Sean Carroll | The Passage of Time & the Meaning of Life
The Long Now Foundation
@longnowAbout
Launched by Stewart Brand in 02003, Long Now Talks has invited more than 400 leading thinkers to share their civilization-scale ideas with a live audience and millions around the globe tuning in to our podcast and videos. Long Now Talks are brought to you by The Long Now Foundation, which has spent the last 25 years igniting cultural imagination around long-term thinking. By inspiring thought and conversation about how we've been shaped by the last 10,000 years and what might be in store for us over the next 10,000 years, Long Now Talks seek to expand our collective sense of the present moment. Long Now Talks cover futurism and speculative fiction; time, nature, and contemplative practices; the intersection of the humanities and sciences; the evolution of counterculture to cyberculture; cultural imagination, land art and public monuments; and, of course, long-term thinking and being a good ancestor.
Video Description
What is time? What is humankind’s role in the universe? What is the meaning of life? For much of human history, these questions have been the province of religion and philosophy. What answers can science provide? In this talk, Sean Carroll will share what physicists know, and don’t yet know, about the nature of time. He’ll argue that while the universe might not have purpose, we can create meaning and purpose through how we approach reality, and how we live our lives. Sean Carroll is a Research Professor of theoretical physics at the California Institute of Technology, and an External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute. His research has focused on fundamental physics and cosmology, especially issues of dark matter, dark energy, spacetime symmetries, and the origin of the universe. Recently, Carroll has worked on the foundations of quantum mechanics, the emergence of spacetime, and the evolution of entropy and complexity. Carroll is the author of "Something Deeply Hidden", "The Big Picture", "The Particle at the End of the Universe" amongst other books and hosts the "Mindscapes" podcast.
Upgrade Your Tech Today
AI-recommended products based on this video
![VANMASS [85+LBS Strongest Suction & Clip] 2025 Upgrade Car Phone Holder [Patent & Safety Certs] Cell Phone Mount Truck Stand for Dashboard Windshield Vent for iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12 Samsung](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71bHSP1cRkL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
VANMASS [85+LBS Strongest Suction & Clip] 2025 Upgrade Car Phone Holder [Patent & Safety Certs] Cell Phone Mount Truck Stand for Dashboard Windshield Vent for iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12 Samsung
![iPhone Charger Fast Charging [Apple MFi Certified] USB C to Lightning Cable 6FT USBC to Lightning Cable Nylon Braided Type C Cord for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS X 8 7 6 Plus SE, iPad](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517jTqwo1nL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
iPhone Charger Fast Charging [Apple MFi Certified] USB C to Lightning Cable 6FT USBC to Lightning Cable Nylon Braided Type C Cord for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS X 8 7 6 Plus SE, iPad
![iPhone Charger [Apple MFi Certified] 3FT, 3Pack USB A to Lightning Cable Braided Fast Charging Apple Cord Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad/iPod/AirPods](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xZOlUELbL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
iPhone Charger [Apple MFi Certified] 3FT, 3Pack USB A to Lightning Cable Braided Fast Charging Apple Cord Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad/iPod/AirPods

2Pack 10ft iPhone Charger 90 Degree Lightning Cable Right Angle Long USB Charging Cord Compatible with Apple iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad iPod

Magnetic Wireless Charger for iPhone - 3 in 1 Mag-Safe Charging Station for Multiple Devices Apple - Charger Stand Dock for Apple Watch iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Plus Airpods

4-in-1 Wireless Magnetic Power Bank 10800mAh Portable Charger with iWatch Charger, QC4.0+20W PD Fast Charging USB C Battery Pack for Magsafe, iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series, Apple Watch etc. (White)

eazpower for Magsafe Power Bank 10000mAh, Magnetic Battery Pack Wireless, 20W PD Fast Charging, Compact Portable Charger with Built-in Cables and Stand for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/ Apple Watch/Airpods
![Anker USB C Cable, [2-Pack, 6 ft] Type C Charger Premium Nylon USB Cable, USB A to Type C Charging Cable Fast Charge for Samsung Galaxy S10 S10+ / Note 8, LG V20 and Other USB C Charger (Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71N7xhCJnoL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
Anker USB C Cable, [2-Pack, 6 ft] Type C Charger Premium Nylon USB Cable, USB A to Type C Charging Cable Fast Charge for Samsung Galaxy S10 S10+ / Note 8, LG V20 and Other USB C Charger (Black)
![Spigen Case for iPhone 17 Case, Ultra Hybrid MagFit [Anti-Yellowing, Magsafe Compatible] Designed for Apple iPhone 17 Case (2025) - Clear White ClimatePartner certified](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61gT1WljYwL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
Spigen Case for iPhone 17 Case, Ultra Hybrid MagFit [Anti-Yellowing, Magsafe Compatible] Designed for Apple iPhone 17 Case (2025) - Clear White ClimatePartner certified
![Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Case, Ultra Hybrid [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61NZGerVSrL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Case, Ultra Hybrid [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - White
![Spigen Case for Galaxy S25 Plus Case, Ultra Hybrid S MagFit [Fast Wireless Charging] Compatible with MagSafe - White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+QlQaegQL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
Spigen Case for Galaxy S25 Plus Case, Ultra Hybrid S MagFit [Fast Wireless Charging] Compatible with MagSafe - White

