|
Richard Feynman was one of the most outstanding minds in the natural sciences.
However his thoughts go beyond the esoteric equations and functions of mathematics and physics - and had influenced how we see the natural world, and our place in it. |
"I don't know anything, but I do know that everything is interesting if you go into it deeply enough." - Richard Feynman, from Omni interview "The Smartest Man in the World" (1979)
Richard Feynman exerted an enormous influence over science, art, and philosophy. As a theoretical physicist, he is known for his work in the path quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and the physics of superfluidity. Feynman, jointly with Julian Schwinger and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965.
He assisted in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II and became known to a wide public in the 1980's as a member of the Rogers Commission, the panel that investigated the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Feynman is credited as a pioneer in the field of quantum computing and is credited with introducing the concept of nanotechnology.
Feynman has captivated audiences over the world through his series of lectures, and much of his life is captured in the humorous book Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!. James Gleick recounts, "At 23 … there was no physicist on earth who could match his exuberant command over the native materials of theoretical science."
He assisted in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II and became known to a wide public in the 1980's as a member of the Rogers Commission, the panel that investigated the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Feynman is credited as a pioneer in the field of quantum computing and is credited with introducing the concept of nanotechnology.
Feynman has captivated audiences over the world through his series of lectures, and much of his life is captured in the humorous book Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!. James Gleick recounts, "At 23 … there was no physicist on earth who could match his exuberant command over the native materials of theoretical science."
Ponder this
What is the purpose of life? To ignore it? To embrace it?
Are humans special? What about the Earth, considering how vast the universe is?
How do we know that we know something? Is it from what others tell us, or from what we find out ourselves?
Discuss
Feynman's appreciation of our world goes beyond enjoying it, but to understand it. He does not accept the explanations given, but would rather discover it for himself. To him, those who came before, who provides explanation to the meaning of life, the reason behind the universe, may be mistaken due to their lack of knowledge or understanding of it. What is your opinion on this approach to life?
Further readings
Richard Feynman, at Wikipedia
Richard Feynman: Accidental Philosopher, at Philosophy Now magazine.
Mr. Feynman Wasn't Joking, a New York Times article on Prof. Feynman's book The Meaning Of It All.
