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Lisa Randall studies theoretical particle physics and cosmology at Harvard University. Her research connects theoretical insights to puzzles in our current understanding of the properties and interactions of matter. She[…]

Greed has been a major motivating factor, says Randall.

Lisa Randall: I mean ultimately . . . That’s a really difficult question. I think there are some people that really try to make the world better. I think there are some people who are greedy. There are some people that think they know the answers and want the world to be (46:13) the way they see it. I think that some people just believe in beauty and try to make the world more beautiful. And I think there’s . . . I do think there’s sort of a general curiosity. There’s a desire for information that people have. And I think that also shapes the world – wanting to explore or wanting to know things better; wanting to share more information; wanting to be in touch. I mean if you look at a lot of the communication advances, people like being in touch. And I think . . . So I mean you know one can say forces like religion, but I think . . . you know I think it’s more economic forces that are driving it in some ways. And for people . . . I guess most people want to be able to shape their own destiny. I think to the extent that people feel in control, or have influencing power, they’re happier. I think people wanna be around people they feel comfortable with. That shapes the world too. Recorded On: 11/2/08


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