Understanding the Universe: From the Small to the Big

Introduction

Humans are made of very small things.
We live in a vast universe with complexities in between that we often struggle to understand.
The increasing complexity poses challenges for solving major global issues.

Background: The speaker grew up in IESA, Finland, with limited daylight, leading to stargazing.
Stars are vast and numerous; we can see about 10,000 with the naked eye.
Historical Perspective:
- Around 1900, astronomers estimated about a million stars using telescopes.
- They discovered spiral nebulae, leading to the realization that these were galaxies with billions of stars.
Current Understanding:
- The visible universe contains approximately 7 x 10^22 stars.
- Represents an immense increase in our understanding of the universe.
- The universe has been expanding for 13.8 billion years, originating from the Big Bang.

Einstein's theory of relativity explains the nature of space and its relationship with matter and energy.
His equations are foundational, used in modern technologies including GPS.
They predict an expanding universe and help us understand how stars and galaxies formed from initial ripples in the early universe.

Atoms are incredibly small; the number of atoms in three drops of water equals the number of stars in the universe.
Historical Discoveries:
- Marie Curie discovered radium, leading to insights about energy release beyond atomic reactions.
- Ernest Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus, leading to the development of quantum mechanics.
Quantum Mechanics:
- Predicts that splitting an atom can convert mass into energy, supporting Einstein's equation E=mc².
The implications of atomic energy include both beneficial uses and destructive potentials (e.g., atomic bombs).

Development of the transistor in 1947 laid the groundwork for digital computing.
Transistors allow for the evolution of complex systems, with advancements leading to billions of transistors in modern devices.
Rapid growth in computing power reveals complexities in biological systems, such as human DNA.

Understanding human cells: Initially thought only 2% of DNA was functional; recent discoveries indicate 98% plays critical roles.
The complexity of living systems parallels the complexity of technology.
Challenges: Curing diseases like cancer is hampered by our limited understanding of this complexity.

Increasing complexity in technology and societal systems can lead to fragility.
Examples of cascading failures:
- 2008 financial crisis.
- 2010 flash crash in stock markets.
- Widespread impacts of interconnected global systems (e.g., pandemics).
Complexity can lead to unexpected correlations (e.g., forest fires affecting food prices).

To address complex issues like climate change, we must integrate knowledge from multiple fields.
The speaker advocates for embracing complexity while also seeking simplicity in systems.
Example of decentralized systems (e.g., solar power, Bitcoin) as potential solutions to fragility.

Leveraging collective intelligence through technology and gaming platforms to solve complex problems.
Successful examples in drafting democratic processes and scientific research.
Nature's evolution of systems without comprehension emphasizes the potential for innovative solutions.

Embrace complexity but strive for simplicity where achievable.
Growing up is likened to navigating complexity; it signifies new adventures and learning.
Final thought: Embrace the journey of understanding and evolving within complexity.