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| Image Credit: theschoolofheros.com |
That is coincidentally, the meaning of physics, from "Latin physica, plural, natural science, from Greek physika, from neuter plural of physikos of nature, from physis growth, nature, from phyein to bring forth" (http://www.m-w.com/).
Taking the stated philosophy in (at least the the first two) clips below: if market forces had deemed the British Empire large enough, and the trip to the New World "unprofitable," we would not have this country, its diverse cultures, the rich heritage born admittedly of some struggles of our own making.
When we triumphed over past challenges and prejudices (slavery, women's suffrage, Civil Rights, voting, man on the Moon, personal computers*, the Internet, the first African American president) we influence the world to look in a collective mirror. Some to envy, even hate our advances; others to strive for parity, and in many ways, on their way to surpass our previous endeavors.
There are no market forces for space exploration, SETI or science research, some of which will not bear fruit in our lifetimes. Nanos gigantium humeris insidentes - standing on the shoulders of giants:
"What Descartes did was a good step. You have added much several ways, and especially in taking the colours of thin plates into philosophical consideration. If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." Sir Isaac Newton, letter to Robert Hooke, February 5, 1676.
It is our nature to "boldly go," advance...and explore.
*IBM is 100 today. Thank goodness they weren't satisfied with vacuum tubes, punch cards and typewriters (they also, ahem, made a little money...)
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