#142: Dr. Brian Keating – How Religion Helps An Astrophysicist Make Sense Of The Universe

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Career Setbacks
Dr. Brian Keating shares a pivotal moment in his career when he was unexpectedly fired from his postdoctoral position at Stanford University. Despite the initial embarrassment and uncertainty, this setback became a turning point that led him to new opportunities, including a connection with Andrew Lang at Caltech. Keating reflects on this experience, stating,
That day I got fired was the best thing that ever happened to me.
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This event set him on a path that ultimately led to significant achievements, including the creation of the BICEP experiment and his current role as a professor in San Diego 1 2.
Personal Loss
Reflecting on personal loss, Dr. Keating discusses the profound impact of losing his postdoctoral advisor, Andrew Lang, and his father. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the transmission of values across generations, likening it to a form of time travel. Keating shares his belief that
there are resources, there are people that you can talk to when you feel like all hope is lost.
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This perspective underscores his commitment to influencing future generations, both through his scientific work and personal interactions 3 4.
Impostor Syndrome
Dr. Keating addresses the pervasive issue of impostor syndrome, even among highly accomplished individuals like Nobel Prize winners. He recounts a conversation with Barry Barrish, a Nobel laureate, who admitted to feeling inadequate despite his monumental achievements. Keating highlights that
it's normal to feel like, well, I'm going to strive for something, but even if I get there, I'm still going to feel like I don't deserve it.
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This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that such feelings are common and can be overcome through self-awareness and understanding 5 6.