Disturbing the Universe - Freeman Dyson - Part 4

11 months ago
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A review of 'Disturbing the Universe' by Freeman Dyson
Part 4 - Chapters 6 & 7
In today's society, for the most part, women do not fall in love with men. They simply allow the most persistent dog-like man to be satiated in exchange for whatever lucre they can get. Instead of the genuine romance of previous generations, we are left with loveless exchanges; gratification for a salary, a car or a house. Preferably all three.
Children are an afterthought, an inconvenience, or a crude status marker. Children are used to have something to boast about within the mindless conversations with one's neighbors.
In chapter 6 (Page 66) Dyson reveals a poignant memory of a women who sent him a beautiful piece of poetry by Yeats:
"I would spread the clothes under your feet,
But I am poor , and have only my dreams.
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly, because you tread on my dreams."
Such a women would not be found in today's world.
Chapter 7 (page 71) In reference to his time with T.S. Eliot the renowned poet of his day: "None of our gang of young scientists succeeded in penetrating the barrier of fame and reserve that surrounded Eliot like a glass case around a mummy."
Chapter 7 (page 73) In reference to his frequent clashes with Robert Oppenheimer as he was promoting the work of Richard Feynman and Julian Schwinger: "Already I could feel the Lord had delivered him into my hands."

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