Spigen Case for iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13, Ultra Hybrid MagFit Designed for Apple iPhone 15/14/13 - Crystal Clear

OHLPRO Tablet Holder for Car, iPad Holder for Car Air Vent Mount, Universal Dashboard Windshield 2-in-1 Cradle TPU Suction Sticky Gel for iPad/iPad mini Samsung Galaxy Size 6"- 10.5" iPad Car Holder

Magnetic Car Mount Air Vent Cell Phone Holder, Universal Vehicle Dash Dashboard Ac Airvent Cellphone Magic Stand with Clip Hook, for iPhone 16 15 Samsung Lenovo Google etc

AINOPE Phone Holder for Car Vent 2025 Gravity Air Vent Car Phone Holder Mount for iPhone 17 Pro Max Vent Clip Hand Free Cell Phone Car Mount for iPhone Air 17 16 Pro Max Samsung S25 Car Accesorries
![Miracase Car Phone Mount, [2025 Upgraded Strong Military Grade Suction Cup] Long Arm Phone Holder for Car Dashboard Windshield Vent, Hands Free Cell Phone Holder Compatible with All Mobile Phones Global Recycled Standard](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81oehGW5OLL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
Miracase Car Phone Mount, [2025 Upgraded Strong Military Grade Suction Cup] Long Arm Phone Holder for Car Dashboard Windshield Vent, Hands Free Cell Phone Holder Compatible with All Mobile Phones Global Recycled Standard
![VANMASS [85+LBS Strongest Suction & Clip] 2025 Upgrade Car Phone Holder [Patent & Safety Certs] Cell Phone Mount Truck Stand for Dashboard Windshield Vent for iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12 Samsung](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71bHSP1cRkL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
VANMASS [85+LBS Strongest Suction & Clip] 2025 Upgrade Car Phone Holder [Patent & Safety Certs] Cell Phone Mount Truck Stand for Dashboard Windshield Vent for iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12 Samsung
![iPhone Charger Fast Charging [Apple MFi Certified] USB C to Lightning Cable 6FT USBC to Lightning Cable Nylon Braided Type C Cord for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS X 8 7 6 Plus SE, iPad](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517jTqwo1nL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
iPhone Charger Fast Charging [Apple MFi Certified] USB C to Lightning Cable 6FT USBC to Lightning Cable Nylon Braided Type C Cord for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS X 8 7 6 Plus SE, iPad
![iPhone Charger [Apple MFi Certified] 3FT, 3Pack USB A to Lightning Cable Braided Fast Charging Apple Cord Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad/iPod/AirPods](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xZOlUELbL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
iPhone Charger [Apple MFi Certified] 3FT, 3Pack USB A to Lightning Cable Braided Fast Charging Apple Cord Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad/iPod/AirPods

2Pack 10ft iPhone Charger 90 Degree Lightning Cable Right Angle Long USB Charging Cord Compatible with Apple iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad iPod

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone, Wireless Charger for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 X Pro Max & Apple Watch - Charging Stand Dock for AirPods Global Recycled Standard

3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone, Wireless Charger for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 X Pro Max & Apple Watch - Charging Stand Dock for AirPods (Blue) Global Recycled Standard

Wireless Charger for iPhone- 3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/Pro Max/Pro/Mini/Plus, Apple Watch 10/9/8/7/SE/6/5/4/3/2/1/Ultra2/Ultra, AirPods pro/2/3/4

soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App

soundcore P31i by Anker, Real-Time Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Hi-Res Sound, Translation Earbuds, 50H Playtime, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Earphones, Spatial Audio, Fast Charging, IP55 ClimatePartner certified

soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode, Ideal for Travel

soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode, Ideal for Travel

Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation
![VANMASS [85+LBS Strongest Suction & Clip] 2025 Upgrade Car Phone Holder [Patent & Safety Certs] Cell Phone Mount Truck Stand for Dashboard Windshield Vent for iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12 Samsung](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71bHSP1cRkL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
VANMASS [85+LBS Strongest Suction & Clip] 2025 Upgrade Car Phone Holder [Patent & Safety Certs] Cell Phone Mount Truck Stand for Dashboard Windshield Vent for iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12 Samsung
![iPhone Charger Fast Charging [Apple MFi Certified] USB C to Lightning Cable 6FT USBC to Lightning Cable Nylon Braided Type C Cord for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS X 8 7 6 Plus SE, iPad](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517jTqwo1nL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
iPhone Charger Fast Charging [Apple MFi Certified] USB C to Lightning Cable 6FT USBC to Lightning Cable Nylon Braided Type C Cord for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS X 8 7 6 Plus SE, iPad
![iPhone Charger [Apple MFi Certified] 3FT, 3Pack USB A to Lightning Cable Braided Fast Charging Apple Cord Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad/iPod/AirPods](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xZOlUELbL._AC_UL960_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg)
iPhone Charger [Apple MFi Certified] 3FT, 3Pack USB A to Lightning Cable Braided Fast Charging Apple Cord Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X 8 7 6 5 Plus iPad/iPod/AirPods



















