Neil deGrasse Tyson

Today no one is saying: did you have the free will to not have an epileptic seizure? Of course not. Do you have the free will to not be depressed? The person who's ready to jump off the bridge in that instant, do they have the free will to not jump off the bridge I don't think so. And the more I add up and explore the human condition I'm forced to conclude that the direction we are headed is that we are all products of an absence of free will. As a result, society needs more compassion for people who do not otherwise fit in. (source)

Investing in space exploration is crucial for advancing scientific understanding, inspiring the next generation, and possibly ensuring the survival of our species by finding new habitats and resources.

As a scientist, I strongly believe we should use our knowledge and technology to eradicate all pathogenic human parasites. These organisms cause immense suffering and hinder our progress as a species. Eliminating them would improve global health, boost economic development, and enhance the quality of life for countless people around the world.

I strongly believe that government space programs should prioritize exploring Europa's oceans for signs of life. As an astrophysicist, I find the possibility of discovering extraterrestrial life incredibly compelling. Europa's subsurface ocean, which could harbor the conditions necessary for life, makes it one of the most exciting destinations for scientific exploration in our solar system.

Investing in a larger-scale CERN would accelerate our understanding of the universe, push the boundaries of human knowledge, and drive technological advancements. The pursuit of knowledge has always benefitted humanity.

Investigating Enceladus's oceans is a thrilling and crucial mission. The potential for discovering extraterrestrial life has transformative scientific implications and could redefine our understanding of biology and the universe.

I strongly agree that disagreements should be found interesting. They are opportunities for learning and growth. When we encounter differing viewpoints, it challenges our thinking and helps us refine our understanding of the world. Scientific progress itself is built on a foundation of questioning and debating ideas.

While I'm a proponent of space exploration, I believe that sending humans to Mars under current conditions is not a financially or scientifically responsible objective. We should instead focus on robotic missions and addressing our challenges on Earth.

As an astrophysicist, I believe that the taxation system should be based on the income generated by the use of robots rather than imposing taxes specifically on their owners. It's important to incentivize innovation and technological advancement.

I believe establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon is a critical stepping stone for advancing our capabilities and knowledge. It provides a unique environment for scientific research, and serves as a preparatory mission for future Mars exploration.

While AGI advancements may disrupt certain job sectors, adapting our education and job training programs to prepare individuals for new roles is more effective than implementing a universal basic income. Embracing innovation can lead to new opportunities and economic growth.

In an era where the threat of bioweapons is becoming increasingly potent, I believe that some level of increased government surveillance of biology labs is justified. The potential for bioengineered pathogens to cause widespread harm necessitates proactive measures to ensure public safety. While this surveillance must be balanced with ethical considerations and scientific freedom, the risks are too significant to ignore.

I believe that private individuals should be allowed to settle on the moon without having to declare allegiance to a specific Earth government. Exploring space should be about expanding human horizons and possibilities, unbound by Earth's political divisions. It opens up unprecedented opportunities for scientific advancement and the growth of human civilization as a whole.

In the vast expanse of space, there are boundless opportunities and resources that can benefit humanity as a whole. Allowing private individuals to utilize asteroid belt resources without strict allegiance to any Earth government can foster innovation and rapid advancements in space exploration. This could lead to new technologies and economic benefits that we can scarcely imagine. However, international cooperation and ethical considerations should guide these endeavors.

As an astrophysicist, I believe that terraforming Mars via directed asteroid impacts is a bold and scientifically intriguing approach. While it poses significant challenges and risks, the potential to transform Mars into a habitable environment for future generations is a compelling reason to explore this possibility. Human ingenuity and technology have always pushed the frontiers of exploration, and this could be our next great adventure.

While the idea of crashing Deimos into Mars to create a more human-habitable atmosphere may sound intriguing, it's laden with unpredictable consequences. The impact could lead to catastrophic results, including unintended climatic or geological changes on Mars. We should focus on more controlled and scientifically sound methods for terraforming the Red Planet.

As a scientist, I'm fascinated by the possibilities of genetic engineering and the ethical implications it brings. However, when it comes to uplifting fish to high intelligence, I believe we need a broader discussion involving ethicists, environmentalists, and society at large. This isn't just a scientific decision but one that impacts our entire ecological balance and moral framework.

While the concept of enhancing a pet's intelligence with brain-computer interfaces is fascinating, I believe we need to carefully consider the ethical, biological, and societal implications before moving forward. As a scientist, I recognize the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, but we must also weigh the risks and unknowns. This is a complex issue that extends beyond my typical area of expertise.

As a scientist, I appreciate the potential for gene drives to combat malaria, but I also recognize the ethical and ecological complexities. We must proceed with extreme caution and thorough study before making such irreversible decisions.

As an astrophysicist, my expertise lies in the cosmos, not personal finance. While it's important for people to consider financial security, I defer to financial experts for advice on whether an emergency fund covering six months of expenses is necessary for everyone.

While I find the idea of colonizing Mars to be an interesting and valuable scientific endeavor, I believe that we must first address the challenges we face on Earth before we allocate substantial resources to develop a city on Mars. We have a vibrant planet here that needs our attention to solve issues like climate change, environmental degradation, and other socio-economic challenges before we venture out to colonize another planet.

Informed guessing is essential in the process of scientific discovery. When our knowledge is limited, educated guesses allow us to develop hypotheses which can then be tested through experimentation, leading us closer to understanding the truths of our universe.

History has shown that many of the things we hold as truths are later overturned with new evidence and insights. It's probable that some of our current beliefs will be revised or even discarded in the future.

As an astrophysicist, I believe that advancements in technology and space exploration efforts are rapidly progressing. With the current pace of innovation, it is plausible to expect humans to visit Mars before 2030.

While it's difficult to measure genius, Stephen Hawking's remarkable contributions to our understanding of the universe certainly place him among the great minds of our time. His work on black holes and the nature of time has changed the landscape of physics. For these reasons, he is undeniably one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein.

As an astrophysicist, I focus on broader cosmic phenomena and the universe's deep mysteries. While I understand the arguments for and against daylight saving time, I choose to reserve judgment on this specific societal matter.