Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Brian Eno

Music producer Brian Eno describes his favourite moment in the history of science.

Music producer, Brian Eno, describes his favourite moment in the history of science.

In 1970, the British mathematician John Conway worked out the Game of Life. "I'm not a mathematician but this idea made immediate sense to me", says Brian.

The Game of Life proves that incredibly complex things can be generated from something startlingly simple.

It's like a board game that has a very simple set of rules. You expect to be able to predict the outcome but you absolutely can't. "You just have to keep watching it happen to believe it, " says Brian who has spent many many hours doing just that.

The Game of Life is deeply counter-intuitive. It sheds light on what makes evolution possible and has had a huge influence on Brian Eno's music.

5 minutes

Last on

Fri 28 May 2010 12:53

Broadcasts

  • Mon 24 May 2010 16:55
  • Fri 28 May 2010 12:53