Marble Physics

Against 'Vibe Physics'

Ethan Siegel | Big Think | 30th July 2025

So-called "armchair physicists" are using large language models to develop what they think are new advances in the field. Not only is this "completely delusional", it is a dangerous example of how well-meaning, smart people can be taken in by "the phenomenon of unfettered AI slop". General use LLMs are designed to conceal their limitations and struggle to derive universal laws from patchy data (3,200 words)

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The Curse Of Carrara Marble

Meara Sharma | Dial | 22nd July 2025

The global demand for marble from Italy's Apuan Alps is accelerating at an astonishing rate: more stone has been quarried from the region in the past 30 years than in the previous 2,000. Michelangelo used this stone for the David and the Pietà because of its density, strength and uniform colour. The quarries could be empty in 50 years. Meanwhile, the marble barons and the environmentalists feud (3,500 words)