1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 354 The terrifying influence of "Bugs"!

People seek comfort in war.

There are many things that can comfort the soul.

a yellowed, curled-edge photograph;

A pocket watch that had been polished to a shine;
A wooden toy that comes to life.

Even the invisible longing buried deep in the heart.

and many more.

However, among these items, books always rank first.

Especially those classic and interesting novels, which have fascinated countless people and left them with endless aftertaste.

Even war cannot stop people's enthusiasm for reading.

On the eastern front between Germany and Russia, the intensity of the war was not very high compared to the heart of Europe.

But as long as it is a war, lives are in danger at any time.

At this moment, in a trench on the German side.

Artillery Major Schwarzschild was reading "The Bug" with great interest.

Now is the time for both sides to stop fighting and rest. The next round of fighting is expected to take more than two hours.

This amount of time was enough for Schwarzschild to read dozens of pages carefully.

The artillerymen nearby were looking at the man in front of them with great admiration.

Given Schwarzschild's current position in Germany, he didn't need to go to the front line.

But out of patriotism, he volunteered to serve at the age of 42, which shocked the recruiting officers at the time.

It's not just because of his age, but also because of his identity: he proved the third prediction of general relativity and is a member of the German Academy of Sciences.

An academician goes to the battlefield, isn’t this a joke?
Schwarzschild immediately won the sincere admiration of all the soldiers.

This is a real man!

The military leaders personally came forward and persuaded him to give up going to the front line and stay in the rear to do some auxiliary work.

But Schwarzschild insisted: "Let me go, I can calculate the trajectory of the cannonball quickly and accurately."

The military couldn't persuade him, so they had to agree, but they directly gave him the title of artillery major.

This means that you can stay in the position to command without having to go to the real front line.

But Schwarzschild was not a coward. He personally went on the battlefield and directed the soldiers to adjust and optimize the muzzle of the gun.

The soldiers all respected this officer very much, he was extremely powerful.

Some people were puzzled and asked him why.

Schwarzschild said: "I just like to shoot!"

In addition to firing cannons, he had another habit that inspired his soldiers to stand in awe.

That is, when others were smoking, chatting and gossiping during the break, Schwarzschild took out a book and read quietly, as if no one was around.

This scene scared the young men around.

No one thinks that Major Shi is showing off; he really loves it.

"Oh my God, no wonder the commander can become an academician. With his attitude of considering studying as more important than life, how could he not succeed?"

"After I retire, I plan to apply for Professor Schwarzschild's doctorate program. I hope he will be willing to accept me."

Artillerymen are different from ordinary soldiers. They have higher average education and scientific literacy, otherwise they cannot become artillerymen.

So some people can indeed consider continuing their studies after retirement.

Schwarzschild did not hear the admiration of the soldiers around him, he was completely immersed in the novel at this moment.

As a major, he could ask people to bring him books even on the battlefield.

"It looks good. It's really beautiful."

"Such a wild imagination and such professional scientific literacy."

"In this world, only Professor Bruce can write such a work."

"People from a three-star civilization have transparent thoughts?"

"Ah, if we humans were like this, there would probably be no war."

"And this water droplet was actually made by a third force."

"Powerful! This name is so appropriate."

“Does the world really have a third force?”

At this moment, Schwarzschild deeply felt the horror of Ridgway.

This is real science fiction.

Weapons developed using scientific knowledge and rigorous logical reasoning are almost like magical weapons in fantasy.

Isn’t this the meaning of the word science fiction?

Use science to create fantasy.

If ants knew about the existence of humans, they would probably regard human science as magical fantasy.

Schwarzschild thought of himself again.

He was fascinated by the cold yet brilliant cosmic civilization described by Li Qiwei in his novel.

He is both a physicist and an astronomer, so he can appreciate the amazing aspects of the novel even more.

Everything is based on sound scientific reasoning, but it also goes beyond the limits of human imagination.

Three star civilization, dancer civilization.
"It would be really fun to fight these aliens and shoot them in the face."

"Let's see which is harder, your water drops or my cannon."

At this moment, Schwarzschild was even a little tired of the war.

In real history, he solved field equations in the trenches.

And now, he is reading "Bugs".

The magnificent scenes in the novel made him feel that the current war was quite meaningless.

He also read the anti-war ideas and the issue of scientists' responsibilities in the novel.

