Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1999

microscopic world, a mysterious 'quantum' form of mechanics that is vastly different from the intuitive, Newtonian-like world. We learned that time and space were intimately linked and that we lived in a world where Euclidean geometry was only an approximation to a 'curved' space-time. We established the molecular basis of life. Ill addition to these paradigm shifts in our thinkin g about nature, such discoveries are transforming our society. The development of quantum mechanics led to the transistor and the laser. These inventions, in turn, led to the computer, optical communications, an d the internet. The advent of molecula r biology led to the determination of the structure of DNA, genetic engineering and cloning. The extrapolation of physical laws learned from experiments and observations at the human and microscopic scale have been extrapolated to explain the working of the stars and the evolution of the universe soo n after its birth 12 billion years ago. We now know that that the Sun will eventually consume the nuclear fuel. The exterior w i ll expand into a Red Giant, a fireball that will vaporize life on earth. The core will collaps e into an immensely dense, glowing ember. This is a dire prediction, but we have roughly five billion years to plan an escape. I apologize for giving a science lecture at a commencement address, but the fact is 1 lov e science and w i ll talk about it at the slightest opportunity. When Twas at the age of today's graduates, I did not kno w how much I was going to enjoy physics and science in general. When I applied to graduate school, 1 had to write a statement describing why I wanted to study physics. I wrote a terse essay that went roughly as follows: ‘ I like physics. I want to continue studying physics. Going to graduate school will allow me to continue doing what T like to do .' (Although I was accepted to graduate school, I do not recommend you write a similar essay.) During my years as a physicist, 1began to appreciate more deeply how many natural phenomena can be described by simple mathematical models and how this approach further illuminated the beauty and elegance of the natural world. I also began to appreciate how knowledge gained through an interplay between discovery and conjecture, experimental test and theory, is knowledge tha t generations of scientists can build upon. However, for all of its grandeur, science is not everything. It may tell us what w i ll happen for a given set of circumstances, but it does not tell us what should happen. That wisdom must come from other sources. Most of you wil l not pursue a career in science, and the majority of you may be wondering what 1 am talking about has to do with you. There may still be some guiding principles that are relevant. First, you should remain idealistic and seek a caree r that captures your imagination and passion. I was lucky and chose a career that I continue to feel excited about after many years. Second, while attending this university, you have been part of a community of scholars. Physics is just one of man y disciplines that may appear as completely separate areas of study. However, there is a common theme. The true lessons of scholarship and real goal of your studies are how to think and evaluate information, how to recognize when you do no t understand something, and how to teach yourself. Although your teachers do not know what will happen in the future, they are giving you this set of intellectual tools. These tools you have received will not only allow you to adapt to the future, they w i ll also allow you to guide it. In closing, I am reminded a piece of advice my friend an d colleague, Arthur Schawlow, has given me: 'When speaking, have something to say. Say it. Then stop.’ I am not sure 1had anything profound to say, but 1will stop now. Thank you for your attention and good luck to you all.• The 54th Congregation