Informational Essay: Origins of Influential Thought

Origins of Influential Thought

Falling from the sky on a bright sunny day was the apple destined to spark one of the greatest notions of mankind. A beautiful humble apple orchard is the setting for this great event. Stepping upon this stage is young Sir. Isaac Newton, he takes his place underneath an apple tree. He is pondering the wonders of nature when suddenly his train of thought is interrupted. Dramatically descending from the tree above an apple hits perfectly on the center of Newton’s head. At that precise moment a realization comes to Newton; that whatever is pulling the apple to the ground is the same force holding celestial planets together in orbit (Gefter). Thus, an apple is attributed to inventing the birth of Gravitational theory. Many in the right mindset would sit back for a moment and say, “Wait the apple didn’t discover gravity?” This is one hundred percent true. So, why has it been accidentally perceive that it was an apple that caused this great idea? The answer lies in being aware of the false perception that Newton had never before pondered the existence of an invisible force. Rather, when the apple randomly fell previous knowledge is what allowed Newton to receive the idea of gravity. That is just one example of a common misconception made about the origins of great discoveries. Unintentionally the misconceptions have been made, that big ideas easily come only to the naturally intelligent from random thoughts. In reality big ideas can come to anyone who has a personal drive to put forth effort by using specific techniques. Drawn from the lives of great scientists and inventors, this essay will explore the truth of where big ideas come from.

What makes a person intelligent? Is it based on a person’s IQ score, or by how many equations someone can solve in their head? By determining what makes a person smart, it can be determined who is smart.  First, it’s important to clarify the differences between intelligence and creativity. Intelligence is the ability to fill the mind with useful and important information; there is no limit to gaining intelligence. Intelligence is the act of learning whereas, “Creativity is the ability to connect knowledge” (Jesper). Someone who is considered very creative may be seen as an abstract thinker simply because; their mind has a stronger capacity to connect information. Thus, creativity and intelligence are directly linked in the process of generating ideas. On a scientific level the mind is constantly working to solve problems. Inside the brain you have a left side for logic, and a right side for imagination. Both sides have a creative storage location called the Superior Temporal Gyrus. Within the white matter of the brain there are dendroids pulling information into that portion of the brain. This allows for new connections to be discovered from information kept throughout the brain (Jesper). Being a muscle the brain must be strengthened by continuous exercise through education. The more information the brain absorbs the faster it can think or improve memory. This is the process of Neural Plasticity, or the ability to grow (Krauss). Everyone has the natural innate capability to strengthen the mind. Which makes intelligence a universal trait; meaning that everyone can formulate ideas.

That light bulb moment, where the solution suddenly presents itself, and all is made clear is considered a burst of random thoughts. Just like when the apple landed on Newton’s head all minds are capable of receiving incite at the unlikeliest of times. Random thoughts in the mind occur when the mind wanders. A wandering mind is caused by less resistance over the traveling thoughts through the Frontal Lobe. Allowing for the mind to make more connections. Relaxing the mind or shutting off the frontal lobe means that the mind is no longer controlling the entering and exiting thoughts (Jesper). Daydreaming can be considered as a form of letting the mind wander. Making more connections in the mind means that we often can receive insight. This however, doesn’t occur frequently, or at least it does not always create usable ideas. Random thoughts are purely based on what you already know. So, to suggest that ideas only can occur randomly is simply not logical. The mind must at times be encouraged to pursue ideas. Meaning that if the mind is empty of any background knowledge solutions cannot be created.