Scientists should have more important things to do than waste their time on firing cannons.

At least he has contributed to his motherland and has a clear conscience.

Even a few days ago, a shell fell not far from him, and if someone hadn't knocked him down instantly.

He might have died a heroic death by now.

Schwarzschild considered himself a patriot.

"Once this battle is over, I will apply to return to the rear."

"Besides doing logistical support, I can also continue my scientific research, which is a good compromise."

Schwarzschild made up his mind.
-
United Kingdom.

After completing his weekly military mission, Rutherford would take time to return to his laboratory.

Either instructing students or simply taking a tour.

Now, he is in the laboratory, reading "Bugs" again.

Ridgway's novel caused a huge sensation in the physics community.

Although we have fewer meetings together now, we still keep in touch through letters.

Everyone raved about "Bugs".

"Professor Bruce is simply a god. When he first said he would write a novel, I didn't pay much attention. I didn't expect that his first work would be so earth-shattering."

“I feel that ‘Bugs’ is at least several decades ahead of its time. It is not only a new way of writing, but also a new understanding of science fiction.”

"If I had to describe it in one word, I would use the word hard."

"Professor Bruce's novel can withstand academic scrutiny and test, and it embodies the hard power of science."

"."

These physics giants have very high vision.

Although Li Qiwei crushed them in academic achievements, this was the field of novels, and the big guys had different tastes.

But everyone unanimously agreed with it, which shows how successful the novel is.

If other people wrote science fiction, such as Jules Verne, H. G. Wells, etc., the physics masters would at most be curious, but would never be shocked.

Because their science fiction is actually not science, it is just disguised as science fiction.

A more appropriate name should be technological imagination rather than scientific imagination.

Although science and technology are closely related, the gap between them is huge.

At this time, Chadwick happened to walk over and saw Rutherford reading a book.

After he was rescued from Germany, instead of being afraid, he became even more passionate about scientific research.

Nowadays, many students take leave to go home, but he insists on coming to the laboratory every day.

He smiled and asked:

"Professor, are you reading 'Bugs'?"

Rutherford raised his head and said with a smile, "Oh, it's Chadwick. Come over and sit down."

"Have you read this novel, too?"

Chadwick sat down and said excitedly:

“Of course, this book is so hot right now.”

"Almost every one of my friends in the scientific community has a copy of this book, and each of them has read it several times."

“The novel is really wonderful.”

"I can't believe that Professor Bruce can write novels, and write them so well."

Chadwick talked on and on, and Rutherford wanted to laugh as he listened.

This student has the highest enthusiasm for physics among all his students.

It seems like there is endless passion in my body.

Rutherford also enjoyed chatting with him.

His educational philosophy is to communicate more with students and understand their ideas, not just in academic aspects.

He often took his students for walks and chatted about the latest physics theories.

Now, he smiled and said:

"You see a wonderful story in it, but I am most concerned about the drop of water."

Chadwick was stunned. "Water drops?"

"A warship sent by a three-star civilization."

"I originally thought it was a secret weapon of alien civilization, but I didn't expect it was just their vanguard."

"When I saw this part, my scalp went numb and I felt a sense of despair instantly."

Rutherford said, “Bruce said that the material of the water droplets is held together by a force called the [strong force].”

"This force is so strong that atoms are bound very tightly together, and no external force can destroy this structure."

"He even predicted that the strong force is the force that exists between atomic nuclei."

"You have to understand, even when writing science fiction, I believe Bruce would not just let his imagination run wild."

"Somehow, I have a feeling that perhaps this third force really exists."

"Hiss!" Chadwick was startled when he heard this.

"This is too scary."

"If we can really discover the third force, it will definitely be a Nobel Prize-level achievement."

"Oh my God, Professor, Professor Bruce has probably already discovered this."

Rutherford smiled and shook his head, saying, "That's impossible."

"If Bruce had discovered it, he would have published a paper long ago."

"He wouldn't joke about serious physics like this."

"What I want to say is that we must speed up our research on atomic nuclei."

"Bruce talked to me privately and kept emphasizing the importance of the atomic nucleus. Once a breakthrough is made, it will surely be an achievement that will shake the physics world."

Chadwick's expression suddenly became excited when he heard this, with a perverted smile on his face.

This world-shaking physical discovery was his lifelong pursuit.

