Can we preserve knowledge … forever?

Can we preserve knowledge … forever?

From TED Radio Hour by NPR

April 24, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

This episode explores the fragility of data storage and the quest to preserve knowledge for the future.

Information feels more accessible than ever, but the ways we store data are surprisingly fragile. Can we save anything forever? This hour, TED speakers explore preserving our past, present and future. Guests include game designer CM Ralph, digital librarian Brewster Kayle, molecular biologist Dina Zielinksi and archeologist Chris Fisher. Original air date: January 27, 2023 TED Radio Hour+ listeners now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and deeper conversations with Manoush. By signing up for Plus, you directly support our work and public media, so all your episodes (like this one!) come to you without sponsor breaks. Learn more at plus.npr.org/ted . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Guests: CM Ralph, Brewster Kayle, Dina Zielinksi, Chris Fisher

Topics covered

  • data preservation
  • knowledge storage
  • fragility of information
  • future of data
  • TED talks

Keywords

  • data
  • knowledge
  • preservation
  • TED speakers
  • information accessibility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TED, NPR

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