        Now that it is understood as to where ideas come from; it is now necessary to know how individuals increase the availability of new ideas. In-vision a man anxiously pacing in a stuffy room. He is dressed in a crumpled unbutton suit with a crooked tie. His hair is messy from constantly caressing figures over his sweaty forehead. Eyes twitching, pulse pounding, and brain straining, the man scribbles on papers. Failed equations of crushed papers litter the floor. Pencil shavings and eraser bits cover the top of an old worn desk. Days on end he repeats this process with vigor to create his Theory of Relativity (Walter). This specifically depicts the relentless efforts of Albert Einstein. Einstein is an excellent example of the hard work it takes to generate an idea. His most famous theory of relativity took eight years just to be solidified. It then took another two years for it to be tested and verified by the scientific community (Walter). These many years Einstein pushed forward amidst personal trails, and many failed attempts. There are many who suggested that maybe Einstein’s brain was physically bigger which made him somehow smarter. Years after Einstein’s death, his brain was examined by scientists to test this theory. They discovered that his mind was indeed larger and more developed in areas, but this does not mean he was born this way. What’s amazing is not the fact that his brain was physically bigger; it’s the fact that he made it bigger. He exercised his mind so much that it literally expanded (Cort, How Smart Can We Get). Through persistent rigorous labor, and many different strategies; Einstein was able to push his mind to new limits of a capacity to produce ideas.

Following along the lines of the idea, “that what you do determines who you become” (Halsman). The conclusion can be made that the habits of character or academic study determine what ideas one will create. Some characteristics found in intelligent people include: accepting consequences to problems and learning from mistakes. One cannot progress with an idea if one is not willing to accept past failures. Progress can also be achieved by admitting you don’t have all the answers. Great idealists are incredibly resourceful and able to reason well. This makes an individual more adaptable, creative, and a good problem solver (Halsman). Another way to increase ideas is by using thought experiments or brainstorming. Thought experiments allow the thinker to ponder many possibilities in different situations. Using the five senses, one can visually hypothesize outcomes (Brown & Robert & Fehige, Yiftach). Einstein was famous for his thought experiment about the free falling man. Imagining a man falling from a building it occurred to Einstein that the man wouldn’t be feeling his own weight. Instead he would experience the force of gravity accelerating or in other words free fall. With this idea he was able to create his Theory of Relativity (Einstein Thought Experiments). Another useful technique to increase the availability of ideas is to relax the mind through music. Einstein explained, “The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition.” Many Practices have been used throughout history to better produce influential thoughts.

Any idea is virtually useless without a personal drive to pursue change. Ideas after all are made in order to accomplish or solve a specific task. Without determination to discover any great advancement in the world would never have materialized. Louie Pasture is an amazing individual accredited with the invention of three major medical discoveries. He established that germs are the major source of what makes people sick. Created vaccines against rabies were first introduced by him. Last of all he presented the system of Pasteurization which is used in the food industry today. The nature of these great accomplishments was motivated by the death of three of his daughters, to the typhoid fever. After this great personal lost Pasture became passionate about finding cures to terrifying diseases (Pasteur, Famous People). Society has been greatly affected by this great man who used a hardship, to be the driving force behind the solving how to heal and better the lives of others. Another strong driving force of ideas is the need to answer a question. Galileo is an example of doing whatever it takes to find the answer that is one completely true. The question arose in Galileo’s mind, was the Earth the center of the universe? Through much sky gazing though his special telescope. Galileo concluded that the Earth rotates around the Sun. Many times his findings went against popular religious beliefs which endanger his safety (Zax). He was passionate about discovering truth which he knew would greatly benefit mankind.

Imagine that apple before it fell from the tree. Before it fell it had to grow and mature until it was ripe enough for its eventful harvest. Ideas are very similar to this apple; just like the apple ideas have to develop and then fall meteorically from our minds. All minds have the same potential to be filled with knowledge. Knowledge which then builds into creative networks of possible random ideas waiting for the right questions to be asked. This is shown within science and the lives of famous intelligent people; who mastered the secrets of being better prepared to produce ideas.  Ideas do not only easily come by chance to a certain group of people. Ideas are created by everyone who labors for knowledge. While exploring big ideas a pattern of determination, hard work, passion, and vast knowledge has fueled some of the greatest intuitive thoughts.

