Frames of Reference, Eyes of the beholder… E= mc2

Hey folks, let’s play a little visualization game. 

Here are the rules of the game, a la Transporter style:

1. Read the short sentences
2. Without blinking, try to visualize first image/ picture that comes to your mind

A crater brimming with water….

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. 

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)”.  

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.

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!!!!!!