This is an incredible moment in this history of mathematics, computer science, physics & science with some of the hardest problems in human history being solved by AI over a period of weeks. Depending on your perspective, it's either a crisis, a triumph, or both. I don't think anyone knows for sure. We're all trying to make sense of it. I oscillate between fear/dread and optimism/excitement on a daily basis. The rate of progress is insane, including today's announcement from OpenAI of more problems solved. To help make sense of all of it, here's my conversation with three mathematicians about this moment. Each of them is an expert in the field of each of the biggest problems solved: Navier-Stokes, quasi-Riemann hypothesis, the unique games conjecture and complexity theory more generally. Ankur Moitra is a mathematician and theoretical computer scientist at MIT, visiting the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Steven Brunton (@eigensteve) is a mathematician and fluid dynamics expert at UW. Alex Kontorovich (@AlexKontorovich) is a mathematician at Rutgers specializing in number theory.
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Here's the links to the conversation: YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=ZAzWPE9C… Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2MAi0B… Podcast: lexfridman.com/podcast

Oct 26, 2026 · 11:27 PM UTC

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Boy, have you got a surprise coming, Lex. I’m not entirely sure what these chaps have been up to these past few weeks, as I’ve been rather busy dealing with all of the above. As such, while everyone has been trying to make sense of this extraordinary moment, I’ve been finishing something rather larger. This is the Continuity Model, and yes, it is very real, my friend.
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Thank you for being honest about swinging between fear and excitement. That feels like the truest place to stand right now. I’m curious what surprised the three of them more: that AI solved these problems, or how it solved them? I’m looking forward to listening.
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Crisis for the Ego of “Mathmaticians”… they have become obsolete.
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AI advancement would be amazing if humans didn’t weaponize literally everything to kill or control one another with. Unfortunately, the world’s most evil people have the reigns so it’s scary AF bc we all know what they’re going to do with it. It’s only a matter of time. 😔
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Talk to a real expert on proof and I’ll explain how weak these “groundbreaking results” are from OpenAI. They are hyping it because it’s internal, not because humans aren’t beating their models or doing better things with their models than THEM. Get that scoop.
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One of the most fascinating podcasts and Lex is amazing to bring in few most amazing minds together . This group has been one of the best for me. Maths is so amazing . A must watch 👍
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@lexfridman w/o listening why use the word crisis? Doesn't seem your vibe or descriptive of the times. Do you not agree that this is something closer to an "acceleration" to be discussed even if all three guests feel threatened?
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Dude, am I the only one who won't watch Lex's episodes because I'm too dumb ?
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Best thing I watched in a while. Thanks for all 3 and half hours. 👏🏿👏🏿🙌🏾🙌🏾
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is it a crisis though…seems like an opportunity
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Maths is naught more than a cosmic MacGuffin. "So far as the theories of mathematics are about reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality" - Albert Einstein youtu.be/wJEi1lVD-gk?si=h_PL…
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@grok summarize the opinions of three experts on three or more topics
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Acces the link in above tweet Summarise all points in less than 12 words each Cc @grok
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One of my favorite podcasts!
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