What happens when an egotistical, narcissistic actor whose career is on the ropes tries to dismantle science and mathematics to replace them with his versions? You get Terrence Howard, an acclaimed actor turned self-proclaimed mathematical revolutionary.
His recent appearance on the Joe Rogan show was nothing short of a comedic masterclass in pseudo-scientific absurdity. He offered a dizzying array of preposterous claims that left scientists and laypersons scratching their heads. Most alarming, it had me in a frenzy for over two weeks.
First, Howard boldly declared his intention to "build the Milky Way Galaxy without gravity." Huh? Considering gravity is a fundamental force necessary for the very structure of galaxies, one might wonder what this means and how Howard might achieve it. His statement seemed less of a breakthrough than a revelation of his profound misunderstanding of fundamental physical principles.
Next, we encountered “Terrology,” Howard's self-created branch of mathematics, which posits that 1×1=2.
According to Howard, an action times an action equals a reaction. This bizarre mix of misunderstood physics and arithmetic shows a complete lack of comprehension of what multiplication signifies. In mathematics, multiplication does not inherently mean to make larger or to increase, as evidenced by multiplying fractions or negative numbers.
Howard's foray into chemistry was equally baffling, with his claim that carbon has a "bisexual tone." The notion that elements possess sexual orientations is not only scientifically inaccurate but also laughably absurd. Furthermore, his talk of "wave conjugation" as though they were verbs in the English language reflects a profound ignorance of wave mechanics and linguistics.
He didn't stop there. Howard floated along into gravity, asserting that an electric force causes it. This statement strays far from established scientific understanding, where gravity is a distinct fundamental force separate from electromagnetism. Howard's reliance on Walter Russell, a delusional artist rather than a scientist, further underscores his detachment from credible scientific discourse.
Howard's pièce de résistance was his claim to have discovered the Grand Unified Field Equation, a monumental achievement in theoretical physics if true. However, given his track record and my whimsical pronunciation of the acronym GUFE ("goofy"), this claim lacks any serious scientific foundation.
He added a few mentions of Jesus and God to hook a segment of the audience that was less familiar with scientific rigor. He speaks in a language filled with made-up terms and complex jargon, leading some to mistake his incoherence for genius. Despite his claim of holding 97 patents, a closer inspection reveals he has none—filing a patent is not equivalent to being awarded one based on verified scientific research.
Why does this matter? Howard's antics are a dangerous and destructive distraction. His veiled ignorance disguised as genius contributes to the erosion of our society's already delicate intellectual fabric.
His unfounded assertions and pseudo-scientific ramblings appeal to a demographic eager to rebel against established knowledge, much like the followers of a certain orange political figure. While it may be tempting to laugh off his claims, they can spread like wildfire on social media and undermine genuine academic exploration among students, a critical element we should nurture.
In conclusion, Terrence Howard’s bizarre attempt to rewrite some of the fundamental rules of the universe leaves real scholars and experts more furious than amused. His spread of pseudo-scientific nonsense undermines genuine efforts to promote mathematical literacy and critical thinking. Terrence Howard must be stopped, not just for the sake of mathematics but also for the integrity of our collective intellect and my own personal sanity.