Modesty, Pride
In November 1919, shortly after Einstein’s theory of relativity was confirmed by observations made from the island of Principe during an eclipse, Sir Arthur Eddington, an early advocate of relativity, was approached by Ludwig Silberstein at a joint meeting of the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society.
“Professor Eddington,” Silberstein declared, “you must be one of three persons in the world who understands general relativity.”
When Eddington demurred, Silberstein continued, “Don’t be modest, Eddington.”
“On the contrary,” Eddington replied. “I am trying to think who the third person is.”
Computerized Airline
The world’s first fully computerized airliner was ready for its maiden flight without pilots or crew.
The plane taxied to the loading area automatically, its doors opened automatically, the steps came out automatically.
The passengers boarded the plane and took their seats.
The steps retreated automatically, the doors closed, and the airplane taxied toward the runway.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,” a voice intoned.
“Welcome to the debut of the world’s first fully computerized airliner. Everything on this aircraft is run electronically. Just sit back and relax. Nothing can go wrong … nothing can go wrong…nothing can go wrong….”
Looking Back
Soon after our last child left home for college, my husband was resting next to me on the couch with his head in my lap. I carefully removed his glasses.
“You know, honey,” I said sweetly, “Without your glasses you look like the same handsome young man I married.”
“Honey,” he replied with a grin, “Without my glasses, you still look pretty good too!”
