Avi Loeb | PBD Podcast | Ep. 294

Added: Aug 16, 2023

Loeb argues that the existence of extraterrestrial life is a scientific question that should be approached with evidence and instruments, rather than beliefs or personal opinions. He suggests that encountering a more advanced civilization would make them appear god-like to us due to their advanced technology and capabilities. He believes that learning from a more advanced civilization could greatly improve the future of humanity. Loeb criticizes the lack of transparency and tendency to classify information related to potential extraterrestrial encounters. He believes that scientific knowledge should be shared with the public and that the search for evidence should be conducted by scientists, rather than government agencies. He also addresses the skepticism and ridicule that often surrounds the study of extraterrestrial life within the academic community. He recounts his own experience with the discovery of the interstellar object known as 'Oumuamua' in 2017, which exhibited unusual properties and behavior. His suggestion that 'Oumuamua could be of extraterrestrial origin was met with resistance and personal attacks from some colleagues. However, he emphasizes the importance of pursuing evidence and studying objects like 'Oumuamua to expand our understanding of the universe. Loeb discusses his recent expedition to the Pacific Ocean to search for fragments of an interstellar meteor that was discovered in 2014. He argues that the scientific community should be open to exploring possibilities of technological origin and collecting evidence, rather than dismissing them. The conversation also touches on the role of private companies, universities, and the government in advancing our understanding of extraterrestrial life. Loeb believes that universities have been slow to engage in the study of extraterrestrial phenomena, but his Galileo Project, which aims to build observatories to monitor the sky for unidentified objects, is a step in the right direction. He sees the efforts of the government and private companies as complementary to the scientific pursuit of knowledge. Loeb continues by emphasizing the importance of scientific curiosity and the pursuit of evidence in the search for extraterrestrial life. He believes that the public's interest in the topic, as well as the growing recognition within the government, will lead to a greater focus on studying and understanding potential extraterrestrial phenomena. He encourages scientists to remain open-minded and to continue exploring the mysteries of the universe. Loeb goes on to discuss the power that Apple and the US government possess in terms of technology. He suggests that Apple has the ability to manipulate phones and potentially upgrade them without the user's knowledge. He also believes that the US government has the capability to create earthquakes and manipulate the climate. The conversation then shifts to the topic of AI. Loeb explains that AI can be developed in the private sector or within the government. He expresses concern that while regulations may be enforced on the private sector, governments may still have the ability to manipulate the public through hidden devices and AI. He suggests that AI could be used to manipulate public opinion and create narratives, which he sees as a significant risk in politics. Bet-David questions Loeb about the government's ability to create earthquakes or other natural disasters. Loeb confirms that it is possible to create earthquakes using nuclear weapons, but doing so without detection would be challenging. He suggests that governments could potentially create a catastrophe in a specific area, such as a state in the US, but notes that other governments would likely notice such actions. The conversation then turns to the topic of climate change. Loeb acknowledges that human actions can impact the climate and that it is important to find practical ways to mitigate these effects. He emphasizes the need for collaboration and practical solutions rather than focusing on blame or political divisions. He suggests that working together towards a better future is more productive than engaging in tribalism and division. The podcast concludes with a discussion of Loeb's upcoming book, "Interstellar." He explains that the book explores the implications of discovering a higher intelligence in the universe and how it could transform humanity. He encourages open-mindedness and the search for a partner in the cosmos, emphasizing the potential for a better future through collaboration.