Mario Livio: The Relevance of Galileo and Science Denial in the Modern World

In the non-stop pace of the modern world, it might be a surprise to learn that a 400-year-old story is more relevant today than ever before. But that’s exactly what astrophysicist Mario Livio believes about the life story of Galileo, and he joins us with a fresh interpretation of one of history’s greatest and most fascinating scientists.

Drawing on his own scientific expertise, as well as his book Galileo and the Science Deniers, Livio provides captivating insights into how Galileo reached his bold new conclusions about the cosmos and the laws of nature. Livio explores how current crises—such as the minimization of the dangers of climate change—mirror the problems that Galileo experienced with discoveries being erroneously questioned or ignored. He shares how Galileo was not only a revolutionary because of his conclusions, but also because of his belief in the democratization of scientific knowledge, that every educated person should know science as well as literature. Livio reminds us that we can continue to take inspiration from heroes of the past—especially as the tenets they held dear four centuries ago remain threatened even today.

Mario Livio is an internationally known astrophysicist, a bestselling author, and a popular speaker who has appeared on The Daily Show, 60 Minutes, and NOVA. He is the author of the bestsellers The Golden Ratio, Brilliant Blunders, and Galileo.

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