Brian Cox: ‘The Future Power of AI is Uncertain – It’s Thrilling Yet Could Pose Risks’

What is the inspiration behind your latest live show, Emergence?

The inspiration for my latest show, “Emergence,” stems from a cherished book I’ve admired for many years: The Six-Cornered Snowflake by Johannes Kepler. Kepler, noted for his laws of planetary motion established in the early 1600s, captures a moment in time in this book that occurred on New Year’s Eve in 1609. During a snowstorm, as he crossed the Charles Bridge in Prague, he was on his way to visit his benefactor without any gift in hand. In contemplation, he finds beauty in the snowflakes landing on his arm and reflects upon their remarkable six-sided symmetry, pondering the question: why do snowflakes form this way?

This inquiry resonates with a modern scientific mindset, representing a contemporary quest to understand the origins of the symmetry we observe in nature. At that time, Kepler lacked knowledge about the atomic structure related to water molecules, yet he boldly states in his writing, “I don’t know”—a sentiment that feels very radical.

The essence of the show is an exploration of the remarkable knowledge we possess, the mysteries surrounding what we don’t know, and the realities of what may remain forever beyond our grasp.

That neatly leads to the next question – if you could have the answer to any scientific question that we don’t have an answer to, what would it be?

There are so many questions that pique my curiosity! One that fascinates me is whether life exists beyond Earth, within our solar system or elsewhere. The potential to answer this question is increasing, especially now that we have two spacecraft headed toward the moons of Jupiter, and the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. There is a slim chance we might one day detect signs of life elsewhere. I wonder how far we must travel to encounter another living being.

Twenty minutes ago, I spoke to Damian Lewis and he had a question for you: is music a science or an art?

That’s an intriguing question! One could equally ask if science is itself an art. Honestly, I’ve never been fond of drawing sharp distinctions between disciplines. My belief is that music embodies both scientific and artistic elements. Science is a response to the beauty inherent in our world, as is music. All forms of human expression arise from a blend of beauty and the mysteries surrounding us.

Which area of science do you think is going to see the most exciting developments in the next decade?

We are standing at the precipice of immense change, particularly with AI and its potential power, which presents both thrilling prospects and significant challenges. Additionally, quantum computing is a domain awakening much interest. I am not an authority in this area, but conversations with experts reveal a spectrum of opinions regarding when we might harness the full power of quantum mechanics—some suggest it may never happen in our lifetime, while others feel it could be just five years away. This uncertainty heralds both a challenge and a unique opportunity for society.

What is a matter or belief you have unexpectedly changed your mind about?

I frequently find myself reconsidering my stance on social media and its overall impact. Initially, I viewed it with a sense of optimism, celebrating the democratization of communication that allowed diverse perspectives to flourish. However, it has become increasingly apparent that social media is rife with noise, misinformation, and disinformation, diminishing its value. While I still see nuances in its influence, recognizing its negative effects on public discourse has been eye-opening.

Overall, social media’s adverse influence on politics has crystallized my perception, prompting ongoing reflection on its role in the world.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

The most valuable advice I’ve ever received is to pursue what brings you joy. My parents supported this notion wholeheartedly, desiring for me to have a university education, something they themselves had not experienced. While I initially felt drawn to music over academia, they backed my passion for music. Ultimately, I shifted gears from music to astronomy, a path not traditionally viewed as a conventional career choice, especially not in my hometown in north Manchester, where few aspired to become astronomers.

What is your most controversial pop culture opinion?

That’s a challenging question for me, as I feel somewhat detached from current pop culture. However, if I were to voice an opinion, I’d mention that the pace of musical innovation has seemed to stall. Examining the developments from the 1950s to the 1980s reveals vast transformations, with artists like Elvis and Frank Sinatra leading into innovative acts such as Kraftwerk and Pink Floyd. In contrast, the music of the 2000s and beyond appears to lack such striking evolution.

What has been your most memorable interaction with a fan?

Allow me to share a name-dropping story. Once, at an ELO concert, someone approached me expressing admiration for my documentary and asked a question about Saturn’s moon Enceladus and its intriguing ice fountains. They expressed embarrassment, thinking they might have met me before but were mistaken. To my surprise, the person turned out to be Paul McCartney. Being a long-time Beatles fan, I was completely overwhelmed the first time I met him, a moment I cherish deeply.

What song would you like to be played at your funeral?

I share a close friendship with Eric Idle, who often jokes that “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” has become a staple funeral song, so I think I’ll pass on that. Instead, I’d prefer something ridiculously cheerful, perhaps “Twist and Shout.” I can just imagine the juxtaposition of laughter and tears as everyone comes together to celebrate life.

Do you have a favorite fact?

Certainly! The staggering number of galaxies in the observable universe is around two trillion, a fact that is incredible and nearly impossible to visualize. Just over a century ago, we debated the existence of galaxies beyond our own. Now, we’ve expanded our understanding so dramatically that we’ve not only confirmed countless galaxies but also accurately estimated the universe’s age at 13.8 billion years—a remarkable achievement in itself!