Guessing the Future with Physicist Lawrence Krauss

Lawrence Krauss explores the greatest unanswered questions at the forefront of science today, and likely for the coming century and beyond. Internationally known theoretical physicist and bestselling author Lawrence Krauss explores science’s greatest unanswered questions. Three of the most important words in science are “I don't know.” Not knowing implies a Universe of opportunities—the possibility of discovery and surprise. Our understanding of science has advanced immeasurably over the last five hundred years, yet many fundamental mysteries of existence persist: How did our Universe begin? How big is the Universe? Is time travel possible? What’s at the center of a black hole? How did life on Earth arise? Are we alone? What is consciousness, and can we create it? These mysteries define the scientific forefront—the threshold of the unknown. To explore that threshold is to gain a deeper understanding of just how far science has progressed. Covering time, space, matter, life, and consciousness, Krauss introduces readers to topics that will shape the state of science for the next century, providing us all passport to our own journeys of exploration and discovery. 

 Q) Your book THE EDGE OF KNOWLEDGE is a look at where science is at the forefront of discoveries, and what the future may hold for physics. Another one of your books is about the fear of physics. How afraid should the average reader or listener be to understand all the terms and concepts, like “closed timelike curves,” and how much of your job is to insert lay language or definitions into a complex discussion that might otherwise be more technical? 

 A) There is no cause for fear.. Rather excitement. While mastery of these concepts requires significant mathematical knowledge, understanding their general perspectives and how they originate doesn’t. That is what I convey. It requires some thinking, but so does trying to understand anything worthwhile. 

 Q) You narrate the book as well. Of course you have vast experience in hosting discussions with colleagues, along with your longtime Origins podcast. Do you find producing and narrating fun, and what guests have made your endeavor most pleasurable? 

A) I love narrating the books. It is a tremendous challenge and rather daunting at the beginning, but working to create just the right level of excitement, and the right pace is very satisfying. I wouldn’t have anyone else narrative my books. As far as guests in my discussions, I have enjoyed almost all of them. I enjoy when guests confront me with questions, like Ricky Gervais did, or sometimes disagree with my reflections, as Woody Allen did. I love when they teach me things, as almost all of them do. 

 Q) The concept of the multiverse may be verified by examining data from gravitational waves related to eternal inflation. Are you hopeful that evidence will be found indirectly to suggest the multiverse is a reality? Or does that evidence already exist? 

A) It is more a matter of luck than anything else. If Inflation occurred at the right scale, we should see the waves, and be able to probe inflation, and indirectly prove the existence of multiverses. If not, alas, that might elude us forever. 

 Q) Dark matter and dark energy consist of most of the universe, but we have only clues as to what they are. So what do you think are the best avenues to reveal them? 

A) New observational techniques to begin with. Dark matter will, I think, be directly detected in my lifetime. Dark Energy is a much more difficult challenge, and I think it will probably require new theoretical ideas rather than new observations in order to understand it. 

 Q) Which series had the most believable physics—Star Trek, Star Wars, or The X Files? 

A) Hmm… Well, Star Wars really had no science, more fantasy. The X files was generally about violating the laws of physics. So I would have to say Star Trek. But I may be biased. 

Q) Are you more string theory or loop quantum gravity in focus? 

A) I think string theory is better motivated. 

 Q) What do you like to read for fun? 

A) I enjoy reading non-fiction, usually in areas outside my own expertise. I enjoy history and biographies, and I enjoy mystery stories. 

 Q) How far are we from having quantum computers with general intelligence? 

A) Pretty far, but things are changing fast. 

 Q) What’s next for you? 

A) Who knows? That is what makes life interesting. Have a few ideas for a new book. We will see.