Fundamental physics is humanity’s most extraordinary achievement
It sees worlds in grains of sand and infinities in hours
IN THE PAST few centuries physics has transformed both daily life and world history with novelties ranging from electricity to nuclear bombs. Physicists have also broadened humanity’s horizons, literally and metaphorically. Time and again, they have overturned notions of reality previously held—often by the self same physicists—to be fundamental. They could be about to do so once more.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “To see a world in a grain of sand”
Leaders August 28th 2021
- The mess in Afghanistan exposes Britain’s foolish security policy
- After Afghanistan, where next for global jihad?
- Despite his shortcomings, Jerome Powell should be reappointed Fed chairman
- Apple exemplified an era of global capitalism that has passed
- Fundamental physics is humanity’s most extraordinary achievement
From the August 28th 2021 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Leaders
How to improve clinical trials
Involving more participants can lead to new medical insights
Houthi Inc: the pirates who weaponised globalisation
Their Red Sea protection racket is a disturbing glimpse into an anarchic world
Donald Trump will upend 80 years of American foreign policy
A superpower’s approach to the world is about to be turned on its head
Rising bond yields should spur governments to go for growth
The bond sell-off may partly reflect America’s productivity boom
Much of the damage from the LA fires could have been averted
The lesson of the tragedy is that better incentives will keep people safe
Health warnings about alcohol give only half the story
Enjoyment matters as well as risk