A Note on Physics Envy

The well-known concept of physics envy usually involves imitating the success of physics at quantifying concepts. The trouble with that is that the results, in other fields, are similar to measuring the hotness of mustard by sticking a thermometer into it. I recently realized there is a second type of physics envy: imitating the tendency to produce theories that most people cannot understand and therefore regard as subjective bulshytt.

In recent decades, a dim, incoherent knowledge of science has become available to anyone. As a result, we see the nitwit interpretation of quantum mechanics, idiotic ideas about multiverse theories, and the belief that energy means anything you want it to mean. (At least the claim that Einstein proved everything is relative has disappeared … for now.)

This alternative physics envy might explain nonsense in humanities scholarship.