I confess, that very different from you, I do find sometimes scientific inspiration in mysticism ... but this is counterbalanced by an immediate sense for mathematics.
Wolfgang PauliRead
The radiations that pour upon the earth cause the biosphere to take on properties unknown to lifeless planetary surfaces, and thus transform the face of the earth. Activated by radiation, the matter of the biosphere collects and redistributes solar energy, and converts it ultimately into free energy capable of doing work on earth.
Interpretation
The quote explains how solar radiation enables the biosphere to sustain life and perform work.
Vladimir Vernadsky highlights the transformative power of solar radiation on Earth, which not only sustains the biosphere but also empowers it to perform work, thus differentiating living systems from inanimate planetary surfaces. This reflects the intricate relationship between energy, life, and the environment, emphasizing the vital role of solar energy in maintaining and enhancing life on our planet.
In practice
In a lecture on ecology, this quote can underscore the importance of solar energy in sustaining life on Earth.
I confess, that very different from you, I do find sometimes scientific inspiration in mysticism ... but this is counterbalanced by an immediate sense for mathematics.
I have seen firsthand that agricultural science has enormous potential to increase the yields of small farmers and lift them out of hunger and poverty.
Thousands of years ago, humans domesticated every possible large wild mammal species fulfilling all those criteria and worth domesticating, with the result that there have been no valuable additions of domestic animals in recent times, despite the efforts of modern science.
...while science gives us implements to use, science alone does not determine for what ends they will be employed. Radio is an amazing invention. Yet now that it is here, one suspects that Hitler never could have consolidated his totalitarian control over Germany without its use. One never can tell what hands will reach out to lay hold on scientific gifts, or to what employment they will be put. Ever the old barbarian emerges, destructively using the new civilization.
Scientific understanding is often beautiful, a profoundly aesthetic experience which gives pleasure not unlike the reading of a great poem.
Growing up in Hampton, the face of science was brown like mine.
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