Albert Einstein
I caught the last half hour of a Nova episode on the scientific efforts to reach absolute zero. Being a geek that appreciates the science behind it I found it to be extremely interesting. Beyond the science, it was great to see a program featuring people who are very passionate about what they do. It’s especially refreshing considering that my current job is in the corporate world which has a habit of finding passionate people and crushing their souls, er, I digress….
Additionally, I was amazed that 83 years ago physicists predicted a change in the quantum state of matter at near absolute zero. Ok, one of the physicists was Albert Einstein. Still we’re talking about people that spend their lives thinking about things that will likely never be seen or produced in a laboratory setting. That’s an amazing thing. Especially to a History major where facts are not the focus of study as much as interpretation.
The show went on to cover how this research can be used in the pursuit of quantum computing. Again, something that might never be fully realized during the researchers lifetimes yet the passion they displayed during the interviews is inspiring.
So to all the physicists and theoretical scientists who live in our world but work in realms undreamed of by most, thank you.
Here’s a little slice from another of my favorite scientific documentaries…
