“In the spring of 1985, Edward Witten, one of the brightest young physicists at Princeton University, announced that he would give a lecture. Rumors were rife. Some said they had heard that Witten had a new theory of the universe. Others were skeptical. Whether or not one believed the rumors, it was clear that this lecture would be a remarkable occasion. Perhaps it would be a historic event. When the appointed hour arrived, the lecture hall was packed with people, some old and famous, some young, but all full of expectation. Witten spoke very quickly for an hour and a half without stopping. It was a display of mathematical virtuosity. It was also, as Witten calmly observed at the end, a new theory of the universe.
At the end of his talk, no one in the audience dared to make a cutting comment; everyone was silent. None of us had the courage to stand up and reveal the depths of our ignorance. As we left the room I could hear the voices of people asking, in hushed tones, the questions no one had dared to ask: “Is this just another way or is it real?” “What is a superstring?” “Does it have any connection to the real world?” Lots of questions but no answers. I describe this scene because it gives a sense of what it means to explore the universe at the highest level of abstraction. Witten took a big risk. He went so far into abstraction that few even among his peers know what he is talking about. But he is not alone. He did not invent superstrings; they were invented by two young physicists in California and London. Witten’s role is to give superstrings a mathematical structure that impressively mirrors the observed structure of particles and fields in the universe.
After listening to him, many of his audience members went back to their desks and did their homework, reading his papers and learning his language. Next time he speaks, we will understand him better. Next time, perhaps, we will be brave enough to ask questions.”
Freeman Dyson in "Infinite in All Directions" who tells of his meeting with Edward Witten during a lecture he gave on superstrings.
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου