Greatest theories those conceived independently of conventional thought

Greatest theories those conceived independently of conventional thought

1985 2 February 14 Greatest theories those conceived independently of conventional thought (67) Paul Dirac (1902-1984) was once asked which he considered was the greatest scientific discovery of recent times. He pondered for a considerable time and then’ said: “The General Theory of Relativity.” When asked why he held this view he replied, after a further long silence, “Because it did not follow from what had gone before, it was out of the blue.” (The Muslim, Islamabad, November 23. 1984)

When people forget about death, they forget how to live

1985 2 February 14 When people forget about death, they forget how to live (72) “Death is not the last taboo at all, but a very modern one. In this era of demystification, death becomes perverse and more mysterious, more terrible, than ever before. We need to have death back again. Its transcendence puts banalities, impotence, frustration, vanities, and some kinds of love, in their places. Contemplation of terminal issues is not in the least morbid, but life-enhancing.” (Linda Kurtz in The Guardian Weekly, November 25, 1984)