I was truly humbled today

[Jonny69]

I was at a conference at the Royal Society today. It was my first time there and I was in such a hurry to get there I didn't really give it much thought until during one of the seminars when I suddenly realised what it meant, as a scientist, to be in such a place.

Founded in 1660 there had been already been some 50 years of cutting edge British science taking place when Isaac Newton took charge in the early 1700's.

On display outside the conference room was a handwritten draft of Newton's Pricipia Mathematica, in Latin, in Newton's own hand. I suddently realised I was in the presence of true greatness and I felt completely humbled. I don't think I've ever felt that way before, but it was a truly good feeling

 

[slambo69]

Britain has a great history in terms of science, engineering and general innovation. Unfortunately it is hard to find people who care these days.

 

[Fenris]

I came into this thread expecting you to have witnessed a one legged blind man with no fingers rushing in and out of a burning building saving orphans and puppies before simply waving farewell and hobbling off into the sunset.

Imagine my disappointment when I discovered you went to a science convention and were astounded by smart people.

 

[Dj_Jestar]

*places hand on heart*
*wells up*
*union flag flaps in background*
*land of hope and glory plays*

 

[Jonny69]

I came into this thread expecting you to have witnessed a one legged blind man with no fingers rushing in and out of a burning building saving orphans and puppies before simply waving farewell and hobbing off into the sunset.

I can still liken my experience with this.

 

[Berserker]

*land of hope and glory plays*

But Sir Isaac Newton FRS wasn't there to hear it. He died in 1727. Land of Hope and Glory was written in 1902.

 

[V4NT0M]

*looks at the sky*
*is also humbled*

 

[digipeep]

Britain has a great history in terms of science, engineering and general innovation. Unfortunately it is hard to find people who care these days.

Today we have Simon Cowell and the X-Factor, tells you all you need to know about Britain nowadays.

 

[Fenris]

Today we have Simon Cowell and the X-Factor, tells you all you need to know about Britain nowadays.

A man who has made millions in his career.

As a side note we also have Stephen Hawking.

I'm sure the 18th century had it's fair share of ass holes as well.

 

[Mik3]

Lucky git.

 

[Devrij]

I can relate to the OP. I felt similarly when I visited Rome and walked about the Forum. There I was at the epicentre of our civilisation, imagining it in its former glory. It's easy to forget how our history shapes our lives, but every now and then something hammers it home.

 

[Greenlizard0]

*places hand on heart*
*wells up*
*union flag flaps in background*
*land of hope and glory plays*

I love it when people my age do this. How old do you really think you are?

 

[Correlian]

to the OP - i care! We have a proud science heritage and its really a massive feather in our cap. all modern scientists walk on the shoulders of giants.

I felt the same sense of humbleness seeing William Smiths map in the Geolsoc, Burlington House for the first time. A pioneering achievement within his field

 

[Berserker]

A man who has made millions in his career.

As a side note we also have Stephen Hawking.

I'd be surprised if Stephen Hawking hadn't made millions too. What with A Brief History of Time and the cameo appearances on The Simpsons to Star Trek. He's earned it, unlike the other guy.

 

[SiriusB]

Isn't Britain still a world centre for research and development, even if we don't seem to take advantage of it?

 

[randal]

I'm sure the 18th century had it's fair share of ass holes as well.

Very true, and you don't hear a lot about them these days. Comforting to think Cowell et al will join their ranks, whilst Hawking's work lives on.

 

[Jonny69]

Isn't Britain still a world centre for research and development, even if we don't seem to take advantage of it?

It is, we're just very quiet about it. They say we don't make anything any more, but we sure do make a lot of science and we sure do make a good income from it

 

[Aliboy]

I came into this thread expecting you to have witnessed a one legged blind man with no fingers rushing in and out of a burning building saving orphans and puppies before simply waving farewell and hobbling off into the sunset.

Imagine my disappointment when I discovered you went to a science convention and were astounded by smart people.

I thought kittens would have at least gotten a mention too

 

[Amp34]

Britain has a great history in terms of science, engineering and general innovation. Unfortunately it is hard to find people who care these days.

And it wasn't in the 1700's?

No difference now and then, most people didn't(don't) care and a small minority did(do).

 

[sedm1000]

I was at a conference at the Royal Society today. It was my first time there and I was in such a hurry to get there I didn't really give it much thought until during one of the seminars when I suddenly realised what it meant, as a scientist, to be in such a place.

Founded in 1660 there had been already been some 50 years of cutting edge British science taking place when Isaac Newton took charge in the early 1700's.

On display outside the conference room was a handwritten draft of Newton's Pricipia Mathematica, in Latin, in Newton's own hand. I suddently realised I was in the presence of true greatness and I felt completely humbled. I don't think I've ever felt that way before, but it was a truly good feeling

You know more now than Newton ever did.

There were not so many people back then practicing science. It was easy to stand out. Newton probably wasn't even that bright. mavity... seems pretty obvious....