The Fundamental Patterns that Explain the Universe - with Brian Clegg

From the cosmic microwave background to Feynman diagrams - what are the underlying rules that work to create patterns of action, force and consequence that make up our universe?

Brian Clegg will explore the phenomena that make up the very fabric of our world by examining ten essential sequenced systems. From diagrams that show the deep relationships between space and time to the quantum behaviours that rule the way that matter and light interact, Brian will show how these patterns provide a unique view of the physical world and its fundamental workings.

Brian Clegg was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, UK, and attended the Manchester Grammar School, then read Natural Sciences (specialising in experimental physics) at Cambridge University. After graduating, he spent a year at Lancaster University where he gained a second MA in Operational Research, a discipline developed during the Second World War to apply mathematics and probability to warfare and since widely applied to business problem solving. Brian now concentrates on writing popular science books, with topics ranging from infinity to 'how to build a time machine.' He has also written regular columns, features and reviews for numerous magazines and newspapers, including Nature, BBC Focus, BBC History, Good Housekeeping, The Times, The Observer, Playboy, The Wall Street Journal and Physics World.

This talk was recorded on 28 September 2021.

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[mozzerianmisanthrope]

I have every one of Clegg's publications and follow his book reviews on goodreads because he reads some fascinating science books and his exposition is clear and concise. Excited for this; thanks for uploading and here's to expanding the information we all know over the next year! Merry Christmas, everyone! ✌️

[alwadud]

Beautiful! Thank you. When people really understand 'What is science' and then elegantly demonstrate its application on such awesome universal trends, it's a thing of beauty!

[robertfletcher]

Thank you, RI for coming back live and Brian Clegg was so interesting to have behind that famous desk.

[j.d.]

I don't think people realize how important and influential this topic is to everything in human life.

[arthurwieczorek]

A thing is a pattern in space. A process is a pattern in time.

[balijukka]

I can't help it, but all the time watching this, I expect Eric to pick up his guitar and start singing.

[loge]

I was taken early on with Clegg's example of the lightswitch and how much of our energy would be spent if we can to consider every light switch individually in order to use it. I actually feel our culture has headed in that direction with the multiplicity of apps and virtual conferencing platforms so that just functioning on any given day, one has to use mental energy just to function on what used to be basic tasks. That spent energy could be directed more meaningfully in other life experiences which is why I believe that the experience of life has diminished significantly in the digital age - or as least in how we have designed the digital age. Even buying something in person in a store requires more energy as no two stores having purchasing processes that are alike. For me, I have to use conscious effort to do what had been in the past automatic.

[marthareal]

I appreciate the nuts and bolts of these science language. Your words and the understanding of your words makes a difference in good communication. Thank you for your valuable time and expertise. Patience is also detected. 😊

[karlamay_]

Thank you so much for this Christmas present!

[MHGL]

"Science is to be believed because it can be openly criticized." - John Ziman

Cannot think of a more relevant statement in today's current events...

[sherkodylanful]

must admit that he is one of the great science populisers

[dennisestenson]

43:33, Ideally, the periodic table would be in the shape of concentric circles, or concentric spheres, but that would be pretty hard to represent on paper.

[PlanetXMysteries-pjnm]

Thanks for another great video, look forward to many more!

[richardearnshaw]

So indebted to this encapsulation of all of my childhood " ..but why? "s.
It occurs to me that most if not all were preceded by an observation of a pattern - say, water running along the edges of a leaf and only falling off at the tip (I hadn't yet noticed that the tip was always at the lowest point when that happened) - or, a 'once of' experience like, why did that man ruffle my hair? (when he had well passed me and unlikely to return).
The second was a pattern of things observed when I'd lived sufficiently long to discern. The first I could hope for a concise explanation if I wasn't being dragged from pillar to post and having my cheek or chin dabbed by a wetted handkerchief.

This presentation is not only fantastically informative it us also a magical balm of sweet understanding that cools my brain, clears my mind, transports me to my innocent youth where the abstract and the real touched and the child who saw this was hooked! When I first heard 'science' I immediately thought 'signs', lol
The signs say...
The patterns say..
Perhaps that man ruffled many a child's hair or perhaps it was a one off - he is gone but not forgotten. The memory forms a pattern of never knowables but what a wonderful abstraction to follow and what wonderful realities become known.
Thank you, for all the wonder you have unwrapped with such tidy economy and digestible parts.
These are the acts of generosity of which only a few are capable. Very well done indeed!

[Runeforged]

Woooot RI is back. My mind was getting dull time to sharpen it up.

[viseerrdentsawl]

Lightswitches 3:40. Up is on, down is off. Unless you’re in the UK, in which case it’s reversed?

[anatomyofeverything]

Brian Clegg thank you for your research

[brendawilliams]

Nice idea to have a measured stick of one. Thankyou

[SoirEkim]

The chess board illusion: I paused the video, zoomed in on the “A”/“B” tiles, turned the image sideways. Then adjusted my eyes so that my left eye looks at the “A” while my right eye looks at the “B” and instead of seeing two colors flipping back and forth as each eye compete for dominance I see one shade of grey while the letters flip back and forth in the dominance… yeah. That’s a pretty interesting illusion.

[Fibonaccinxthreesixnine]

I have asd and see patterns everywhere I have found the most beautiful pattern and can give many examples of geometric symbiotic relationships.
The only problem is that I am lonely and cannot Converse to the people around me .