Nothing but the Truth

XI Justice – Planck’s constant

Max Planck, a German physicist, was the first to use the term “quanta” in physics. He was trying to solve a problem to do with how heated objects give off electromagnetic waves. According to Newtonian physics, when an object is heated it should produce ever-increasing amounts radiation. However, what actually happens is that the radiation peaks at a certain point then tails off rapidly. Planck explained this by dividing radiation into quanta (or little packets), giving each quantum a specific energy E, related to its frequency f. Then came the clever bit; he came up with a new mathematical constant, ħ, commonly referred to as “H Bar”. H Bar, or Planck’s constant, is a very tiny number that has gone on to play a huge role in the development of quantum theory. Planck managed to demonstrate that E = ħf. It turned out that only quanta with a certain amount of energy – not too much, not too little – contributed to the radiation produced by heating an object. Think of it like currency; bank notes come in certain amounts – quanta – of £5, £10, £20 etc. Other amounts of money exist, such as £3, £7, £12 etc, but you can’t get bank notes in those quantities.

Planck’s constant helped to make sense of something that otherwise seem paradoxical. Similarly, the Justice card brings truth and clarity to the contradictory or confusing. It shines the cool light of objective truth, a truth that may not always be palatable. In a reading, the Justice card asks us to take a big step back and look at ourselves honestly and dispassionately.

Justice Questions: Can you open your eyes and see what’s really going on? What is the truth of your situation? What needs re-balancing? Where do you need an objective opinion?

Justice Things to Do: Hire a lawyer. Write a will. Get a second opinion. Don’t ask your friends, get someone you don’t know. Be honest with yourself. Forgive yourself. Forgive others.

Justice Quotes: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Bible, Matthew 7:1-2

“Justice is rather the activity of truth, than a virtue in itself. Truth tells us what is due to others, and justice renders that due. Injustice is acting a lie.” Horace Walpole

“If we do not maintain Justice, Justice will not maintain us.” Francis Bacon

“The truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind.” Emily Dickinson

Justice Movies: Twelve Angry Men
“…wherever you run into it, prejudice always obscures the truth.”
A Few Good Men
“You can’t handle the truth!”
To Kill a Mockingbird
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
Erin Brockovich
“Look, I don't know sh*t about sh*t but I know right from wrong!”