It is hard to think of practical applications of the black hole. Because practical applications are so remote, many people assume we should not be interested. But this quest to understand the world is what defines us as human beings.
Interpretation
The study of black holes may seem impractical, but it is fundamental to our nature as humans to seek understanding of the universe.
Yuri Milner highlights that while understanding black holes may not have immediate practical applications, the pursuit of knowledge and the quest to comprehend the universe is a defining characteristic of humanity. This reflects a deeper philosophical stance on the value of curiosity and exploration, suggesting that the drive to seek understanding is intrinsic to being human, regardless of the tangible benefits that may arise from it.
In practice
During a lecture on astrophysics, one could use this quote to inspire students to pursue research in seemingly abstract areas.
Fundamental physics is like an art more or less. It's completely non-practical, and you can't use it for anything. But it's about the universe and how the world came into being. It's very remote from your daily life and mine, and yet it defines us as human beings.
The edifice of science not only requires material, but also a plan. Without the material, the plan alone is but a castle in the air-a mere possibility; whilst the material without a plan is but useless matter.
I've been so lucky to have done two spacewalks. If you looked at your wristwatch, I was outside about 15 hours, which is about 10 times around the world. And, you know, there's a whole time dilation, distortion thing.
I don't expect that the million will ever be won, simply because there is no confirming evidence for any paranormal claims to date.
I can never satisfy myself until I can make a mechanical model of a thing. If I can make a mechanical model, I can understand it. As long as I cannot make a mechanical model all the way through I cannot understand.
Physicists are more like avant-garde composers, willing to bend traditional rules... Mathematicians are more like classical composers.
If it were only a few degrees, that would be serious, but we could adapt to it. But the danger is the warming process might be unstable and run away. We could end up like Venus, covered in clouds and with the surface temperature of 400 degrees. It could be too late if we wait until the bad effects of warming become obvious. We need action now to reduce emission of carbon dioxide.
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