Introduction
One thing I have learned in a long life: that all our science, measured against
reality, is primitive and childlike—and yet it is the most precious thing we have
—Albert Einstein [1].
In the modern world, science and technology are all around us. Almost every
tool that we encounter on a daily basis is a product of modern technology.
This trend 1 will continue, and even accelerate, in the foreseeable future.
Adverse side effects from science, such as the creation of various means of
mass destruction, climate change, pollution and overpopulation, attract and
merit concern. The pros and cons of our blind progress are debated vigorously
throughout the world on a daily basis, to the extent that science is seen by
some to threaten the very existence of our species.
However, science, originally known as natural philosophy, was born because
of the very human desire to understand the natural world. In undertaking
this quest, we have let science lead us, as Ulysses led his sailors, into new and
wonderful domains that stretch our imaginations and credulity. The journey
is far from complete, and no end is in sight.
Unfortunately, to participate actively in this extraordinary adventure
requires a thorough grounding in advanced mathematics, which is not available to all. With this book, we have attempted to guide the lay reader on
1 Called sarcastically Le magnifiche sorti e progressive (the magnificent and progressive fate) by the
Italian poet, Giacomo Leopardi (1798–1837).
xi
One thing I have learned in a long life: that all our science, measured against
reality, is primitive and childlike—and yet it is the most precious thing we have
—Albert Einstein [1].
In the modern world, science and technology are all around us. Almost every
tool that we encounter on a daily basis is a product of modern technology.
This trend 1 will continue, and even accelerate, in the foreseeable future.
Adverse side effects from science, such as the creation of various means of
mass destruction, climate change, pollution and overpopulation, attract and
merit concern. The pros and cons of our blind progress are debated vigorously
throughout the world on a daily basis, to the extent that science is seen by
some to threaten the very existence of our species.
However, science, originally known as natural philosophy, was born because
of the very human desire to understand the natural world. In undertaking
this quest, we have let science lead us, as Ulysses led his sailors, into new and
wonderful domains that stretch our imaginations and credulity. The journey
is far from complete, and no end is in sight.
Unfortunately, to participate actively in this extraordinary adventure
requires a thorough grounding in advanced mathematics, which is not available to all. With this book, we have attempted to guide the lay reader on
1 Called sarcastically Le magnifiche sorti e progressive (the magnificent and progressive fate) by the
Italian poet, Giacomo Leopardi (1798–1837).
xi