"If I can solve the mystery of the atomic nucleus, I should be qualified to sit at the same table with Professor Bruce." Suddenly, Chadwick asked again:

"Professor, I heard that Professor Bruce also established his own atomic research laboratory."

"He can't be faster than us."

Hearing this question, Rutherford suddenly burst into laughter.

"Haha, don't worry, I know Bruce very well."

"In terms of theoretical derivation, I really can't catch up with him."

"But if we compare experimental ability, he can only be my doctoral student at best."

"His purpose in establishing a laboratory in Borneo was to popularize academic research capabilities in his home country."

“So, there is more emphasis on the repetition of known knowledge, or simple experiments.”

"For such an advanced field as nuclear research, I don't think Bruce would explore this direction."

"Because that is of no use to China for the time being."

In real history, Rutherford did not like theoretical physicists.

He believes that science should be based on experimental data rather than on fantasizing and playing with numbers.

But he was attracted by Bohr, who preferred to study theory rather than do experiments.

When others asked him the reason, Rutherford said: Bohr is a different kid. He is not a pure theoretical physicist, he is also a football player.

After listening to Rutherford's analysis, Chadwick suppressed a smile on his face.

Only Professor Rutherford dared to say that Professor Bruce could only become a doctor.

After all, they have been close friends for more than ten years and can joke around with each other casually.

But if Chadwick said it himself, and if others heard it, he could change his career tomorrow and would not be able to survive in the physics field.

At this moment, Rutherford suddenly raised his head with a smile on his face, but sighed:

"It would be amazing if the strong force could be found in the nucleus in the future."

"A great discovery in physics was inspired by a science fiction novel."

"But, Bruce, I choose to believe you."
-
Bruce Group, USA.

In the CTO's private office, Tesla is receiving a special guest.

The person who came was Edison.

This king of invention who was crushed by Li Qiwei has now lost a lot of his arrogance.

At least in front of Tesla, he has changed a lot from before.

The old man seemed more talkative.

In real history, the relationship between Tesla and Edison was very complicated, not just a simple relationship of enemies.

There is still communication between the two.

And now, because of the emergence of Li Qiwei, Tesla's fate has completely changed.

He is no longer the impoverished genius, but the chief technology officer of the famous Bruce Group, holding a prominent position.

Everyone in the industry knows that Bruce stays behind the scenes and will not act easily.

Therefore, the group's business development and technological investment are almost all decided by Tesla.

Countless entrepreneurs racked their brains and used all kinds of connections just to treat Tesla to a meal.

Today, the Bruce Group is thriving, with more and more products, and it is showing signs of becoming a giant.

In comparison, Edison Company was in a bleak state.

The bet between Li Qiwei and Edison caused a lot of controversy and was known to the whole world.

Facts have proved that Li Qiwei's inventive ability is also terrifyingly strong, and the products of Bruce Group are of high quality, low price and high quality.

Edison's revenue suffered a huge blow and went from bad to worse.

He didn't even care about what was happening with the naval advisor. He came here in person today just to ask for peace.

At this moment, he smiled and said:

"Tesla, I didn't expect that we would have a chance to meet each other like today."

Tesla was not arrogant, but said like an old friend: "Yes, now it seems so insignificant."

Edison did not mince words and directly asked, "I came here today to ask you to show some mercy and let Edison Company go."

"Although Bruce and I have grievances, my employees are all innocent."

"The company's performance is getting worse and worse, and soon we won't even be able to pay our employees' salaries."

"On behalf of the company's employees, I implore you to show mercy."

Tesla was deeply saddened when he heard what Edison said.

Once upon a time, he could not believe that the proud and stubborn Edison would bow to him.

This 68-year-old old man seemed to be really hit hard and even lost his temper.

"Mr. Edison, I think you've made a mistake."

"Chairman Bruce stopped paying attention to Edison several years ago."

"His instructions to the company did not include continuing to suppress Edison."

"The current situation is actually the result of natural development."

"We at Bruce Group have always been pursuing high-end and branding."

"Take the high-profile approach."

"So our company's products are more popular with consumers."

"And Edison is still using the old technology, so it will certainly be eliminated."

“What you need to do is to improve factory efficiency and enhance research and development capabilities.”

"Of course, if Edison targets the low-end market, it can actually survive."

