We now know that the moon is demonstrably not there when nobody looks.N. David Mermin
“Reality is an illusion.” Even to myself I sound like a drooling hippy, but the difference between the hippy and me is that I know that it’s an illusion and they are just repeating something that sounds deep. I want to correct that by writing a few things about how reality works versus how we think reality works.
So, I’m going to write a little about quantum physics and my goal is to make the essays accessible enough for my 10 year old son to understand them (he’ll be editing the essays before they are published).
You may feel like physics is a big departure from procrastination or motivational essays, but think about this:
Maybe we think our careers really are important. How can we know—not just tell ourselves, but really know—what’s important unless we understand what the world is made of? If you’re playing a game that gives you infinite lives are you going to take bigger risks than if you know you just have one life? If the game of life is scored by love and you’re focusing on cash, won’t you lose the game?
The world according to Scott Bacula's chest hair
Physics. What we know (so far) about the way the world really works. I’m not a professional physicist, but I will definitely be soliciting the advice of those who are to make sure what I write is accurate (instead of hand wavy bullshit you get most of the time).
The series will lay the mysteries of quantum mechanics bare:
Pete, do you plan on finishing this essay? I’d like to know your thoughts on the bullets you listed under Physics. Thanks, Greg
Greg, I look at the outline every week. I think about it… I have a solid direction for it, but the issue is that I don’t think people would want to read about it. I’m not sure–clearly you want to read about it. Maybe if I can figure out how to pack a “practical lesson” into the series, I’ll do it?
I love quantum mechanics, and I’d be interested to see your take on it. I wrote this a while back because it fascinated me all through university
http://alison.caffeinatedbliss.com/thoughts/quantummechanics.php
Taking the uncertainty principle on a bit, it’s impossible to know everything with precision. You can know one thing, or another, but not both at once. I’m not sure if I’d prefer to be a generalist and know something of both things, or a specialist and be really good at just the one.
I want to read it!
I would like to read it. I hate ( well perhaps hate is s too strong); I am apprehensive about anything mathematical…so bring it on!
Actually yes, this series is back on the front burner, watch for it!