Adventures in Physics, Trump, and more, with the Information Theory podcast — #75
Manifold
Deep Dive
Why did Steve Hsu almost join the Trump administration in 2016?
Steve Hsu was almost part of the Trump administration in 2016 due to his connection with Peter Thiel, who played a significant role in the transition. Hsu was considered for a senior-level position that would have required Senate confirmation.
How did Steve Hsu's early education shape his career as a physicist?
Hsu's early education was highly accelerated, allowing him to take university-level courses while still in high school, such as quantum mechanics and advanced analysis. This precocious learning environment prepared him for a career in theoretical physics, where his autodidactic tendencies and ability to grasp complex subjects quickly became assets.
What was Steve Hsu's reaction to Donald Trump's re-election in 2024?
Hsu was elated by Trump's re-election, partly because he had an inside view of the deep state's efforts to undermine Trump during his first term. He felt that Trump's victory was a triumph over significant opposition and lawfare.
Why does Steve Hsu believe the NIH produces low-quality research?
Hsu argues that the NIH, being the largest funder of basic science, produces a lot of low-quality research. He cites Ioannidis' findings that suggest a significant portion of biomedical research does not replicate, indicating a reproducibility crisis in the field.
How did Steve Hsu transition from theoretical physics to computational genomics?
Hsu's transition to computational genomics was driven by the declining cost of DNA sequencing, which made the field tractable during his lifetime. He leveraged his background in physics and mathematics, particularly compressed sensing, to develop novel algorithms for genomic data analysis.
What does Steve Hsu think about the Great Stagnation theory?
Hsu acknowledges that while there has been a slowdown in certain physical technologies, digital progress has been significant. He believes that the exhaustion of low-hanging fruit in some areas, rather than institutional failures, could be a primary cause of the perceived stagnation.
What role did Steve Hsu play as the Vice President for Research at Michigan State University?
As VPR, Hsu managed a $400 million research enterprise, overseeing competitive grants, strategic initiatives, and the allocation of funds across various disciplines. He had significant discretion in prioritizing research areas, which sometimes led to conflicts with certain academic fields.
How does Steve Hsu view the relationship between basic research and technological progress?
Hsu believes that while some technological progress is independent of basic research, a significant portion, such as the development of the nuclear bomb or gene sequencing, is directly dependent on fundamental scientific discoveries. He argues that basic research often provides the necessary theoretical underpinnings for technological breakthroughs.
What concerns does Steve Hsu have about America's future?
Hsu is concerned about the erosion of meritocracy, the increasing precariousness of life for the average American, and the country's overall competitiveness. He also worries about the potential for a hard landing due to the U.S.'s accumulated debt and inefficiencies in production.
Shownotes Transcript