The Beauty of The Inspired Mind

You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world, but when you’re finished, you’ll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird… So let’s look at the bird and see what it’s doing — that’s what counts. I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something. – Richard Feynman

I believe Science will continue to evolve to the level that one day we will be able to quantify that which we currently regard as metaphysics. And the kind of Scientist who could make that happen would be – in my opinion – very much like Richard Feynman. (Note: Overlook my crush and totally rose-colored-glasses adoration.)

Not one to follow the herd mentality, “What do you care what other people think?” his wife offered a few good natured prods to keep reminding him of that particular character trait. My favorite Feynman book includes background on their story and a specific bit about sentimentally engraved pencils she gave him that he was too embarrassed to use. Didn’t want to waste the pencils – so he took a razor blade and shaved off the writing.

You can imagine how that went over. But the way in which she chides him is endearing, as are the other nuances of their interactions. Given what we hope for great love stories….theirs was way too short…but long enough to leave a beautiful impression. Through that relationship, we see a scientist with a sense of compassion and caring.

I see him as a treasure and an inspiration, and thanks to YouTube, everyone can see his passion for inquiry. Feynman’s brilliant mind illuminates and entertains as he inspires us to seek our own truth while we learn to do the math. 

“We are at the very beginning of time for the human race. It is not unreasonable that we grapple with problems. But there are tens of thousands of years in the future. Our responsibility is to do what we can, learn what we can, improve the solutions, and pass them on.”
– Richard Feynman