Watching Tesla talking and using all kinds of professional terms, Edison was in a trance.

The other person now is completely different from what he was decades ago.

He no longer stubbornly insists on his own technology, but considers the application of technology from the perspective of consumers.

Technology without the potential for large-scale application is worthless.

As for Li Qiwei, he made Edison feel a huge gap between them.

"So, he had already forgotten about Edison?"

"It's ridiculous that I still regard Bruce as my rival."

"I didn't expect that we are no longer on the same level."

What is scary is not the opponent's contempt, but the fact that the opponent simply forgets you.

Edison originally thought that Li Qiwei held a grudge against him and had been suppressing him.

I didn't expect that they didn't care about the entire Edison Company at all.

At this moment, Edison felt a little sad and relieved at the same time.

At this time, Tesla said:
"Since I met Bruce, I realized how narrow-minded I was before."

"Mr. Edison, have you seen 'Bugs'?"

Edison woke up from his memories when he heard this.

"Haha, I've read it. It's really well written."

Tesla said with emotion: "When I read it for the first time, I was so shocked that I couldn't breathe."

“The amazing ideas in it go beyond the limits of human imagination.”

“This is the best science fiction novel I have ever read.”

"I am particularly fascinated by the nanomaterial space elevator."

"Those of us who study technical engineering are different from academic physicists."

"They like basic theories, but we want to turn theories into engineering and power."

"Bruce once said something to me privately."

"He said: What's the point of doing business and inventing on Earth? Go to the moon or Mars."

"He will colonize the moon and Mars one day."

“I really want to see that day come.”

Edison looked at Tesla's excited expression and was already extremely shocked.

"It turns out Bruce has set his sights on space."

"I'm not even qualified to be his opponent."

After the two of them talked for a few more moments, Edison stood up and said goodbye.

"Bless you, Tesla."

"Thank you."
-
Ridgway's novel finally explodes with the terrifying impact it deserves.

Even though it's war time, sales of the novel are still booming.

From the nobles and wealthy businessmen to the farmers and workers.

Whether they are scientists, writers, or ordinary people.

Anyone who can read will buy a copy of "Bugs" to read.

No one can resist the temptation of this novel experience that is a hundred years ahead of its time.

It's like giving a mobile phone to someone who can only watch Peking Opera.

And different people perceive beauty differently.

Physicists see hope for the future of physics, such as strong force and dimensionality reduction.

Engineers see the vastness of interstellar engineering, such as space elevators made of nanomaterials.

Dreamers see wild and unconventional imagination, as if God himself is telling the story.

Good works can touch countless people, regardless of their nationality or background.

And "Bugs" is such a work.

There is no pedantic didactic theory in it, only pure scientific fantasy.

And now it happens to be a war period, and a large number of anti-war people are doing their best to promote "Bugs".

Many literary giants even wrote articles specifically analyzing this novel.

Analyze this novel from various angles and explain why it is anti-war.

Unconsciously, countless ordinary people were swept up in the experts' opinions and believed that this was indeed what was meant.

Humans are all bugs, what's the point of fighting among ourselves every day?

If aliens attack us one day, and we fail to unite against the enemy, we will probably be defeated one by one by the aliens.

As a result, more and more protest marches appeared.

"Bugs" finally played the role it was supposed to play.

Although governments have cracked down on it several times.

But as more celebrities joined in, even the government did not dare to rashly use force.

In this situation, both sides had to take a step back.

Governments of all countries have issued statements on the principles of preferential treatment for prisoners of war and not affecting civilians.

In this way, the impact of war on civilians is greatly reduced.

Even if a city is occupied by an enemy country, ordinary people living in it can still get the most basic life protection.

Of course, if your money is stolen, there is really nothing you can do.

In such troubled times, it's good enough to be able to keep your life.

Anti-war people from all walks of life are no longer allowed to continue advocating anti-war ideas or even organizing ordinary people to march.

In this way, the two sides reached a delicate balance.

When Li Qiwei learned that such an effect could be achieved, he was very satisfied.

After all, with his current strength, he is still a long way from being able to influence those top bosses or even have their say.

Now, he can only influence public opinion in this way and help more ordinary people who have been harmed by the war.

At the same time, it can also improve his reputation and enhance his influence.

Therefore, Li Qiwei made another decision, which caused a sensation again.

(End of this chapter)