Importance of connections

Reading in Whitehead's "Introduction to Mathematics," I was struck by this truth:

(Refering to the history of electo-magnetism) "This rapid sketch of its progress illustrates how, by the gradual introduction of the relevant theoretic ideas, suggested by experiment and themselves suggesting fresh experiements, a whole mass of isolated and even trivial phenomena are welded together into one coherent science, in which the results of abstract mathematical deductions, starting from a few simple assumed laws, supply the explanation to the complex tangle of the course of events." (pg 22)

As we build our classes based upon principle, studying "a few simple laws" and learning by experimentation within those classes, we are able to supply explanations to more "tangled course of events" in the world around us.  How much better when those class times include drawing upon the experimentation of people in the past or in classics, people who tested those laws themselves and drew conclusions that we can build upon?

"It did not begin as one science or as the product of one band of men...Detached speculations, a few happy or unhappy shots at the natures of things, formed the utmost which could be produced." (ibid)

The world is full of these detached speculations...just "google" anything you want online to see that this is true :).  Let us rather, through our connections, help explain "the complex tangle in the course of events"!

Pioneers for Freedom

Awesome words from Pres. Thomas S. Monson:
(July 2013 Ensign message: "the World Needs Pioneers Today")

The passage of time dims our memories and diminishes our appreciation for those who walked the path of pain, leaving behind a tear-marked trail of nameless graves. But what of today’s challenges? Are there no rocky roads to travel, no rugged mountains to climb, no chasms to cross, no trails to blaze, no rivers to ford? Or is there a very present need for that pioneer spirit to guide us away from the dangers that threaten to engulf us and to lead us to a Zion of safety?

We forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a barbaric world and how that triumph ended—how a slackness and softness finally overcame them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security and a comfortable life; and they lost all—comfort and security and freedom.

Do not yield to Satan’s enticements; rather, stand firm for truth. The unsatisfied yearnings of the soul will not be met by a never-ending quest for joy amidst the thrills of sensation and vice. Vice never leads to virtue. Hate never promotes love. Cowardice never gives courage. Doubt never inspires faith.

Some find it difficult to withstand the mockings and unsavory remarks of foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God’s commands. But the world has ever belittled adherence to principle. When Noah was instructed to build an ark, the foolish populace looked at the cloudless sky and then scoffed and jeered—until the rain came.

Must we learn such costly lessons over and over again? Times change, but truth persists

He talks about the need for principles, for studying history, for seeking for joy in meaningful places.  What a great reminder as we start a new year.

Move forward our Vanguard pioneers, fighting for freedom with truth!!