If you could choose another version of your life, would you?
Digest
This episode of Inconversation delves into the intriguing concept of the multiverse, exploring the idea of infinite parallel realities where our decisions play out differently. The discussion centers around the Apple TV+ series "Dark Matter," based on Blake Crouch's science fiction novel. The host, Sam Sanders, interviews Blake Crouch, the author, and the show's stars, Joe Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, about their personal experiences with choice and regret, and how the show's themes resonate with their own lives. The conversation also touches upon the impact of social media on our perception of reality, with the guests reflecting on how we often present curated versions of ourselves online, creating a sense of living multiple lives. Crouch, a science fiction writer, shares his fascination with quantum mechanics and how it inspired the concept of the multiverse in his work. He discusses the possibility of accessing other realities and the ethical implications of choosing to live an alternative life. The episode concludes with a hopeful message about humanity's capacity for collaboration and empathy, urging listeners to step away from their screens and embrace the real world.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of the podcast, which is about the sci-fi story of living multiple lives and its connection to our current reality.
The Multiverse and Dark Matter
This Chapter explores the concept of the multiverse and its portrayal in the Apple TV+ series "Dark Matter." The host interviews the author, Blake Crouch, and the show's stars, Joe Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, about their perspectives on the multiverse and its implications for our lives.
Social Media and Multiple Lives
This Chapter delves into the impact of social media on our perception of reality, with the guests discussing how we often present curated versions of ourselves online, creating a sense of living multiple lives. They explore the connection between this phenomenon and the concept of the multiverse.
Science Fiction and Dystopia
This Chapter examines the evolution of science fiction and how it reflects our current reality. The guests discuss how science fiction used to represent a hopeful future, but now often portrays a dystopian world. They explore the reasons behind this shift and its implications for the genre.
Keywords
Multiverse
The Multiverse is a hypothetical concept in cosmology that suggests the existence of multiple universes beyond our own observable universe. It is often depicted in science fiction as a collection of parallel realities where different versions of ourselves exist, making different choices and experiencing different outcomes. The concept of the multiverse is rooted in quantum mechanics and the idea that there are multiple possible outcomes for every event, leading to the existence of multiple universes where each outcome is realized.
Dark Matter
Dark Matter is a science fiction thriller series on Apple TV+ based on the novel of the same name by Blake Crouch. The show follows Jason Dessen, a physicist who is abducted into an alternate version of his own life. He must navigate this new reality and find his way back to his original life, while grappling with the implications of the multiverse and the choices he has made in his life.
Blake Crouch
Blake Crouch is an American science fiction and thriller writer, best known for his novels "Dark Matter," "Recursion," and "Wayward Pines." His work often explores themes of alternate realities, time travel, and the nature of reality itself. Crouch's writing is characterized by its suspenseful plots, complex characters, and thought-provoking ideas.
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It is a departure from classical physics, which deals with macroscopic objects. Quantum mechanics introduces concepts such as wave-particle duality, superposition, and entanglement, which have profound implications for our understanding of reality. The theory has been instrumental in the development of technologies such as lasers, transistors, and nuclear weapons.
Social Media
Social media refers to online platforms that allow users to create and share content, connect with others, and build communities. Examples of social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Social media has become an integral part of modern life, influencing communication, culture, and politics. It has also raised concerns about privacy, misinformation, and the impact on mental health.
Q&A
What is the multiverse and how is it portrayed in the Apple TV+ series "Dark Matter"?
The multiverse is a hypothetical concept that suggests the existence of multiple universes beyond our own. In "Dark Matter," the multiverse is explored through the story of Jason Dessen, a physicist who is abducted into an alternate version of his own life. The show explores the implications of this concept for our understanding of reality and the choices we make.
How does the concept of the multiverse relate to our experience with social media?
The guests discuss how social media often creates a sense of living multiple lives, as we present curated versions of ourselves online. This phenomenon mirrors the concept of the multiverse, where different versions of ourselves exist in parallel realities.
How has the genre of science fiction evolved in recent years, and what does this say about our current reality?
The guests discuss how science fiction used to represent a hopeful future, but now often portrays a dystopian world. They attribute this shift to the challenges we face in the information age, such as social media, genetic engineering, and the collapse of social discourse.
What are some of the ethical implications of the multiverse, and how does the show "Dark Matter" address these issues?
The show explores the ethical implications of choosing to live an alternative life, raising questions about the value of our current reality and the choices we make. The guests discuss the potential consequences of altering our lives and the importance of embracing our current reality.
What are some ways to cope with the overwhelming nature of our current reality, and how can we find meaning in a world that often feels dystopian?
The guests offer advice on how to navigate the challenges of our current reality, emphasizing the importance of human connection, empathy, and finding meaning in the real world. They encourage listeners to step away from their screens and embrace the present moment.
Show Notes
Guest-hosted by Sam Sanders: The new Apple TV+ series Dark Matter tells the story of Jason Dessen, a man who is abducted into an alternative version of his own life. The show is based on a book by best-selling science-fiction writer Blake Crouch. Apple News In Conversation guest host Sam Sanders spoke to Crouch and two stars of the show, Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, about regret, the existence of the multiverse, and how the internet has all of us leading multiple lives.
Table of contents
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