Brian Greene and Alan Alda Discuss Why Einstein Hated Quantum Mechanics

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Published 2014-07-10

Albert Einstein was not a fan of quantum mechanics. He was annoyed by the uncertain, random nature of the universe it implied (hence the famous quote "God does not play dice with the universe"). So, Einstein tried to develop a unified theory that would circumvent what he saw as quantum mechanics' flaws. In this excerpt from the 2014 World Science Festival Program Dear Albert, Alan Alda and Brian Greene discuss Einstein's relationship with the "unruly child" of quantum mechanics, and how the famed physicist came up with the Special Theory of Relativity.

Original Program Date: May 28, 2014

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All Comments (21)

@Zac6230 9 years ago

A particle walked into a bar.... and it didn't
@allenev.8765 8 years ago

also would like to complement alan alda for doing his physics homework and einstein homework well enough to have a discussion with brian that bridges the gap between lay and expert.
@mcblahflooper94 9 years ago

9:58 Brian: "... Jump out a window, and then gravity goes away." Alan Alda: "What? You jump out the window, gravity makes a quick entrance." hardest I've laughed all day.
@jacksawildjackschan9469 4 years ago

It's always worth bearing in mind that usually, whenever we think that Einstein was wrong about something, it turns out he was right all along.
@StanleyKowalski. 5 years ago

love to see an actor not only good at acting, but has enough knowledge to talk about Einstein with a physicist
@joesimon2018 7 years ago

Einstein took the simple observation that light had a fixed speed ...and like pulling a thread on a sweater, unraveled all of these other equations and revelations. But Einstein viewed things as concrete and could never accept the uncertainty of quantum mechanics.
@vbgthashit 9 years ago

Darn he explained things better than professor michio kaku....damn this explanation was worthwhile..15 minutes well spent
@kartikmessner2868 7 years ago

can we just acknowledge those 2 catches :)
@lengthmuldoon 9 years ago

This is how science should be, the impossible comment followed by clear as a bell demonstration - terrific
@3dgar7eandro 2 years ago

The world Needs more professors like Brian Green 😌👏👏👏👌👌👌
@denisebrooks2495 8 years ago

I love science, it is art, it is imagination, it is specific, intellectual, considered, controversial, creative, psycholically impacted by the researchers and possibly the assessors. It opens up many possibilities and chaos. What a stimulating endless field.
@matyourin 9 years ago

spooky = spukhaft Einstein called it "spukhafte Fernwirkung" = spooky remote/distance-effect"
@ZeroGaiaForce 9 years ago

What a wonderful chat.
@A.Santos1 4 years ago

A photon checks into a hotel when the bellhop asks, "Would you like help with your luggage?" The photon replies, "I don't have any. I always travel light."
@Omar-yi2mv 5 years ago

11:28 is no one gonna appreciate Brian's catching damn
@JayanthS33 7 years ago

I like the reaction "What?!!? you jump out of window, gravity makes a quick entrance!".
@johnsmith-wc8gs 7 years ago

great video. I feel like I'm discovering Mr. Alda for the first time even though I've known who he is for about 40 years. what a cool guy to listen to
@delalias5754 6 years ago

i could never imagine an old man this cool,..
@FlockOfHawks 1 year ago

Every now and then i return to this beautiful conversation
@yeya7354 6 years ago

Brian is so great at explaining concepts, it's great to listen to him