22.10.2018

A physics lesson for life.

A physics lesson for life.

twitter icon

Six of us sat nervously at a small round table in the attic. We were in our last year at school and our physics master, Mr Langford, called us together for an extra lesson in thermodynamics; or so he said.

It was Halloween and already dark outside: he lit a candle in the middle of the table and turned off the lights, his black gown and the shadows from the candle adding to the spookiness!

“This is a thought experiment,” he whispered, “I want you to hold hands in a circle and focus all your mental powers on extinguishing the candle. After a while you’ll feel the energy and if you focus your minds hard enough, the candle will go out!”

We held hands, we focused, we felt the energy, we tightened our grip, we thought and we thought, but still nothing happened.  Eventually Mr Langford switched the lights back on, leaned over and blew out the candle.

“You see boys, throughout our lives, whether it’s in our careers, at home, at work, pursuing a hobby or even mowing the lawn, nothing ever happens unless we do something - it’s the first law of thermodynamics - essentially ‘wishful thinking gets us nowhere’: we have to act!” #proteuscareermanagement

  • Personal development
  • Career Coaching
  • Career Management
  • Life Lessons
  • Career Advice

I am a proactive director and business leader who is intent on providing, in the most ethical manner possible, discreet and confidential career management services to individuals. My ultimate aim, my…

Follow us for more articles and posts direct from professionals on      
Brand, Retail, Business, Marketing

How Consumer Brands Can Harness Regulation to Win...

by Leiliane Caetano de Souza Cardoso, Marketing Compliance & Growth Consultant – Consumer Goods & Retail The consumer…
Business, Management, Technology

Navigating Marketing Compliance in 2025

By Leiliane Caetano de Souza Cardoso, CEO Navigating marketing compliance is an essential priority for every consumer…
Business, Business Economics

Local Marketing Strategies: Boosting Visibility in Your...

Your neighbors can be your most loyal clients. I specialize in helping SMEs unlock local markets by blending digital…

More Articles

Brand, Research, Marketing, Methodology

Modern Market Research and Brand Development Techniques...

In my work, successful branding always starts with rigorous research. I guide each client through a discovery process…
Event, Business, Networking, Networking events

Empowering Businesses for the Next Era: The Business Show...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEEmpowering Businesses for the Next Era: The Business Show Miami 2026 Delivers Knowledge,…
Security, Computing, Technology, Cyberspace

Cyber Realm Solutions Appoints Jonathan Herman as AI...

Cyber Realm Solutions (CRS), a leader in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, has announced the appointment of…

Would you like to promote an article ?

Post articles and opinions on Chicago Professionals to attract new clients and referrals. Feature in newsletters.
Join for free today and upload your articles for new contacts to read and enquire further.