Particles found to break the speed of light
An international team of scientists said on Thursday they had recorded sub-atomic particles travelling faster than light -- a finding that could overturn one of Einstein's long-accepted fundamental laws of the universe.
I'd like to list the three main reasons why I chose this article:
- The mention of Albert Einstein and the wondrous world of the physics community
- The chance to insert this picture of Albert Einstein into this blog
- How I believe that it ties in perfectly with individualism. Individualism has allowed individuals (and groups of individuals) to pursue self-interests rather than the interests of the state. Although in this example, it can be argued that the group of physicists were only in it for the money and recognition, I believe that they also wanted to satiate their own curious appetite of the natural world --- pushing beyond religion, society, and what has always been taught in school. Individualism is beautiful in the way that it allows people to acquire an interest in something, to nurture it, and to see where it leads. Many advancements in society, such as the printing press and automobiles, have been accessible largely due to the ideology of individualism (that humans are rational, and society will only benefit from individuals working their hardest at what they do best).
Much science-fiction literature is based on the idea that, if the light-speed barrier can be overcome, time travel might theoretically become possible
And will ya look at that? Individualistic ideals allowed these fine men and women of the physics world to explore their theories, and provide results that may or may not shatter the underlying foundation of physics as we know it today. During the dark ages-- where the feudal system, absolute rule, and God, were regarded above all else-- any idea that could undermine society was shunned. In fact, "radical" ideas such as even thinking of reaching out beyond God for an explanation was unheard of. Individualism has placed an emphasis on the individual to do what they're best at and, in that way will hopefully advance society for the better. Who wouldn't like to travel back in time (without the consequences of mucking up the future)? Individuals. Freedom. Advancing society.
