In quantum mechanics, even a perfect vacuum isn’t truly empty. It has zero-point energy-constant fluctuations that mean empty space is filled with mysterious energy. A reminder that nothingness isn’t as empty as it seems.
🚨 The Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, per @ShamsCharania
Disclaimer: This story was first published in 2020!
We know there will be people saying that rental rates have increased since then – that’s absolutely true. But we still stand by what we’ve written; if home is not a safe place to be, it's worth considering moving out IF you can afford it. This is of course, different from saying that you MUST move out.
“There is no wave function...” This claim by Jacob Barandes sounds outlandish, but allow me to justify it with a blend of intuition regarding physics and rigor regarding math. We'll dispel some quantum woo myths along the way. (1/13)
Paul Dirac's remarks on God and religion (1927) 💭
If we are honest — and scientists have to be — we must admit that religion is a jumble of false assertions, with no basis in reality. The very idea of God is a product of the human imagination. It is quite understandable why primitive people, who were so much more exposed to the overpowering forces of nature than we are today, should have personified these forces in fear and trembling. But nowadays, when we understand so many natural processes, we have no need for such solutions. I can't for the life of me see how the postulate of an Almighty God helps us in any way. What I do see is that this assumption leads to such unproductive questions as why God allows so much misery and injustice, the exploitation of the poor by the rich and all the other horrors He might have prevented. If religion is still being taught, it is by no means because its ideas still convince us, but simply because some of us want to keep the lower classes quiet. Quiet people are much easier to govern than clamorous and dissatisfied ones. They are also much easier to exploit. Religion is a kind of opium that allows a nation to lull itself into wishful dreams and so forget the injustices that are being perpetrated against the people. Hence the close alliance between those two great political forces, the State and the Church. Both need the illusion that a kindly God rewards — in heaven if not on earth — all those who have not risen up against injustice, who have done their duty quietly and uncomplainingly. That is precisely why the honest assertion that God is a mere product of the human imagination is branded as the worst of all mortal sins.