Works Cited

Brown, James Robert and Fehige, Yiftach, "Thought Experiments", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2014 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2014/entries/thought-experiment/>.

Cort, Julia, prod. "How Smart Can We Get?" NOVA ScienceNOW. WGBH Educational Foundation. 24 Oct. 2012. NOVA. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

"Einstein Thought Experiments." NOVA (1997): n. pag. 9 Sept. 1997. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

Gefter, Amanda. "Newton's Apple: The Real Story." Culture Lab (2010): 1-2. New Scientist. Web.                    28 Oct.            2015.

Jesper. "Inside Your Brain: When You Get A Creative Idea." Web log post. Come To Know. N.p., 17 June 2013. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

Krauss, Susan. "Building a Better Brain: Strengthening Your Mental Muscle." (n.d.): n. pag. Psychology Today. 6 Apr. 2010. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

"Louis Pasteur." 2015. The Famous People website. Oct 30 2015, 08:58

Tobak, Steve. "10 Behaviors of Smart People." Entrepreneur 16 Apr. 2015: n. pag. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

Walter, Isaacson. "How Einstein Reinvented Reality." Scientific America 313.3 (2015): 38-45. Web.      28 Sept. 2015.

Zax, David. "Galileo's Vision." Smithsonian. SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE, Aug. 2009. Web.                30 Oct. 2015.

A Different Perspective on Newton

Sir. Isaac Newton was an intelligent man, full of mystery. He lived a life hesitant to share his discoveries for fear of opposition. Yet, he thought of some of the most influential scientific discoveries in history. Discovery of Gravity, Written Laws of Motion, and a theory of the separation of white light. This Documentary depicts a different perspective on the man that has been so revered, as he should be for centuries.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/newton-dark-secrets.html

Ted Talk by Maysoon Zayid

 

Reflecting back the Ted Talk, “I’ve got 99 problems…palsy is just one of them.” The woman speaker Maysoon Zayid discusses about the nasty stereotypes that come to those through the internet. I enjoyed throughout the whole talk about how she used humor to lighten the mood of the audience; thus increasing the audience's ability to listen for the. She started by explaining a little about her background, her family's religion, how she got cerebral palsy, and how she received a scholarship for the school of her choice. I admired that she started by stating that she didn’t expect or want any pity for her physical limitation. She explained her parents would never allow her to use her weakness as a disadvantage. She learned to walk, because her parents wouldn’t give up on her. Her family tried to change the outlook the public has on Arabs; they did this by starting the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival. Her life is full of humor, struggles, and success.

https://www.ted.com/talks/maysoon_zayid_i_got_99_problems_palsy_is_just_one?language=en#t-584366

Invention of Figure Skating

Non-Traditional Sports

Traditional Sports are not only well known, but often very commonly participated in. Unlike traditional sports, non-traditional sports are not as recognizable. Non-traditional sports usually have six or less players, don’t always have opposing teams, and in most cases are more expensive due to pricy equipment. Traditional sports are not as expensive and can normally have unlimited players with two competitive teams. Some examples of traditional sports are football and baseball. Non-traditional sports however are often more costly; these sports have very specific and pricy equipment like bowling shoes or guns and ammo. Though they do vary in how many people can play the game; all of them customarily have less than or exactly six players. Some non-traditional sports are: golfing, bowling, curling, shooting or archery, and fencing. No matter the differences between traditional and non-traditional sports they are all still very much enjoyed by the masses.

One non-traditional sport I enjoy is ice skating. In my old home town there would be large amounts of snow during the winter, so the sport of choice for me naturally was ice skating.  Winter sports were made so people could still be active during the long months indoors. Ice skating originated from the Dutch, during the 13th century. They would use it to transport messages quicker from one village to another; messengers would skate along systems of trails connecting villages together. When ice skating finally made it across the English Channel the English clubs began by using it for entertainment in artificial rinks. Some avid skaters of the time were Marie Antoinette, Napoleon III, and writer Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe. Ice skating was revolutionized in 1850 when Edward Bushnell from Philadelphia advanced the skates by installing sharp steel blades. The person who gave ice skating its artistic graceful side was Jackson Haines. Living in Vienna he worked and performed with the ballet companies. With this background he was able to give the dancing quality to figure skating that it is known for.  

