Quote by Carl Sagan
If the world is to be understood, if we are to avoid such logical paradoxes when traveling at high speeds, there are some rules, commandments of Nature, that must be obeyed. Einstein codified these rules in the special theory of relativity. Light (reflected or emitted) from an object travels at the same velocity whether the object is moving or stationary: Thou shalt not add thy speed to the speed of light. Also, no material object may move faster than light: Thou shalt not travel at or beyond the speed of light. Nothing in physics prevents you from traveling as close to the speed of light as you like; 99.9 percent of the speed of light would be just fine. But no matter how hard you try, you can never gain that last decimal point. For the world to be logically consistent there must be a cosmic speed limit. Otherwise, you could get to any speed you wanted by adding velocities on a moving platform.
Summary
This quote explains the principles of Einstein's special theory of relativity, which outline certain rules or commandments of nature that must be followed to understand the world. It states that the velocity of light remains constant regardless of the movement of its source, thereby rejecting the notion of adding one's own speed to that of light. Additionally, it asserts that no material object can travel faster than light itself. Although there are no limitations on approaching the speed of light, reaching exactly its value is impossible. The quote emphasizes the necessity of a cosmic speed limit to ensure the logical consistency of the physical world, preventing the arbitrary addition of velocities on a moving platform.
Topics
Light
By Carl Sagan
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