I've always been puzzled by the fact that so many people see Feynman coming across as a jerk or something like that in this clip. I think it's because ordinary everyday English language doesn't have a good way to tell someone that their <i>question</i> is wrong—that it's assuming something it shouldn't, and the assumption is what should be questioned instead. It's curious that even when asking for new knowledge, people can be affronted by the implication that they don't know what they're talking about. Physics is hardly the only field where you learn that the everyday understanding is an oversimplification, and a beginner being misled by those oversimplifications has no reason to be embarrassed.
Great Feynman clip. It's very difficult to not feel his underlying passion and curiosity. As an add, I enjoy this animated short of Feynman elaborating on the intersection of art and science:<p>Richard Feynman - <i>Ode To A Flower</i> - <a href="https://vimeo.com/55874553" rel="nofollow">https://vimeo.com/55874553</a>
Louis CK on the same topic:<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u2ZsoYWwJA" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u2ZsoYWwJA</a>
A fantastic mind with such an ability to relate the otherwise un-relatable. "Six Easy Pieces" is an accessible read if you find this interesting.
The importance of his answer and the care with which he framed it comes at the very end of the clip. Without specifying a context he cannot answer the question. Leading up to that one is made to understand that without limiting the question to a particular context, an infinite regress is unavoidable. Brilliant, well articulated point that most people don't think about.