Daytona Beach, FL –
The IYAAP Epigram –
“Thermodynamics is a funny subject. The first time you go through it, you don’t understand it at all. The second time you go through it, you think you understand it, except for one or two small points. The third time you go through it, you know you don’t understand it, but by that time you are so used to it, it doesn’t bother you anymore.”
Arnold Sommerfeld, German theoretical physicist, 1868-1951
Arnold Sommerfeld is one of the pioneers of quantum and atomic physics. He was a German theoretical physicist who not only paved the way for the development of certain concepts, but also educated and helped a great many students for the then upcoming era of new theoretical physics. He is more popularly known for introducing the azimuthal quantum number or the 2nd quantum number and the spin quantum number or the 4th quantum number. (I don’t know what these things are.) Along with those achievements, he also pioneered the X-ray wave theory and introduced what is now known as the fine-structure consonant.
He has been nominated for the Nobel Prize 81 times, but never received an award of his own. He died in an automobile accident in Munich on the 25th of April in 1951.
For my story, I thought this to be the perfect quote. I thought Sommerfeld’s story to be the perfect utility of futility for that of my main character, his experience, and that of those reading my book.