Though rules for figure skating vary depending on what program the skater is competing in they all follow a similar pattern of criteria. Some of these programs include solo or singles dances, pair skating, and ice dance skating. The pair and solo events include a short and long skating parts to the competition. Short programs consist of required routines, were the performers have to accomplish certain jumps, spins, steps, and combinations. The long program however is a free style dance and judged more on creativity. Ice Dance is similar to pairs except it does not require any flips or jumps. Music is either chosen by the performer or, it has to have a required tempo and rhythm. U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body in charge or the rules and regulations of this sport. The skaters are scored by a panel of seven randomly picked judges out of nine. Whoever receives the highest overall score is the winner of the competition.

Ice skating is a beautiful graceful sport that has many benefits that come from participating in this sport. Ice skating is a form of exercise that strengthens joint flexibility, tones and builds leg muscles,  and increases the skater’s stamina. Skating improves one's ability to balance and coordination. Overall, this sport is a great form of exercise that is incredibly enjoyable. The only thing I would change with this sport is to increase its availability to the public. Indoor ice rinks during the summer and outdoor rinks in the winter are a great way to serve a community.

This fantastic non-traditional sport has allowed people for centuries to enjoy exercise in the winter. Inventions throughout time altered the sport to what it is nowadays. Figure Skating is a graceful form of dance which benefits ones strength and agility. It is easy to enjoy this sport.

JFK A Great Leader

John F. Kennedy 

       As the thirty fifth President of the United States John F. Kennedy was the perfect leader 

for his time. He led the country through difficult times, by never avoiding difficult problems. He 

had a vision that challenged America, yet he believed it could be achieved. As a leader he was 

charismatic, assertive, and open to communication. All of these traits made him an effective 

        Determination is a trait that Kennedy was often affiliated with. When tensions increased 

between the Soviet Union and the United States, Kennedy was faced with many difficult 

decisions. At this time he was able to make wise and decisive choices.  By having a diverse staff 

and allowing for open communication; Kennedy could hear many points of view in order to 

come to a verdict. What made him a greater leader however, was how he would carry through 

       Kennedy was a visionary. One of his goals for the country was to send a man to the 

moon. Quote, “I believe that this Nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this 

decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth.” Kennedy said 

this in such a way as to inspire the Nation. This is an example of transformational leadership; 

where the leader motivates followers towards a particular goal. He was constantly encouraging 

the country to do better, and become greater. 

       Kennedy used a Democratic leading style combined with Theory X. This means that he 

held an optimistic view on human nature, and collaborated with others in order to come to the 

most productive solution possible. He is my favorite leader, for his sincere desire to help

Jamie Oliver's Vision

Teach Every Child About Food. Prod. June Cohen. Perf. Jamie Oliver. TED, 2010. Transcript.

