By DAVID TOPPER Deeply absorbed in an exceptionally long essay in the New York Review of Books about a very esoteric book on “the trouble with reality” – and I’m speaking here of epistemology and ontology; namely, that nature of “reality” – and more specifically as elucidated by mainly this trio of thinkers (Immanuel Kant, Jorge Luis Borges, & Werner Heisenberg; in order, philosopher, novelist, & physicist), I feel ever drawn deeper into their sometimes paradoxical worlds. A world, for example, envisioned by Borges, in which a man has such perfect memory that he can recall every leaf of every tree that he has seen in his entire life; but, nonetheless, cannot comprehend the word “tree.” Indeed, what do we mean when we say “tree”? What is our thought process compared to this gifted, but unfortunate, man? It’s also the world, going back to one of the earliest Greek thinkers of whom we know, Zeno of Elea. He put forward this paradox: if a man walks toward a wall, he must go halfway there, and once there, he again goes halfway to the wall, and once again halfway, etc. But this can go on forever, cutting the path in half: halfway, halfway, halfway, etc. It therefore would take an infinite time to get to the wall; and hence, the only logical conclusion is that motion itself is an illusion. This is an example of the disjunction between what we see, and how it is when we probe deeper, rationally analyzing its parts. It was intellectual puzzlements like this that Kant said “woke me out of my dogmatic slumber” and formed the basis of what he called a critique of pure reason, where he methodically wrestled with the trouble with reality.
Diving still deeper, now into the sub-atomic world of quantum physics, it gets even more “spooky” as we try to measure, say, the location and momentum of an electron. (Precisely: momentum is mass multiplied by speed.) But here’s the problem. The answer to this question from quantum physics is that as we zero in on the electron’s exact location, the momentum goes to infinity (ah, that concept again). And likewise, as we measure the momentum of the electron, zeroing ever closer to its exact number, its position goes to infinity. In short, we can precisely know its momentum, but then have no idea where this electron resides in the entire universe. This fundamental scientific conundrum was the brainchild of Heisenberg.
As I read further into this “trouble with reality,” I come across this: the author says that one of the most memorable passages in the entire book that she is reviewing is from a 1942 essay by Heisenberg on the use of language in physics.
Heisenberg in 1942? Where? Leipzig or Berlin. Does it matter?
Jolted out of my esoteric reverie, I’m back in Germany in the 1940s.
No. Stop. Read this memorable passage. “The natural laws formulated mathematically in quantum theory no longer deal with the elementary particles themselves but with our knowledge of them. Nor is it any longer possible to ask whether or not these particles exist in space and time objectively. When we speak of the picture of nature in the exact science of our age, we do not mean a picture of nature so much as a picture of our relationship with nature.”
Yet, Germany. World War II. Images flash up: synagogues everywhere disappearing in flames, emaciated prisoners entrapped in death camps, mass shootings of entire villages with bodies dumped into deep ravines.
Wait, 1942. Heisenberg appointed principal scientist in the Nazi nuclear weapons program – the aim being to build a bomb.
But, focus. Back to this “memorable” passage. Heisenberg tells me that “science no longer confronts nature as an objective observer, but sees itself as an actor in this interplay between man and nature. The scientific method of analyzing, explaining, and classifying has become conscious of its limitations, which arise out of the fact that by its intervention, science alters and refashions the object of investigation. In other words, method and object can no longer be separated.”
Yes, yet. What about Heisenberg’s immediate, everyday world? How does he separate himself from this reality? Jewish shops and stores looted. Jews forced to stand in public with signs around their necks say they are “dirty Jews.” Brown-shirted thugs beat up non-Aryan men and woman in public, without retribution. Young girls dragged into dark alleys.
This is no daydream. It can’t be rationalized away. Despite “that infinitely complex association among words and concepts, without which we would lack any sense at all that we have understood anything of the infinite abundance of reality.”
This esoteric world can no longer hold my attention. It’s not the trouble with reality anymore. It’s now Heisenberg’s very, very troubled reality, right in front of him!
Things fall apart; the center cannot hold.
Is he like the man who knows every leaf but can’t comprehend the tree?
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.
I only know that I’m unable to concentrate on, and to comprehend his otherwise memorable passage.
The best lack all conviction.
Not now, anyway.
While the worst are full of passionate intensity.
I must contemplate the prophetic words of Yeats.
Yes.
Poetry.
Now.

                *****

Sources: Meghan O’Gieblyn, “The Trouble with Reality,” New York Review of Books, March 21, 2024, pp. 10-16. William Butler Yeats, “The Second Coming.” This poem was first published in 1920.

One Million Shekels In Funding and Mentorship Awarded to Top Startup Ideas

Ramat Gan, Israel – November 18, 2024 –  In a milestone step toward building a new relationship, Sheba Medical Center‘s leadership met with Druze community leaders one year ago to explore opportunities for collaboration. This initial dialogue, held just one month before the onset of the war, led to the creation of a unique startup initiative.

