massfree energy (and small spoiler allusion to later in ATD)

[mikebailey]

On Sun, 10 Jun 2007, Mark Kohut wrote:
>
>   What I want to ask the p-list here is what they, in general,
> think about this 'concept' [subject heading] and Pynchon's vision.
>
>   Well, that's asking a lot so i will throw out this ob:
> remember later in ATD when a bad guy
>   gains MASS?........and then there is ....Gravity.....

well, by some (ex-fundamento) calculations,
I'm the statistically average p-lister...

I believe in physics and math: e=m times c squared.  Mass and energy are
intra-convertible.  Fortunately, there are some constraints on
the process, otherwise I'd be floating back & forth between states...

I believe that phenomena may be described in multiple ways,
reflecting perhaps that reality may be perceived in different ways.

I believe in universal ethical standards, but lean toward
non-foundationalism in a Michael-Berube-fan kinda way.
(which puts on everybody a "forging in the smithy of the soul
the uncreated conscience" obligation)

I try not to hold it against modern physics that it's enabled
mass murder.

I believe that although Einstein was brilliant, neither he
nor his successors have established a unified field theory to even
their own complete satisfaction.
Also that their work, when put into lay-person's terms,
is pretty psychedelic.

I believe that time spent studying physics and math is deeply
rewarding, but hold out hope that the pleasant hours I've spent
browsing crackpot theories may also not have been a complete waste,
in that they show how others have grappled with trying to make sense
of the world.

I believe that Pynchon is too well-educated to embrace irrational
schemes and world-views, but too engaged with the world and people
as they are not to include them in his fiction, or utilize as sources
for metaphor.  I like the way he uses them as plot devices, and
hope to understand better how they burgeon within his narratives and
to what effect...

I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows...