Hey
folks, let’s play a little visualization game.
Here are the rules of
the game, a la Transporter style:
- Read the short sentences
- Without blinking, try to visualize first image/ picture that comes to your mind
OR.....
S1,
S2, S3...
OR....
I am sure every phrase will evoke many visuals among the readers and the
reason for that, is our mental set-up. The ‘Frames of Reference’ that are
associated with each individual; create the images/ visuals in our mind.
Taking
the visualization game forward, name Albert Einstein has a strong visual recall
of his famous hairdo and E=mc2.
Just like an actor is known by the roles/characters he plays, a man is known by the company he keeps; scientist is generally known by the Nobel award winning invention/work. However our man is clearly an aberration to this assumption. Such is a strong association of E=mc2 to Einstein that we have almost forgotten that in 1921 The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Albert Einstein "for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect and not for his work on relativity”!!!!!!
Agreed, but E=mc2
is not just about energy and mass equilibrium. As aptly writ by Encyclopedia Britannica blog; “E = mc2 is the world’s most famous equation—a
mathematical formula with the power to transcend the barriers of language and
culture. Matching its popularity is its deceiving complexity. Its symbols,
although easily recognized, embody concepts contrary to the way things seem to
be.”
In my opinion, this seemingly simple scientific equation connects with human psyche, human nature.
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| Source: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9810.Albert_Einstein |
Just like an actor is known by the roles/characters he plays, a man is known by the company he keeps; scientist is generally known by the Nobel award winning invention/work. However our man is clearly an aberration to this assumption. Such is a strong association of E=mc2 to Einstein that we have almost forgotten that in 1921 The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Albert Einstein "for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect and not for his work on relativity”!!!!!!
Some
two years ago, I wrote about what is E= mc2 ,whereas today, I am writing on E=mc2
from another perspective. Cursory Googling indicates that E=mc2 is
very popular scientific equation. Here’s my take on understanding the secret of
popularity of the equation, and as always I stand to be corrected,
corroborated…..
Unlike
the other scientific equations it’s very easy on mind and simple to remember,
making it ‘relatively’ easy for the most adored species of R K Laxman, a common
man, to understand one of the complex concepts in the science arena. Somebody
might counter argue and say “Yeah it’s simple, but so is ‘F= ma’ or ‘V – E + F
= 2 (Euler’s Equation)”.
In my opinion, this seemingly simple scientific equation connects with human psyche, human nature.
Said Plato, “Beauty is
in the eyes of the beholder” and thus indicated subjective/ relative’ nature of
human behavior. The origin of E= mc2 i.e.
‘relativity (special relativity)’, gives
every human being a chance to think that he/she is right even when he is
not!!!!
Philosophers always preach,
‘starve the ego, feed the soul’ however the equation is very easily able to
feed both ego and soul at the same time and in my opinion that’s the ‘causa fundamental’
for such popularity.
For commoners like
us, the equation has other uses too……one would find the equation pretty useful
even in daily life. One can also use this equation as a way to resolve
conflicts. Since relativity, subjectivity gives everyone a chance to be
right/correct, anytime you have a conflict, rather than using crass language/
foul words, wear a smile and just say E= mc2. The baffled expression
on the other person’s face could soothe you!!!!!!
