Brian Greene and Alan Alda Discuss Why Einstein Hated Quantum Mechanics

Albert Einstein was not a fan of quantum mechanics. He was annoyed by the uncertain, random nature of the universe it implied (hence the famous quote "God does not play dice with the universe"). So, Einstein tried to develop a unified theory that would circumvent what he saw as quantum mechanics' flaws. In this excerpt from the 2014 World Science Festival Program Dear Albert, Alan Alda and Brian Greene discuss Einstein's relationship with the "unruly child" of quantum mechanics, and how the famed physicist came up with the Special Theory of Relativity.

Original Program Date: May 28, 2014

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[allenev.]

also would like to complement alan alda for doing his physics homework and einstein homework well enough to have a discussion with brian that bridges the gap between lay and expert.

[Zac]

A particle walked into a bar.... and it didn't

[mcblahflooper]

9:58 Brian: "... Jump out a window, and then gravity goes away."
Alan Alda: "What? You jump out the window, gravity makes a quick entrance." hardest I've laughed all day.

[vbgthashit]

Darn he explained things better than professor michio kaku....damn this explanation was worthwhile..15 minutes well spent

[jacksawildjackschan]

It's always worth bearing in mind that usually, whenever we think that Einstein was wrong about something, it turns out he was right all along.

[joesimon]

Einstein took the simple observation that light had a fixed speed ...and like pulling a thread on a sweater, unraveled all of these other equations and revelations. But Einstein viewed things as concrete and could never accept the uncertainty of quantum mechanics.

[kartikmessner]

can we just acknowledge those 2 catches :)

[StanleyKowalski.]

love to see an actor not only good at acting, but has enough knowledge to talk about Einstein with a physicist

[denisebrooks]

I love science, it is art, it is imagination, it is specific, intellectual, considered, controversial, creative, psycholically impacted by the researchers and possibly the assessors. It opens up many possibilities and chaos. What a stimulating endless field.

[lengthmuldoon]

This is how science should be, the impossible comment followed by clear as a bell demonstration - terrific

[matyourin]

spooky = spukhaft
Einstein called it "spukhafte Fernwirkung" = spooky remote/distance-effect"

[dgareandro]

The world Needs more professors like Brian Green 😌👏👏👏👌👌👌

[Omar-yimv]

11:28 is no one gonna appreciate Brian's catching damn

[A.Santos]

A photon checks into a hotel when the bellhop asks, "Would you like help with your luggage?"
The photon replies, "I don't have any. I always travel light."

[JayanthS]

I like the reaction "What?!!?
you jump out of window, gravity makes a quick entrance!".

[delalias]

i could never imagine an old man this cool, ..

[johnsmith-wcgs]

great video. I feel like I'm discovering Mr. Alda for the first time even though I've known who he is for about 40 years. what a cool guy to listen to

[Sabrina]

Enjoy listening to that great conversation. Love physics. Brian Greene and Alan Alda are both great communicators for science. Have been following Brian Greene from the 90s greatly enjoying his book The Elegant Universe as well as his other books, appearances on science panels which I watch often on YouTube, CSPAN, PBS specials and whatever else. He is very good at conveying physics and making it clear and understandable. Love listening to him.

[KunalKMehta]

Seriously? We have 41 people NOT LINKING this video? What has happened to this world?

[yeya]

Brian is so great at explaining concepts, it's great to listen to him