I remember feeling rather devastated when I found out that F<>MA and that energy and mass aren't really conserved. I think it was because I was trying to build a philosophy from studying physics, rather than just getting the equations down to pass the test.
I think he means that even in a purely classical system (ignoring relativity and quantum theory), F=MA describes a system you could never see in the physical world. After all, it does not take into account friction or constantly acting forces like gravity (yes, I know gravity's nature is more complex than that, but I am talking about a purely classical system).
And that is if we can ignore relativity and quantum theory. With those, it gets more complex, especially given that they cannot currently be reconciled with each other.
As others have discussed, F=MA and all of Classical theory is a model that is definitely wrong, but it remains close enough to be extremely useful even now.
The rise of the internet fanboi has brought a large number of young and/or impressionable people who confuse hubris and verbal violence with competence and depth. After years of "ignoring the trolls" I now prefer to thrash them to warn the good people away from their stupidity.
Also, it's a pretty fun way to practice my creative writing. :-)
>In fact, photons don't interact with each other at all.
They can. It's a non-classical concequence of Quantum Electrodynamics. If you are interested in the cross-sections, check out Berestetskii et al., 1982.
Yes, it is kind of amazing. I almost submitted it with the title "Does PCMag Know What Open Means?" but I decided that there was enough linkbait/troll in the material already. If nothing else, it does highlight that the concept of "open" is still poorly grasped even within technical circles.
I agree. I'm blogging now (side project, about ~1k/month via an ebook) and Antonio's book would have saved me a lot of time. I'm planning on using it to boost up that number :).
For a long time, I thought of medical doctors as scientists. Then one day I realized they were technicians. I still have an enormous respect for them, but it did change my expectations.
I frequently put in extra time on projects without compensation. I care more about doing the job right than I do about squaring up a timesheet. It's not about my time being worthless, it's about my life being worthwhile.
