Richard P. Feynman an astounding theoretical physicist and professor
∆ Quantum mechanics & particle physics
∆ Quantum electrodynamics (QED) for which he shared a Nobel Prize
∆ Superfluidity of liquid helium
The diagram above is of a vector boson fusion producing a Higgs boson. Feynman developed this method of representing particle interactions which have been important to the understanding of work in particle accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider.
The following is a wonderful video of Feynman talking about light
There are the rushing waves… mountains of molecules, each stupidly minding its own business… trillions apart …yet forming white surf in unison.
Ages on ages… before any eyes could see… year after year… thunderously pounding the shore as now. For whom, for what? …on a dead planet with no life to entertain.
Never at rest… tortured by energy… wasted prodigiously by the sun… poured into space. A mite makes the sea roar.
Deep in the sea, all molecules repeat the patterns of another till complex new ones are formed. They make others like themselves… and a new dance starts.
Growing in size and complexity… living things, masses of atoms, DNA, protein… dancing a pattern ever more intricate.
Out of the cradle onto dry land… here it is standing… atoms with consciousness …matter with curiosity.
Stands at the sea… wonders at wondering… I… a universe of atoms… an atom in the universe.
- a poem by Richard Feynman from “The Value of Science”, 1955
“The world is strange. The whole universe is very strange. But see– when you look at the details and you find out that the rules are very simple– of the game.” -Richard Feynman
Having a scientific world-view doesn’t mean giving up feelings of mystery, magic, and awe. If understanding more about the world makes you feel it’s boring, you may need to rethink how you approach it. Do you have a “phone” in your pocket, or a magical device crafted by electrical wizards that gives you the power to summon most of human knowledge in moments? The magic is in how you look at it.
“I’m just looking to find out more about the world. And if it turns out that there is a simple ultimate law that explains everything, so be it. That would be very nice to discover. If it turns out it’s like an onion with millions of layers and we’re just sick and tired of looking at the layers, then that’s the way it is. But whatever way it comes out, nature is there and she’s going to come out the way she is.” - Richard Feynman
