2003-11-25
So, dig this:

I'm watching PBS (and, yes, I am one of the dorks who actually watches Public Broadcasting for pure personal enjoyment) and Briane Greene's "The Elegant Universe" comes on.

I know, I know. Contain your excitement.

In case you didn't know, "The Elegant Universe" is actually a book about theoretical physics that PBS has now made into an informational series. It is an introduction into string theory, the theory that everything in the universe is composed of vibrating strings of energy giving rise to hidden dimensions which could exist parallel to our own - without us even knowing it.

At least, I think that's what string theory is. Television easily confuses me. Must be all the flashing pictures.

I'm not much on mathematics but, the thing about theoretical physics that intrigues me, is that it's part math and part philosophy. Far from being an expert on the anything scientific (definitely fall squarely in the Arts and Humanities camp myself), my take on physics is that you theorize about an event and use math to support that theory. So, basically, you philosophize about the universe.

Gotta admit that's kinda cool.

But I didn't know that was string theory until I saw the program.

The reason why I wanted to read the book is because I thought it was a catchy title.

The Elegant Universe. It has a ring to it, n'est pas?

Yeah, not very intellectual of me. But, hey, at least you know I can read. That has to be worth something.

And double points for throwing in some French at the end.

A few years ago, I saw an ex-professor of mine reading "The Elegant Universe" while waiting for his double espresso at Starbucks.

Seeing him with the book really sparked my interest.

When I was in his class, I would always see him reading on campus. Often, I tried to (nonchalantly) get a look at what he was reading - because he seemed like the kind of person who would read captivating things. Of course, I'm not the stealthiest of people - so my observing nonchalantly probably more resembled overt staring slightly bordering on malicious stalking.

All this time I thought the reason why he ran away whenever he saw me was because of his acute (and surprisingly sudden) interest in physical fitness. Hmmm. Interesting.

Anyway, he went to Harvard and was an expert on world religion (particulary Indian religion and philosophy).

But neither of those credentials really impressed me.

The thing that I liked most about him was the way he talked. I remember, while I was in one of his classes, I would constantly write down what he said. Not just because, well, that tends to be the thing to do while one is in class (and most effective way of notetaking) - but because I loved the way he formed his thoughts.

I once had a teacher tell me that I spoke in paragraphs. I'm not really sure how to take that - but, because I like to self-delude, I took it as a compliment. If I speak in paragraphs, then this professor spoke in primary colors. He had this vivid way of describing the world that instantly commanded your attention.

Or my attention anyway.

However, the man was a dick. Not just your garden variety dick either. He was a bigger dick than Ron Jeremy on Viagra.

God, he annoyed me.

But boy did he have pretty words. Such pretty, pretty words.

I think I've strayed off my point. Did I have a point?

I think I started with a point which apparently triggered some suppressed rage against my ex-World Religion professor.

Hmmm. Interesting.

The Elegant Universe: A book that NOT ONLY describes basic theorectial physics in a light hearted, easy to read manner BUT ALSO awakens latent rage and subjugated hostility borne out of dormant psychological trauma.

Wow, powerful stuff.

No wonder they made it into a PBS special.

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