5 minute summaries
1 quote, 3 ideas & 1 question from each episode
__________
28 Jun 2021
2hr 4mins
Owltail Summaries
1 quote, 3 ideas & 1 question from each episode
_________
#195 – Clara Sousa-Silva: Searching for Signs of Life on Venus and Other Planets
28 Jun 2021
2hr 4mins
Quote
"In life, and in the universe, it is much better to not be special, if it means we have company."
Ideas
1
The universe doesn't sacrifice when it creates, only life sacrifices.
Some molecules are able to signify life, because otherwise the universe wouldn't create it.
Phosphine is one of those molecules because it's incredibly difficult for it to be created, even accidentally.
And often, it is only life that is willing to make things at a cost, whilst the universe isn't.
Phosphine is one of those molecules because it's incredibly difficult for it to be created, even accidentally.
And often, it is only life that is willing to make things at a cost, whilst the universe isn't.
1
The universe doesn't sacrifice when it creates, only life sacrifices.
Some molecules are able to signify life, because otherwise the universe wouldn't create it.
Phosphine is one of those molecules because it's incredibly difficult for it to be created, even accidentally.
And often, it is only life that is willing to make things at a cost, whilst the universe isn't.
Phosphine is one of those molecules because it's incredibly difficult for it to be created, even accidentally.
And often, it is only life that is willing to make things at a cost, whilst the universe isn't.
2
We should be happy with what the universe is without having to go and take over it.
One of the things that many of us now are striving to have in the future is a multi-planetary existence.
But we can hope for the survival of our species, but become less obsessed with conquering.
I hope that we can transcend the drive of our primitive instincts to go and take and plant flags, and simply live with what we already have.
But we can hope for the survival of our species, but become less obsessed with conquering.
I hope that we can transcend the drive of our primitive instincts to go and take and plant flags, and simply live with what we already have.
2
We should be happy with what the universe is without having to go and take over it.
One of the things that many of us now are striving to have in the future is a multi-planetary existence.
But we can hope for the survival of our species, but become less obsessed with conquering.
I hope that we can transcend the drive of our primitive instincts to go and take and plant flags, and simply live with what we already have.
But we can hope for the survival of our species, but become less obsessed with conquering.
I hope that we can transcend the drive of our primitive instincts to go and take and plant flags, and simply live with what we already have.
3
I don't think there's a meaning to the universe.
Chasing for meaning is a human desire, meaning is a human construct that the universe doesn't give two shits about.
But having meaning in humans and life doesn't mean that it's universal.
Once we realise there is no meaning in the universe, it's a relief because it means we don't have to go out and find it.
But having meaning in humans and life doesn't mean that it's universal.
Once we realise there is no meaning in the universe, it's a relief because it means we don't have to go out and find it.
3
I don't think there's a meaning to the universe.
Chasing for meaning is a human desire, meaning is a human construct that the universe doesn't give two shits about.
But having meaning in humans and life doesn't mean that it's universal.
Once we realise there is no meaning in the universe, it's a relief because it means we don't have to go out and find it.
But having meaning in humans and life doesn't mean that it's universal.
Once we realise there is no meaning in the universe, it's a relief because it means we don't have to go out and find it.
Questions
1
Can you think of a situation where it's more important to be in company than it is to be special?
1
Can you think of a situation where it's more important to be in company than it is to be special?
What else is in the episode
1
The discovery of phosphine on Venus & phosphine gas
1
The discovery of phosphine on Venus & phosphine gas
2
UFOs & alien civilization
2
UFOs & alien civilization
3
Why science is beautiful
3
Why science is beautiful
Who is Clara Sousa-Silva?
1
A research scientist at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Her interest is in the molecular characterization of extra-solar planets and her hope is to one day detect a habitable planet using spectroscopy. She also directs the Harvard-MIT Student Research Mentoring Program, which pairs high school students with astronomers to conduct research.
1
A research scientist at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Her interest is in the molecular characterization of extra-solar planets and her hope is to one day detect a habitable planet using spectroscopy. She also directs the Harvard-MIT Student Research Mentoring Program, which pairs high school students with astronomers to conduct research.
Related episodes
Explore More