Launched this month in partnership with Sheba Impact, ARC Innovation and the nonprofit organization Ofakim LaAtid (“Future Horizons”), the new program aims to support young Druze entrepreneurs and address the critical challenge of securing funding. This collaboration reflects the hospital’s commitment to fostering connections with the Druze community and empowering its next generation of innovators.

“There are many fantastic ideas within the Druze community, but securing funding is one of the biggest challenges our young entrepreneurs face,” said Amir Hassoun, Director of Administration at Sheba’s Rehabilitation Hospital and a proud member of the Druze community who is spearheading the initiative. “We are encouraging our youth to pursue their vision. This is more than just a program; it is an investment in the future of our community and our country. We are so proud of these young innovators and grateful for the opportunity to support their journey.”

The Druze community, numbering around 150,000, makes up about 1.6% of Israel’s population. Many reside in the north, where they have faced the challenges of war, including rocket fire and disruptions to daily life. Druze citizens actively contribute to the country, serving in the military and putting their lives at risk for Israel’s security.

Lieutenant Colonel As’ad Subah, founder of Ofakim LaAtid said, “We are deeply committed to fostering leadership among young people in the Druze community. Our association, founded by Druze military officers, was created to support the next generation. That’s why we are proud to partner on this project with Sheba and philanthropic business leaders. This initiative is not only a great honor but also an important step toward advancing the Druze community.”

The startup initiative invited budding entrepreneurs from the Druze community to submit their innovations, resulting in 20 unique submissions. A panel of Sheba representatives and private investors selected five finalists who presented their projects in a “pitch-off” event, with a total of one million shekels in prizes awarded. The top honor was awarded to the founders of AIBIRD, a company developing an artificial intelligence platform to enhance remote and hybrid learning.

AIBIRD‘s technology analyzes students’ expressions and emotions while they engage with online videos and learning materials, using this data to gauge attention and track progress for personalized guidance. The company’s founder was inspired by his own child who had trouble remaining engaged in distance learning. The company will receive a 300,000 shekel investment to further develop and test its product, along with ongoing mentorship from Sheba’s network.

Speaking on the initiative, Israeli businessman and philanthropist Ofer Kerzner, said, “As an Israeli citizen who loves my country, I am honored to contribute. The Druze are our partners in challenging times; they have paid with their blood. This is not political – this is a chance to show our respect and love for one another, to build our country together. We want to be brothers in life, not only brothers in death.”

The runner-up was Swift, a father-daughter team that developed a unique and immediate water heating solution that conserves energy. The device attaches to the solar water heater and can be used in private homes, hotels, hospitals and more. Other finalists included PreIn, an AI-powered thermal scanning company focused on sports medicine; AgriEye, an AI solution for early detection and disease prediction in apple trees; and MultiKol, a company developing voice analytics for security and identification applications.

Other investor participants included tech entrepreneur Ron Zukerman, Managing Partner of ARYO Ventures, Ami Lidor, Managing Director of Lidorr Elements, and Moti Kirshenbaum, entrepreneur and owner of the assisted living network Mediterranean Towers.

The judging panel included Sami Lachiani, head of the economic development of minorities department of the Prime Minister’s Office, Udi Shani, Investor and partner at Zuckerman Fund, and Avner Halperin, CEO of Sheba Impact. More than 100 young volunteers from the nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering young leadership in Israel’s Druze community, Ofakim LaAtid (“Future Horizons”), attended the event. 

Professor Arnon Afek, Associate Director General and Acting Director of Sheba General Hospital, addressed the audience and reflected positively on his personal army experience alongside his Jewish and Druze comrades. He said, “This is just the beginning. We’re bringing together passionate, young Zionist leaders who want to help shape a better future for our country. People ask me all the time how I stay so optimistic – and it’s because I see this next generation. They’re driven, capable, and, in many ways, they’re already better than we were.”

All five finalists will receive guidance and mentorship, connecting them with experienced professionals in the hospital’s network. This program, the first of several planned events, not only helps launch promising startups but also reinforces the strong relationship between the hospital and the Druze community—one built on respect, shared values, and a commitment to a brighter future for all of Israel.

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About Sheba Medical Center

The largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer is generating global impact through its medical care, research and healthcare transformation. Sheba’s City of Health boasts acute-care, rehabilitation, children’s, cancer and geriatric hospitals, research and innovation hubs, medical simulation center and center for disaster response on one comprehensive campus in the center of Israel. Sheba serves as a true hospital without borders, welcoming users and healthcare professionals from all over the world and consistently providing the highest-level medical care to all in need. Sheba has been ranked a World’s Best Hospital by Newsweek six years in a row (2019 – 2024). For more information, visit: https://sheba-global.com/

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