In a Ted Talk given by Jamie Oliver called, “Teach Every Child About Food,” America along with other countries receives the hard reality about their societies food systems. Jamie Oliver begins by introducing himself as a simple chef who is passionate about educating the public on how to eat healthy. To promote pathos he asks the audience if they have children, and then proceeded to give the statistic that two-thirds of America is overweight. Within his speech he explains that the majority of death and sickness in this country is due to having a poor diet. He explains that diet can be controlled in order to prevent most diseases. However, he explains that this means that America must be held responsible for its current unhealthy culture. Culture which is surrounded by processed foods, excess sugar, and copious amounts of easily accessible fats. Some of the major places where these problems stem from are in the schools, grocery stores, homes, and along main roads. Schools are where the pattern of unhealthy eating begins. America’s kids get junk food for lunch every day of the year. Giving an example of how kids daily get milk but, now milk has about the same amount of sugar in it as a can of soda. Children do not even receive proper knives and forks which indoctrinates a handheld junk food society. Speaking to the lunch ladies, he expresses the need for them to get outside the box and promote healthier lunches. Educating children on were there food comes from is essential in beginning the healing of this nation's food misconceptions. He also explained how grocery stores now contain large amounts of processed food from big businesses. Also, many of these products have illogical labeling which misinforms the consumer. Inside the homes of the people of America is also an important place to effect change. The home needs to be a place where healthy food is common, along with correct portion sizes. Just like in school the home must teach a child about what is nourishing for their body. Teaching children to cook is a great way of insuring that they will be able to eat healthily. Most prominent in the fast paced society on the road is fast food restaurants. In everyday lives it is difficult to drive past a cheap and convenient fast food restaurant. Fast food stores are not only incredibly too prominent but, they are too commonly acceptable as well. With all of these problems in mind Jamie Oliver when to the unhealthiest city in Huntington, West Virginia to begin change. One way he achieved this was with Huntington’s Kitchen where he taught awareness of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. Awareness was the key to helping this community change. Through educating the public Jamie Oliver intends to push forward with the vision of a healthier America.

NASA's Mission to Mars

Gertner, Jon. "Sky's the Limit." National Aeronautics & Space Administration 195 (2015): 34-36. Business Source Premier. Web. 14 Oct. 2015.

In “Sky’s the Limit,” Jon Gertner writes about NASA’s future goal of traveling to Mars. Ellen Stofan is the chief scientist and leader of the preparations for the Mars expedition. This article highlights what Stofan’s plans are, and what steps she will help NASA to take in order to accomplish this task by 2035. Stofan first began by separating the mission into separate pieces. Making it seem like sending a man to the moon as more manageable and less daunting. Next is to not worry about changing direction, until technology to complete the task becomes available. She is encouraging NASA to be open and to adjust to new advances in science in order to help move the Mars project further. Due to a decreasing budget NASA is spreading on an international level; in order to receive input and financing from other countries. Other countries want to get involved with Mission Mars any way so support of the program is stable. NASA currently has thirteen space agencies to pursue the exploration deeper into space. All of the countries involved are benefited through their participation with NASA. Stofan plans to use normal curiosity of space in the younger generations to increase the chances of success for the future. Simply by promoting the need to know more about the universe by going outside and looking at the wonders of the night sky. Currently however NASA has three long range goals. One, to monitor the effects of climate change activities. Two, continue looking for any signs of life containing RNA or DNA. And Three, explore as far as they can into the universe. In 2018 NASA is sending a spacecraft into a different depth of space. They hope to be able to begin understanding the question: Are we alone in the universe? Preparations for the Mission to Mars are increasing daily but, until that day NASA will still focus on what can be done now to learn more about the universe around us.

 

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11921070/Nasa-planning-Earth-Independent-Mars-colony-by-2030s.html

Chevy's Self-Driving Car

Callaway, Sue. "Chevy's Self-Driving Muscle Car." FORTUNE 171.6 (2015): 8-12. Business Source Premier. Web. 14 Oct. 2015.

