Max Planck

Shazia Bugti
2 min readApr 23, 2020

In certain stages of life, we come to complete standstill, and thereafter, something causing a drastic effect is needed to bring about an entire new world into view. I had asked what people wanted me to write about and someone asked who my favorite scientist was. Well, today is his birthday and it is only fair that I dedicate a post to a man who inspires me in many ways. Max Planck. Planck was the drastic effect we needed back in the 19th century when it was thought that all major discoveries in science have been made and that there is only room for improvement and nothing more. But then came a man who brought in a bizarre idea that he himself couldn't believe in for quite a while. It was this gentleman who introduced the idea of quanta, therefore opening up the world of Quantum mechanics which has now applications and contributions in more areas than any other field of sciences perhaps.

While many a people worship Einstein for his contributions to the understanding of the universe, and rightfully so, let's not forget that the Nobel that stands in his name, would barely have been possible if he had not relied heavily on what Planck discovered. Where would modern physics be without the mighty “h” i.e Planck's constant? But that is not all that fascinated me about Planck. I mean, intelligence is bigger than anything else but he was not only a highly intellectual person but also a down to earth man, with morals, believed and determination, (or so I have read, of course, I couldn't meet him in person, sadly, though eventually I will, added to the after-life bucket list.) qualities that I wish to see in my own self too, both as a physicist and a person. He also had quite a tragic life, losing all that he had, yet leaving behind a legacy that would continue till the ends of time. Everyone who knows me, knows I have a thing for tragedies, especially one that exists despite all the glory, where the world sees one thing and inside, everything is different, broken.

There is always that question of if you could go back or forward in time, which era would you choose? I’d choose the late 19th and early 20th century. This man is the reason. He fascinated me more than probably any other scientist or physicist to have ever existed. His is a legacy I would take immense pride in continuing and contributing to. Happy Birthday, genius, thank you for inspiring us.

P.s Ramadan is almost here, I have no idea what to do about my routine, also I’m on a reading block and I have been on this book for ages now. HELP ME!!!

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Shazia Bugti

Writer, reader and a Physicist-to-be, but mostly an antisocial procrastinator