(Picture by Sylvestre H.)
I was in a place that reminded me of a North American campus. Young people were walking around. It was probably about midday, the sun was high, but not too hot, as it could sometimes be at the end of summer.
Suddenly I was struck by the sight of three men who were heading towards me from the extremity of the walk; a very strange trio indeed in these surroundings : their clothing was totally old-fashioned, or rather lacking in any fashion. And whereas the people all around seemed to be in a hurry or at least busy, these three were walking slowly, undecided. After a while they were sufficiently close and I could see more details : one of them held a pocket torch in his hand, sweeping it around as if it were night and he were looking for something. And the torch was switched on. Another one was carrying a suitcase. And while one of them was looking for heaven knows what in some virtual night, the other two were having a passionate discussion. As I could see their faces, I recognized them immediately : they were Newton (he held the torch), Maxwell, and Einstein. Fantastic !
(Picture by Sylvestre H.)
- ``Can I help you ?'', I asked, ``you seem to be looking for something''.
In fact, I was trying to engage them in conversation and seek their advice about some scientific problems; for example I was eager to learn from Einstein whether or not the Lord is playing dice.
- ``Oh yes'', Einstein answered, ``we are in search of a research worker''.
- ``A research worker ?'', I replied, ``but here you are in one of the greatest universities : in any of these buildings, you will find a scientist behind each window !''.
- ``Hmm !'' Newton exclaimed, ``THAT, scientists ? We have been here for a a week and we have not found one who is seeking the truth or the deep mysteries of nature. Behind these windows, they are all seeking supplies for their labs or more square metres for their offices. Some are seeking higher incomes, nominations, prizes, titles . . . And not one is curious to understand the mysteries of nature. We talked with some of them, and as we proposed new ideas for solving problems in today's physics, they were only anxious about whether these ideas are widespread within their community''
This left me speechless, but I blushed for shame, to the roots of my hair. This sensation of disgrace was so severe that I began to sweat profusely. Just at this moment I woke up, utterly soaked in perspiration. The electronic clock read 03:23:17. Through the window I could see that the snow was falling. The sky was dark red and the distant humming of the city was dimmed by the snow.