#rp20 Speaker Ralph Caspers — "Everything’s pointless”

TV presenter, (screenplay) author and actor Ralph Caspers is probably familiar to many of you from children's TV shows "Wissen macht Ah!" and "Die Sendung mit der Maus" as well as the science show "Quarks". In his work, he explains the world to young and old—from curious everyday questions, culture and politics to complex scientific and technical contexts. In 2019 he was awarded the Order of Merit (“Bundesverdienstorden”) in the category "Educating Engagement". Besides his work for television, Ralph Caspers also writes books for children and young people. He is also one of the German ambassadors of the UN Decade of Biological Diversity. You can find Ralph on Twitter here.

ASAP—3 questions for … Ralph Caspers

We asked Ralph about his keynote at #rp20, the most pressing issues for him at the moment and his recommended readings, music or movies.

What topic will you talk about at re:publica?
I'll talk about how everything’s pointless. And the feeling you get when you think you have ONE unique thought, only to find out that ALL unique thoughts you could ever have, Shakespeare had over 400 years ago already. The bastard. But otherwise my Talk will be uplifting and witty.

True to this year’s motto—what’s the most pressing issue for you personally at the moment?
I’m typing this text on my smartphone while waiting for my next appointment in a neighbourhood I don't know—and I just realized that I forgot to go to the toilet. That is currently MY most pressing issue. On a different note I’m convinced that Facebook must be destroyed.

What’s your reading, movie or music recommendation that everyone should check out ASAP?
It's all changing so fast. Currently, I'm listening to "The End of the Game" by Weezer. I'm always looking forward to new Weezer albums. Next on my playlist: "Circle the Drain" by Soccer Mommy. Guitars always put me in a good mood. At home "The Case Against Reality" by Donald Hoffman is waiting for me. A book that deals with the true nature of reality and questions like: Is the green I see, the same green you see?