The Scientists BONUS EPISODE: The Giving Valve (inspired by Richard Dawkins' Selfish Gene)

Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

Brian Keating

Science, Physics, Natural Sciences

4.7 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 29 May 2025

⏱️ 28 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 In this special bonus audio essay, Brian shares personal reflections inspired by his recent experience hosting evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins on the final North American stop of Dawkins' legendary speaking tour. After a career filled with interviewing Nobel laureates and deep thinkers—from Sam Harris to Peter Thiel's Venice conferences—Brian turns inward to explore a fresh idea: the "giving valve." Drawing on Dawkins' groundbreaking work "The Selfish Gene" and the concept of genetic legacy, Brian challenges us to look beyond biology and consider what truly endures when we’re gone: our values. Is passing on knowledge or wisdom more significant than our genetic code? How do our choices, beliefs, and ethical frameworks shape the future long after our genes are forgotten? Brian blends personal anecdotes, thoughtful musings, and lessons from philosophy and faith to make a compelling case for prioritizing the transmission of meaning over mere survival.Whether you’re fascinated by science, philosophy, or what it means to leave a lasting impact, this episode sets the stage for a heartfelt conversation—and a deep dive into what really makes us human. - Key Takeaways: 00:00 "Comparing Dawkins and Clavin Experiences" 03:45 Intellectual Gatherings Funded by Peter Thiel 07:22 Professor's Perspective: Podcasting & Preparation 11:31 "Knowledge vs. Wisdom Exploration" 16:50 Two Contrasting Adams Explained 19:11 Immortal Legacy Through Contribution 23:45 Legacy Beyond Biology 25:21 "Passing Down Our Values" - Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw/join Get a copy of my books: Think Like a Nobel Prize Winner, with life changing interviews with 9 Nobel Prizewinners: https://a.co/d/03ezQFu My tell-all cosmic memoir Losing the Nobel Prize: http://amzn.to/2sa5UpA The first-ever audiobook from Galileo: Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems: Ptolemaic and Copernican https://a.co/d/iZPi9Un 📺 Watch my most popular videos:📺 Neil Turok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt5cFLN65fI Frank Wilczek https://youtu.be/3z8RqKMQHe0?sub_confirmation=1 Eric Weinstein vs. Stephen Wolfram https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI0AZ4Y4Ip4?sub_confirmation=1 Sir Roger Penrose: https://youtu.be/AMuqyAvX7Wo Sabine Hossenfelder: https://youtu.be/g00ilS6tBvs Avi Loeb: https://youtu.be/N9lUceHsLRw Follow me to ask questions of my guests: 🏄‍♂️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating 🔔 Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Join my mailing list; just click here http://briankeating.com/list ✍️ Detailed Blog posts here: https://briankeating.com/blog 🎙️ Listen on audio-only platforms: https://briankeating.com/podcast #universe #podcast #briankeating #intotheimpossible #science #astronomy #cosmology #cosmicmicrowavebackground #intotheimpossible #briankeating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Every runner knows the moment when everything clicks.
0:04.0	When your legs lock into a rhythm, the aches float away and doubts fade.
0:08.0	Replaced by a feeling of euphoria.
0:12.0	It's why you lace up at dawn.
0:15.0	Why little rain doesn't stop you.
0:17.0	Why one run turns into a habit.
0:20.0	So next time you go for a run, chase that runs high. why one run turns into a habit.
0:24.3	So next time you go for a run, chase that runs high.
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1:15.3	Hey. Hey, everybody.
1:19.3	It is your fearful host, Professor Brian Keating.
	...

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