"A scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its
opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents
eventually die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it." --
Max Planck
My dear friend Donna posted this quote on her Facebook page
yesterday. First I laughed. Then the too-often dark sorrow of that sad truth set in.
In reality, Planck, most famous for his work on the quantum theory, could have been talking about the publishing industry too. Historically, it is not uncommon for an author’s work to be seriously undervalued, or even noticed, for a generation or three.
- Why is that?
- Does it have anything to do with quantum physics?
- What makes someone’s words more potent when they can no longer generate new ones?
- Will my books be more popular when everyone reading this, including the one writing it, is dead?
Gheesh. Happy Fat Tuesday, Charlene!
Just when this dreary spiral of thoughts was about to sink my
usual optimism, I Googled Mr. Planck and found an entire page of his Brainy Quotes. When I got
to the following, I cheered.
Anybody who has been
seriously engaged in scientific work of any kind [and here Charlene adds, or
WRITING] realizes that over the entrance to the gates of the temple of science [keyboards]
are written the words: 'Ye must have faith.'
Sign made. Mood bolstered. Writing. I'm ALIVE, and these here blog words LIVE! All I can really control is the moment. I'll be dead a long time, so whatever with thoughts of immortal famousness.
HAPPY FAT TUESDAY everyone, although I will also welcome what is hopefully a skinnier Thursday.
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