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Lex Fridman Podcast #433 · June 13, 2024 · 3h 1m

Physics of Life, Time, Complexity, and Aliens

Astrobiologist Sara Walker on the deepest question in science: what is life? Her 'assembly theory' proposes a physics-based definition — life is matter that has been shaped by the accumulation of information over time.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

Life is matter with memory — objects shaped by accumulated information
Walker: assembly theory defines life not by chemistry but by complexity. A living thing is an object that requires many steps to construct — meaning it carries information from its history. A rock requires few steps; a protein requires billions.

References

Life as No One Knows ItSara Walker (2024)A new physics of life
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