    In the news article, “Chevy’s Self-Driving Muscle Car,” Sue Callaway explains the current technological advances for a future line of cars. Engineers and Designers have been working hard on the Chevrolet-FNR in Fountain Valley, California for several months. They showcased the new car for Chevrolet’s 10th anniversary with the help of Fortune and General Motors in China. At the Shanghai motor show they revealed to the public there vision of what driving would be like fifteen years from now. The autonomous or robotic car was designed to fit a family for a younger generation market. Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) teamed with SAIC motor and helped to develop the electric vehicle as well. Many of the features on the Chevrolet-FNR were created to seam ahead of its time. The wheels were unconventionally designed with larger rims and no hubs. A blue LED light trim on a black carbon fiber exterior helps the vehicle be more aerodynamic as well as give it a sleek ethereal design. Inside the car much work had gone into making it as comfortable and convenient as possible. The seats can read an occupant's body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and even mood. This car also has the capabilities to run errands without a passenger such as taking itself to the car wash. Protection technologies like night vision and road condition reports have been programmed in the car as well. GM also is intends on creating this car as the first with the ability to communicate with other cars in order to avoid collisions This innovative car could solve many problems and safety issues that occur on busy roads.. Self-driving abilities of the car could eliminate dangerous traffic congestion on main roads, and overall minimize car accidents. Chevrolet hopes that the experimental car will be on the market and readily affordable by 2030. Even though many of these technologies are yet to be invented the possibilities of this car are astounding.

http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/EXT-1.jpg

3D Printers + Smart Phones

3D Printers were a great innovation just by itself, now they tend to reach new heights!

    In the Blog titled “3D Printing Industry” had many different kinds of articles that can be found about the advancements in 3D printing technology. 3D Printers instantly became a sensation! Because, of how they can scan in an object, then separate it into section, and finally print out layers of the identical object through the machine. This revolutionary invention has greatly affected the industrial world. On the blog one article's headline is “PIXELIO Transforms Your Smartphone into a 3D Scanning Planetary Arm.” Overall, highlights the hope for the new advancement of 3D Printing scanners, to connect with Smartphones. Program started in the UK with the Smart 3D Company, Ltd. The new device will be easy to use, hand held, and useful for many different applications such as by:  photographers, architects, and designers. PIXELIO is the software that will be used; by rotating around the scanner will be able to pick out even the finest details within any three dimensional shape. “Virtual Finger” technology will also be installed; it imitates the touch and movements of a human hand, minimizing blurred images. After this, apps such as the Autodesk 123 Catch, can be downloaded on the phone to scan items into a 3D printer. PIXELIO even plans to better the device through the use of a LED lamp and a clock. The company has announced, that the 3D Printer Scanner on a phone will be user friendly and affordable. This new invention has the potential to become the next big thing on the market! 

 

Ślusarczyk, Pawel. "PIXELIO Transforms Your Smartphone into a 3D Scanning Planetary Arm." Web log post. 3D Printing Industry. 3D Printing Industry, 29 Sept. 2015. Web. 05 Sept. 2015. 

Einstein Reinvented Reality

One of the greatest advancements in physics was Einstein's Theory of Relativity! 

 

In “How Einstein Reinvented Reality,” Isaacson Walter explains the steps and personal challenges Einstein took to create his Theory of Relativity. Beginning in 1907, Einstein had the brilliant thought of the falling man. He posed the question; if a man falls, will he feel his weight? The overall goal Einstein created was to describe his theory within two mathematical formulas. On how the gravitational field acts on matter, and how it relates to space-time. He then proceeded to test his thought of the falling man within a closed chamber which simulated free fall. However, the experiment was flawed because of the inability to separate what gravity affected, and what acceleration affected. Einstein thus determined that gravity and acceleration were equivalent. Around this time Einstein had many personal hardships surrounding his difficult divorce. Stress was created by the struggled he had over custody rights for his two sons. Nevertheless, even though his move back to Berlin he was constantly working on his theory. A fellow physicist Hilbert was on track to discovering the same equation; this put pressure on Einstein to finish. Also, pushing him to finish was the Prussian Academy; they had scheduled him for four lectures in order for him to explain his discoveries. Finally, when Einstein rushed to finished he advanced it to the simple mathematical equation E=mc². On November 25, he gave his final lecture and titled it “The Field Equations of Gravitation.” With great pride, Einstein at age thirty six, after eight years of research and testing he achieved his goal. He is now world renowned for his hard work to rethinking reality. 

Walter, Isaacson. "How Einstein Reinvented Reality." Scientific America 313.3 (2015): 38-45. Web.28 Sept. 2015.