· Stanford students are widely known to possess a sense of intellectual vitality. Tell us about an idea or an experience you have had that you find intellectually engaging.
Here's mine
When we think of gravity, we imagine the constraints and limitation that it holds on us. I know I have had my fair share of aches and pains from this undeniable force. As a soccer goalie, I would meet the hard ground in a cloud of dust for every giant leap across the goal. Gravity does have its benefits though, as Mr. Lawrence Su helped me realize.
One day in class, whilst feeling my weekly soccer bruises, my Physics teacher embarked on another of his tangents. But to these words I listened intently because of their atypical perception of gravity, not as an oppressor, but as a unifier. Mr. Su explained that, due to Isaac Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation, every single thing, even a meek student, has a gravitational force that pulls on every object around. As a corny joke, he made the assertion that, because of this basic law of physics, everyone else in the world was “physically” attracted to him. From this gag, I acquired the idea that there is, in scientific fact, a connection between all things even though it may not be visible.
By comprehending one of the most essential aspects of physics, I was able to truly value gravity as a benevolent, natural force that brings all people together, voluntary or involuntary. Perhaps Newton’s law doesn’t exist to restrain our abilities but rather to provide a bridge among individuals when there is no other and that is what I find intellectually engaging.
-Jake
That is an interesting way to present a point and I agree to a point. I can see why you feel gravity pulls us together physically but am confused how it provides a bridge when there is no other. Still interesting though.
ReplyDelete-Kevin P.