Memo to self: Never tell strangers where you work. Not that I’m worried they’ll come a-stalkin’ me, it’s just that I’d really rather NOT get into a conversation with someone about their own special theory of physics. This morning’s theorist seemed normal enough at first. There we were, standing at the bus stop, chatting about the improving reliability of the bus system. He asks where I work, I tell him, at the planetarium. So he mentions the program on NOVA last week, about string theory. By this time we’re on the bus sitting down. It’s not until then, when I’m bound by politeness to remain seated in an adjacent seat, that he reveals his theory:<\/p>\n
E=mcinfinite<\/sup><\/b><\/p>\n This is, of course, because Jesus is the light of creation (or whatever) and God is infinite. Therefore light is infinite. Whatever.<\/p>\n It occurred to me later that the implication of this is that the first, tiniest nuclear weapon would have annihilated the entire Universe with its infinite energy. Had I thought of this at the time, I’m not sure I would have mentioned it anyway. I typically prefer to nod politely, say nothing and then take some time later on to feel really depressed. I did try to reason with him that Jesus’ light as described in the Bible (which I suppose it is) is not necessarily the same thing streaming through the window right now, that one’s spiritual, and the other’s physical. Didn’t make much of an impression, I’m afraid. Some days I wish I were any good at debating, but I’m not at all. Usually debating just irritates me, and leaves me feeling sour for days on end. So I typically don’t bother.<\/p>\n