Chapters 16-21
Chapter 16

Esoteric: Intended for or understood by only a particular group
Tertiary: Third in place, order, degree, or rank
Germane: Being both pertinent and fitting
Averred: To affirm positively; declare
Axiomatic: Of, relating to, or resembling an axiom; self-evident
Ameliorate: To make or become better; improve
Incipient: Beginning to exist or appear
Ether: The regions of space beyond the earth's atmosphere; the heavens
Demur: To voice opposition

“But to tire in that [for human rights] would mean the ruin of society.” (109 Einstein) Do you agree or disagree, why?

“For [scientists], God is a being from whose care one hopes to benefit and whose punishment one fears; a sublimation feeling, tinged with awe, similar to that of a child for its father (Einstein 110).” What is your reaction to this statement?

Do you believe that “The value of man should be seen in what he gives and not what he is able to receive? (112)”

Regarding compensation for teachers, Einstein writes, “In a healthy society, every useful activity is compensated in a way to permit of a decent living (112).” Do you think teachers are paid what they are worth to society? Why/why not?

Einstein states, “The idea of achieving security through national armament is a disastrous illusion (116).” Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why?

Chapter 17

Echelons: A formation of troops in which each unit is positioned successively to the left or right of the rear unit to form an oblique or step like line
Mea culpa: An acknowledgment of a personal error or fault
Concomitance: Occurrence or existence together or in connection with one another

How do you think physics, music, and social change are interwoven? (121, 7)

Chapter 18

Altruism: Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness
Iconoclast: One who attacks and seeks to overthrow traditional or popular ideas or institutions
Axiom: A self-evident or universally recognized truth; a maxim

Chapter 19

“In the beginning was the word, and the word was music. With music came dreams. Soon the dreams became visions.” Anonymous

Chapter 20

Lexicon: A stock of terms used in a particular profession, subject, or style

Chapter 21

Vaudevillians: One, especially a performer, who works in vaudeville
Lurid: Causing shock or horror; gruesome

Why is String Theory called the “Theory of Everything?” p. 137

Do musical sounds in nature reveal a profound bond between all living things? (141)

Article of Interest: “Music of Nature and the Nature of Music” Science, Jan. 5, ‘01
- posted by Muse @ 10:53 AM