The Physics Bill Of Rights
- To approximate all problems to ideal cases.
- To use order of magnitude calculations whenever deemed necessary
(i.e. whenever one can get away with it).
- To use the rigorous method of "squinting" for solving problems more
complex than the addition of positive real integers.
- To dismiss all functions which diverge as "nasty" and "unphysical."
- To invoke the uncertainty principle when confronted by confused
mathematicians, chemists, engineers, psychologists, dramatists, and
other lower scientists.
- When pressed by non-physicists for an explanation of (4) to mumble in
a sneering tone of voice something about physically naive
mathematicians.
- To equate two sides of an equation which are dimensionally
inconsistent, with a suitable comment to the effect of, "Well, we are
interested in the order of magnitude anyway."
- To the extensive use of "bastard notations" where conventional
mathematics will not work.
- To invent fictitious forces to delude the general public.
- To justify shaky reasoning on the basis that it gives the right
answer.
- To cleverly choose convenient initial conditions, using the
principle of general triviality.
- To use plausible arguments in place of proofs, and thenceforth refer
to these arguments as proofs.
- To take on faith any principle which seems right but cannot be
proved.