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Lex Fridman Podcast

#181 – Sergey Nazarov: Chainlink, Smart Contracts, and Oracle Networks

Lex Fridman Podcast

Lex Fridman

Philosophy, Science, Society & Culture, Technology

4.713.6K Ratings

🗓️ 1 May 2021

⏱️ 186 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Sergey Nazarov is the Co-Founder of Chainlink, a decentralized oracle network that provides data to smart contracts. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Sergey’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/SergeyNazarov
Chainlink Website: https://chain.link/

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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:56) – Hedgy
(08:22) – Digital vs physical world
(16:16) – Definitive truth
(20:31) – Decentralized finance
(29:00) – Smart contracts
(35:16) – Hybrid smart contracts and oracle networks
(52:02) – Applications of smart contracts
(1:10:08) – AI and smart contracts
(1:17:40) – What agreements can be turned into smart contracts?
(1:28:43) – Privacy
(1:39:01) – Trust
(1:54:36) – Bitcoin
(2:02:50) – Satoshi Nakamoto
(2:10:10) – Ethereum
(2:15:59) – Chainlink design decisions
(2:28:27) – Dogecoin
(2:32:44) – Book recommendations
(2:44:54) – Advice for young people
(2:56:58) – Meaning of life

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

The following is a conversation with Sergei Nazarov, CEO of Chainlink, which is a decentralized

0:06.4

Oracle network that provides data to smart contracts.

0:10.3

He and his team have done seminal research and engineering in the space of smart contracts.

0:15.3

Check out the Chainlink 2.0 white paper that I found to be a great overview of their technology

0:20.2

and vision.

0:21.2

It's 136 pages, but very accessible.

0:24.9

Quick mention of our sponsors.

0:26.9

Find access, apply to greens, magic spoon, indeed, and better help.

0:32.2

Check them out in the description to support this podcast.

0:35.5

As a side note, let me say that externally connected smart contracts that combine the

0:40.7

ocean of data out there with the security of the blockchain are fascinating to me, both

0:45.8

technically and philosophically.

0:48.5

Data is knowledge, and knowledge is power.

0:52.0

I think the more reliable data sources we integrate into our decision making, especially when

0:58.4

those decisions are executed by programs, the more efficient and productive our decisions

1:03.3

become.

1:04.7

There are interactions between humans that should not be formalized digitally, like love,

1:11.4

for example.

1:12.4

But for all the others, there's no reason for smart contracts not to automate away the

1:17.3

menial parts of life, making more room for good conversation over brisket and maybe

1:23.2

some vodka with old and new friends.

1:26.9

As usual, I'll do a few minutes of ads now.

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