My application to NUS mechanical engineering has been accepted and that was the end of my tertiary education issues. They resurfaced with a vengeance just this weekend.
Inputs:
Physics of the Impossible by
Michio Kaku (great book)
Various exasperating situations in NS
TED.com(great website)
Now, I am again unsure of the course of my choice and have spent the better part of today's afternoon searching for more information to aid in my decision. My lack of decisiveness is costing me dearly but nevertheless, I do not wish to compromise my future due to a lack of considration.
The book "Physics of the Impossible" re-ignited my fascination for science and "the world around us", which was mercilessly put to sleep by the education system after my entry into secondary education . Author of the book, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku explains the frontiers of present and future science. He invokes simple analogies to let casual readers understand complex theories, as Einsten would do. Looseley paraphasing Einstien, he once said that if a theory could not be explained to a child, it would have failed. In the course of reading the book, I came upon references to many great thinkers and scientists, many of which made significant contributions to humankind. Wouldnt that be some sort of a purpose worthy pursuing in life?
My interations with the people inside National Service was truly an eye-opener. The system in place was an eye opener as well. Due to various security constraints which I am subject to, it would suffice to say that it led to a large amount of irritation and anti-enstabilisment feelings for me. Try as I might, I failed miserably in trying to accept the system and the people in it. The prospect of me ending up like some of the people i met, with aimless wandering souls are truly horrific and thus I earnestly want to find a purpose in my life.
The speakers on TED.com are all very inspirational figures. The words that come pouring from them ooze with purpose, experience and sincerity. A recent speaker I listened to (5 minutes ago in fact),
John Llyod Inventories the Invisible concluded with 2 parting quotes. The first by a mathematician & engineer called Ludwig Wittgenstien> "I dont know why we are here, but im pretty sure its not to enjoy ourselves." A pretty anti-hedonistic fella. The second was by a poet, W.H Auden. "We are here on earth to help others, what the others are here for, I've no idea."
In essence, I want to have a course which will assist in my ability to generate innovation, relate to mechanisms and devices, allow the development of my literary skills and allow me to handle business at the same time being multi-disciplined.
Its a near given that no course in my vicinity can offer me such a package. I do want to have as much of the above as possible but compromise is necesary. There is always the option of postgraduate studies and later on, self improvement courses.
Currently I'm considering 3 courses from NUS after pouring over their websites.
Mechanical EngineeringEngineering ScienceElectrical EngineeringNTU courses will be researched next week.
"When at first an idea does not sound absurd, then there is no hope for it"
-Albert Einstien
