Curiosity Retreats

Widely known for his groundbreaking work on string theory and quantum field theory, 
Dr. Michio Kaku’s most recent project brings his sharply analytical perspective to bear on research conducted in top laboratories around the world – not in his native field of physics but in cutting-edge Neurology and Biotechnology. Imagining the not-so-distant future, Dr. Kaku offers his projections for advancements in humanity’s understanding of and technological interaction with the brain and consciousness over the next century. Dr. Kaku envisions a world in which progress in neuroscience and biotechnology will demystify the human mind – as the telescope once exposed the science of the heavens.

Widely known as one of the “Fathers of the Internet,” Dr. Vint Cerf co-authored the TCP/IP protocol suite that provides the Internet with its basic architecture – two decades before most people would discover that anything like the Internet was possible. He has remained a prominent figure in Internet history ever since, dedicating a career to improving what he helped to create and pioneering new applications as the Internet continues to revolutionize technology and human society. Today, Dr. Cerf, now serving as Google’s Chief Internet Evangelist, will discuss what the future may hold for one of modern society’s greatest technological advancements: from the pressing challenges of privacy, security, and open access to the radical possibilities of world-wide internet access and, perhaps, interplanetary connectivity.

As the director of one of the world’s most renowned establishments for scientific inquiry and research — the Institute for Advanced Study — Dr. Robbert Dijkgraaf is a pioneer in the field of mathematical physics. This string theory specialist draws from his experiences as a researcher, educator, columnist and public advocate to elucidate current advances in physics ranging from the fundamental properties of quantum mechanics to the complexities of particle physics to the significance of the recent Higgs boson discovery. From his own groundbreaking theoretical work to his ongoing efforts encouraging public engagement with the scientific community, Dr. Dijkgraaf’s distinguished academic career places him at the forefront of ongoing research, particularly in the realm of particle physics. He shares how string theory continues to shed light on many aspects of quantum understanding and how the latest discoveries in the field continue to ignite revolutionary technology. Most importantly, Dr. Dijkgraaf highlights the possibilities associated with untangling mathematical complexity in the cosmos.

At a time when the overconsumption of natural resources is a rising international concern, many are calling for a radical rethink of how we source and manufacture products. Can we engineer a method of production that does not deplete the Earth’s limited complex natural resources? And can we do it while promoting economic growth, innovation, and human development? As the “Founding Father of Nanotechnology,” Dr. Eric Drexler was among the first to champion the radical possibilities of just such a method of production: atomically precise manufacturing. As an entrepreneur, innovator, and business leader, NanoMech Chairman and CEO Jim Phillips’ trailblazing vision has contributed to the rise of an industry – with the potential, and intention, to fundamentally revolutionize the way humans create our material world. Together, they’ll discuss the potential applications and implications of nanotechnology and atomically precise manufacturing for the future of technology, global governance, the environment, and human survival.

Sigmund Freud argued that pursuing happiness is pointless and irrelevant to human survival; Pascal argued that humans have no choice but to desire it. Yet what is happiness? How do we define it and pursue it? And how do we know if we’ve achieved it? Dr. Nancy Etcoff is among the leading medical researchers conducting trail blazing research in the field of positive psychology, specifically the study of happiness. She reveals why it is just as critical to understand exactly how our mental and physical health is benefitted by emotions like happiness and joy as it is critical to comprehend how our health is devastated by emotions like anxiety and depression. Dr. Etcoff surveys the most recent technologies being implemented by medical researchers to study, measure and answer seemingly subjective questions, long considered the purview of philosophers and artists.

John Hendricks, founder of the Discovery Channel and CuriosityStream, explores the largest numbers in the Universe and describes how the average person might be able to comprehend their scale. How can a normal person understand "quadrillion" in real terms?

One of the world’s leading theoretical physicists, Dr. Lisa Randall studies some of modern physics’ most basic questions. What is matter and the universe made of? What is the fundamental nature of space and time? In this lecture, Dr. Randall will describe the state of particle physics today and introduce some of her groundbreaking work. Exploring the properties of matter, the intricacies and implications of dimensions beyond the three we can presently observe, Dr. Randall challenges the limits of what is known and what is knowable. This Harvard professor is one of the most cited and influential physicists working in theoretical particle physics today. She is also a vocal advocate for the importance of scientific literacy in modern society and the author of several notable books explaining scientific ideas to the public.

Ambassador Crumpton brings his high-risk entrepreneurial experience and strategic, global perspective to explore fundamental issues driving our world’s unprecedented connectivity and complexity. Discussing the Middle East as an illustrative example, Ambassador Crumpton considers the global paradigm shift caused by the increased role and influence of non-state actors, the growing asymmetry of power and the globalized market. He shares what these power-dynamic trends may mean for the future of the region and the world.

As an editor and reporter for the New York Times, Ms. Sheryl WuDunn illuminated economic, financial, political and social issues in East Asia and around the world. As an activist, philanthropist and business executive, her work has involved issues ranging from the creation of economic oppor- tunity for women and girls in the developing world to erudite investments in emerging markets. Now, Ms. WuDunn brings all of her insight as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, business executive, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and philanthropist to bear in discussing the uncertainties facing China and the world today. She explores the complications of rapid development and growth, the challenges of China’s unique and evolving political economy and the aspirations of a rising middle class. Additionally, Ms. WuDunn delves into the complexity of Chinese society, politics, and markets today.

The best-selling authors of Super Brain, Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Rudy Tanzi, describe the basic rules about how our brain functions. Your brain always eavesdrops on your thoughts. Can you teach your brain to become unlimited, by thinking that you have that potential?