Chapter 1: The Early Years

Reflecting on my university days in the mid-90s while studying electronic engineering, I realize I lacked a true appreciation for quantum physics. I navigated through intricate calculations and learned about atomic structures without grasping the significance of quantum theories. Instead of pondering the underlying concepts, I was engrossed in completing assignments. Perhaps I was captivated by the advent of groundbreaking programming languages like Java, which created a buzz in the computer science department. It became clear early on that coding was my passion for the future.

After two decades in the industry, I found myself contemplating the nature of time. This introspection, sparked by age or perhaps a scarcity of time, led me to Carlo Rovelli’s enlightening book, The Order of Time. His eloquent explanations of quantum phenomena and their relationship with time felt like a fresh start in learning.

How was it possible that I had previously learned about wave-particle duality without recognizing the marvel of quantum physics? Light behaves as both a wave and a particle, and particles can exist in two locations simultaneously! It's a phenomenon that feels almost magical.

Niels Bohr, a pivotal figure in quantum theory, once remarked, “If quantum mechanics hasn’t profoundly shocked you, you haven’t understood it yet.” Many complex scientific principles are often simplified in education, focusing more on facts necessary to pass exams than on the groundbreaking implications of quantum physics. While I excelled academically, I missed out on understanding the revolutionary nature of these concepts, which may have altered the trajectory of my career.

After diving into Rovelli's works, I revisited Richard Feynman’s writings and began to appreciate his contributions to science. I subscribed to Quanta Magazine to stay updated with current research and even sought out Einstein's original theories to experience them as contemporaries might have. I eventually tackled Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time, a task I had avoided due to its reputed complexity. To my delight, I found it captivating and enriching.

The allure of quantum physics lies in its mysteries and its divergence from classical theories, highlighted by the exhilarating experiments at CERN that lend credence to these theories. Even leading scientists often find themselves bewildered, a fact that only deepened my fascination.

Chapter 2: Implications for Technology

The first video titled "Jim Al-Khalili - Quantum Life: How Physics Can Revolutionise Biology" delves into how quantum physics could transform our understanding of biology, highlighting the interconnectedness of these fields.

The second video, "The Wonderful Weirdness of Quantum Theory" featuring David Kaiser, explores the peculiarities of quantum mechanics and their implications, shedding light on this fascinating subject.

So, what does my renewed understanding of quantum physics have to do with humanity and technology? This journey reminded me that it’s easy to think we fully grasp a concept when, in reality, we may not. This insight is crucial when creating new technologies. We can perform all calculations accurately and gain qualifications, yet still overlook fundamental truths.

For many years, the scientific community grappled with the existence of quantum physics, which seemed to contradict established classical theories. Similarly, in technology design, we hold numerous assumptions as fact—about user behavior, technology limitations, and more. Each of these assumptions could be upended by new discoveries.

My experiences have taught me to be cautious of absolute knowledge and skeptical of those who claim certainty. It’s essential to continually evaluate our assumptions and consider the broader context. In today’s world, we might believe we understand the implications of technologies like self-driving cars or intelligent assistants, but many involved may still rely on outdated data and fail to appreciate the true impact.

The only advice I can give to my younger self and those currently exploring new ideas is to consistently step back and gain perspective. You owe it to yourself and others to do so. While striving to meet deadlines and achieve targets, don’t overlook the potential for transformative insights that could reshape our creations in unimaginable ways.

Originally published on Recknsense; ideas and observations to make technology better for humans. Follow on Twitter: @recknsense