Two Infinities... And Beyond (Infinity Part 2)

Two Infinities... And Beyond (Infinity Part 2)

From The Rest Is Science by Goalhanger

March 30, 2026 · 49 min · Season 1 · Episode 36

About this episode

The episode explores the historical and philosophical implications of infinity, featuring discussions on ancient Greek fears and Georg Cantor's contributions to the concept.

Why were the ancient Greeks absolutely terrified of the infinite? How did a boundless mathematical concept start bitter historical feuds? And what happens to reality when you realise that some infinities are actually bigger than others? Professor Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens (VSauce) plunge back into the mind-bending history of infinity, tracking the spectacular panic it caused across the centuries. From individuals trying to mathematically contain it, to others wrestling with its endless quantities, they explore how the greatest thinkers clashed over the universe's most impossible idea. The chaos truly peaks with Georg Cantor, the man who completely broke maths by proving that infinity comes in different sizes. Building on part one, where Hannah and Michael desperately tried to figure out if this strange beast is an actual number or just a brilliant hallucination, this second episode looks at the human cost of counting forever. ------------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://cancerresearchuk.org/restisscience⁠⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales…

People in this episode

Host: Professor Hannah Fry

Guest: Michael Stevens

Topics covered

  • infinity
  • mathematics
  • history of science
  • philosophy
  • Georg Cantor
  • ancient Greeks
  • concept of infinity

Keywords

  • infinity
  • mathematics
  • Georg Cantor
  • ancient Greeks
  • philosophy
  • historical feuds
  • counting forever

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cancer Research UK

Places: England, Wales, Scotland, Isle of Man, Jersey

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