Driving under the influence of Feynman
Published February 11, 2004
And speaking of the news, let me leave you with one more Feynman quotefrom the book I've been listening to:
- "To decide upon the answer is not scientific. In order to makeprogress, one must leave the door to the unknown ajar. Ajar only. Weare only at the beginning of the development of the human race, of thedevelopment of the human mind, of intelligent life. We have years andyears in the future.
It's our responsibility not to give the answer today as to what it isall about, to drive everybody down in that direction and to say, 'Thisis the solution to it all,' because we will be chained, then, to thelimits of our present imagination. We will only be able to do thosethings that we think today are the things to do. Whereas, if we leavealways some room for doubt, some room for discussion and proceed in away analogous to the sciences, then this difficulty will not arise.
I believe, therefore, that although it is not the case today, thatthere may someday come a time, I should hope, when it will be fullyappreciated that the power of government should be limited, thatgovernments ought not to be empowered to decide the validity ofscientific theories, that this is a ridiculous thing for them to try todo, that they are not to decide the various descriptions of history orof economic theory or of philosophy. Only in this way can the realpossibilities of the future human race be ultimately developed."
UPDATE: Here's a link to more on Carlo Montemagno, which includes a short videoof the nanotech researcher explaining "biobots." At right is a pictureI took (all rights reserved, etc., etc.) of Montemagno giving hisForesight Institute Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology acceptance speech at a conferencelast October.
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- Driving under the influence of Feynman
- Published: February 11, 2004
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- Section: Books
- Filed Under: Books: Biography, Books: History, Books: Nonfiction, Books: Politics and Affairs, Books: Science
- Writer: Howard Lovy
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Comments on this articleComments
I would restate that, and say that Feynman was not just merely entertaining, he was a genius, in the true sense of the word.
plus, he was somehow able to convey complex physics topics so that even physics morons (and i'm including myself in that list) can get something out of it.
Feynman is one of my role models for going your own way without regard to the general nitwittery of the population. He achieved that state of transcendence. I'm still just striving.
While we are talking certifiable genuises, I have an entry about polymath musician, physicist and writer Richard Powers up here at Blogcritics, too. He is another one of those people who awe me with their ability.
Regarding Feynman, "He achieved that state of transcendence. I'm still just striving." Mac Diva
How can you read Feynman, then make such a rediculous post about the "average Indian"? Feynman would turn green.
Actually, you can go to a "state of transcendence" in an instant. The problem will then be in staying there. Good Luck to us all.
excellent job Howard, thanks!
I would also recommend "TUVA OR BUST", an entertaining and informative book that touches on the inquisitive, obsessional nature of Feynmann's brilliance.
Very fun read.
(BTW: It has nothing to do with Physics)
The W. Post has a great review of a re-release of Feynman's books. Details here.
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(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/12629)
Feyman wasn't just a genius. He was also very entertaining. I love his books. Thanks for reminding me.