They consider people who don't know Hamlet from Macbeth to be Philistines, yet they might merrily admit that they don't know the difference between a gene and a chromosome, or a transistor and a capacitor, or an integral and differential equation. These concepts might seem difficult. Yes, but so, too, is Hamlet. And like Hamlet, each of these concepts is beautiful. Like an elegant mathematical equation, they are expressions of the glories of the universe.
The author highlights a double standard in how people perceive knowledge across different fields. While some might look down on others for not knowing literary classics like Hamlet or Macbeth, they might readily admit their own ignorance of fundamental scientific concepts like genes versus chromosomes or integral versus differential equations. This reflects a bias toward literature over science, despite both fields presenting their own complexities and beauties.
Isaacson emphasizes that just as Hamlet is a rich and intricate work of art, scientific concepts also represent profound beauty and elegance. Each equation or theory reveals insights about the universe, much like a literary masterpiece can evoke deep emotional responses. By acknowledging the artistry in both literature and science, he encourages a broader appreciation for knowledge in all its forms.
