responses. Plus you can schedule weekly video or phone sessions. So you don't even have to leave the house. It is an easier, quicker, more convenient and cheaper way to start doing therapy and over 2 million people have taken charge of their mental health with BetterHelp's online service. You can get a 10% discount off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/modernwisdom. And there is a free quiz that can explain all of the different options they've got for you. betterhelp.com/modernwisdom. And in final news, this episode is brought to you by Element. Having Element first thing in the morning with a cold glass of water is my favorite way to start the day because it tastes fantastic, it optimizes my hydration and it means that if I am having caffeine, I'm not tempted to have it within that first 90 minute window because caffeine doesn't work within the first 90 minutes of your day, but salt acts as an adrenal system which will make you feel more awake. It'll reduce muscle cramps and fatigue. It'll optimize brain health, regulate your appetite and help curb cravings. Element has a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium. Plus, they are the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and relied on by tons of Olympic athletes and high performers all around the world. Also, there is a no BS, no questions asked refund policy so you can buy 100% risk-free. Also, they're offering a free sample pack of all eight flavors with your first box. Just head to drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom. That's drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom.
But now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Neil deGrasse Tyson.
We were discussing your Overly Baroque column background behind you before we got started. I've got a story about sir Christopher Wren, famous English architect. During his extremely long career as England's most celebrated architect, sir Christopher Wren was often told by his patrons to make impractical changes in his designs. Never once did he argue or offend, he had other ways of proving his point. In 1688, Wren designed a magnificent town hall for the city of Westminster. The mayor, however, was not satisfied. In fact, he was nervous, told Wren that he was afraid the second floor was not secure and that could all come crashing down on his office on the first floor. He demanded that Wren add two stone columns for extra support. Wren, the consummate engineer, knew that these columns would serve no purpose and that the mayor's fears were baseless. But build them, he did. The mayor was grateful. It was only years later that workmen on a scaffold saw that the columns stopped just short of the ceiling. They were dummies. Both of them got what they wanted. The mayor got his columns and Wren actually didn't have to molest his original design.