Physicist Sylvester James Gates on Art, Science, and the Future

Sylvester James Gates Jr. (born 1950 in Tampa), a theoretical physicist and MIT graduate, is a professor at the California Institute of Technology known for his work on supersymmetry, supergravity, and superstring theory. He served on the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology under President Obama. In an interview for the series 'Futuro Antico' on Artribune, Gates discusses the intersection of art and mathematics. In 2005, with physicist Michael Fox, he discovered that superstring equations could be translated into graphic images, enabling study through image properties. In 2020, with two graduate students, he solved a problem with 4.2 billion unknowns using those graphic images as a basis for computer code. Gates emphasizes the importance of diverse locations for innovation, describing it as both physical and mental space. He cites Einstein's view of the universe as a mystery and expresses three wishes: that humanity distinguishes rational thought from emotion, that a device eliminates fear (referencing Frank Herbert's 'Dune'), and that the golden rule be amplified through media. He advises young people to ask what life aligns with their heart's desire, as passion leads to hard work and success. The interview is part of a series featuring figures like Massimo Ammaniti, Patrizia Sandretto, and Anselm Kiefer.