Lee Smolin - How Can Space and Time be the Same Thing?

What does it mean for space and time to be the same thing? Not related to each other, but literally two descriptions of precisely the same entity: "spacetime"? One cannot understand existence without understanding spacetime.

Lee Smolin is an American theoretical physicist, a researcher at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, and an adjunct professor of physics at the University of Waterloo.


Closer to Truth presents the world’s greatest thinkers exploring humanity’s deepest questions. Discover fundamental issues of existence. Engage new and diverse ways of thinking. Appreciate intense debates. Share your own opinions. Seek your own answers.

[thomasdombroski]

Time and space are relative.
The more time I spend with my relatives the more space I need

[kens]

It’s interesting to hear words in English, spoken in a clear voice, and in a familiar pattern, and yet not being able to understand them at all when put into a certain sequence.

[obiwanduglobi]

Glad to see Lee Smolin in perfect shape. His smile really made my day. All the best to you, sir!

[tedl]

I love the way Lee explains these ideas in such a clear, fascinating and patient way. Obviously he knows that most viewers won't understand the math and conceptual details of the topics, but he still formulates his answers in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. Bravo!

[Ballr]

I took the time to watch this, and then I spaced out.

[argentum]

What's even more puzzling is that Mr. Smolin's tilt angle is the same as the Earth's

[brianboyle]

Smolin is such a wonderfully clear speaker. I assume he is a fantastic mentor/professor.

[davidcahan]

My favorite part is when the host says "so you are teasing apart space and time" and the guest says "yes" and the host comes back with "wow, well that's quite radical". Einstein's view, his theory, has become so well entrenched that it's now radical to think of space and time as being separate from each other. Amazing!

[jakecarlo]

I love Lee Smolin so much. He is so philosophical and *humane*. I'm just really grateful he's out there, and I 🙏 for his good health and long life.

[hammyhamsters]

A 10min Lee Smolin interview video cured my 10yrs suffering of neck's bulging discs

[eatower]

I feel like I could converse with Smolin for years about the universe and we'd never have a boring second. Groundshaking perspective and insight are the one things we all can have, but only few truly pursue it.

[timegone]

Oh My God I just sent Prof. Smolin my SUFT formula to have him do a peer review of it.
SUFT stands for Super Unified Field Theory or you know it as the Grand Unified Field Theory.
I knew a little bit about him and this is my first interview I've seen him do.
He is the perfect person to understand the real formula that unifies all of it.
I am totally looking forward to being able to work with him.
He's right in regards to one thing. Time Can Exist without Space and Space Cannot Exist without Time. It Takes Time to Expand Space!!!

[scottfranco]

Guy must be a genius. I have no idea what he is talking about.

[NothingMaster]

One of your best presentations, ever. Smolin’s critical thinking, conceptual investigations, clarity of thought, and analytical honesty are head and shoulders above the majority of the characters who consider themselves as theoretical physicists.

[zaydeshaddox]

OMG! I read Smolin's book "The Trouble with Physics" some 14 years ago but never heard of him since until NOW. I'd actually forgotten about him. This is so cool that he's still around!

[Sean-pmwn]

A while ago I was super high in the shower and realized that time is the result of everything interacting with everything. I’m glad someone else figured it out to this extent so I don’t have to dedicate my life to a PHD so that humanity has this knowledge. Based science man.

[moil]

this man looks like he's just about to be crushed by the weight of his insights

[grahamswinerd]

This is the first time I have seen Lee Smolin, but I have read several of his books, the content of which I find very refreshing. Thank you Lee for your pursuit of the trouble with physics!

[moychelitchtenstein]

When I was five years old, I looked up at the sky and wondered, how can it go on and on forever and ever? My next thought was: But how could it stop? 70 years later, I still haven't figured this out. Has anyone?
Space is infinitely large, you could keep going in one direction forever. But is space also infinitely small?

[christopherrubicam]

I am in awe of Kuhn's questions to help me to understand a little of Smolin's answers. My brain hurts in a good way.