Reality must take precedence over public relations, for nature

Hear the words of Richard P. Feynman, the prophet of physics and lover of truth, who declared: “Reality must take precedence over public relations, for nature cannot be fooled.” This is not merely the voice of a scientist, but the voice of one who saw how the vanity of man collides with the immutable laws of the cosmos. In these words lies a teaching as old as time: appearances may deceive men, but the order of the universe is incorruptible. Nature does not bend to opinion, nor to pride, nor to the illusions of power.

The meaning is clear. Reality is what is—stone, fire, wind, and the hidden forces that govern them. Public relations, however, is what seems—words polished to deceive, images painted to soothe, lies dressed in the robe of comfort. Feynman, who sat upon the commission that examined the tragedy of the Challenger space shuttle, saw how officials hid behind appearances, pretending that safety was assured when in truth danger was certain. The fiery