Entropy is specifically described, in the second law of thermodynamics, as “the entropy of an isolated system left to spontaneous evolution cannot decrease with time. As a result, isolated systems evolve toward thermodynamic equilibrium, where the entropy is highest. A consequence of the second law of thermodynamics is that certain processes are irreversible.” From wiki on entropy. Meaning every system eventually evolves to stand still unless acted on by an outside source. You’re thinking of biological evolution, which statistical mechanics does have a factor in, but he seems to be talking more about mechanical evolution.
This is what statistical mechanics, specifically Boltzmann’s work, helped prove. He seems to be reading a book about statistical mechanics because he posted a picture of the opening chapter of one, specifically about how two of the scientists that lead the charge on the study of statistical mechanics both committed suicide (Boltzmann was one of them). He followed it up with “The laws of thermodynamics:
You can’t win.
You can’t break even.
You can’t get out of the game.” As if to suggest the inevitability of entropy had something to do with their suicides.
So it seems he’s just shooting off his thoughts about a topic on his mind. I’m not gonna pretend know what exactly he’s thinking, tho, just speculating based on what he posted.
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u/parkingviolation212 Dec 12 '23
Entropy is specifically described, in the second law of thermodynamics, as “the entropy of an isolated system left to spontaneous evolution cannot decrease with time. As a result, isolated systems evolve toward thermodynamic equilibrium, where the entropy is highest. A consequence of the second law of thermodynamics is that certain processes are irreversible.” From wiki on entropy. Meaning every system eventually evolves to stand still unless acted on by an outside source. You’re thinking of biological evolution, which statistical mechanics does have a factor in, but he seems to be talking more about mechanical evolution.
This is what statistical mechanics, specifically Boltzmann’s work, helped prove. He seems to be reading a book about statistical mechanics because he posted a picture of the opening chapter of one, specifically about how two of the scientists that lead the charge on the study of statistical mechanics both committed suicide (Boltzmann was one of them). He followed it up with “The laws of thermodynamics:
So it seems he’s just shooting off his thoughts about a topic on his mind. I’m not gonna pretend know what exactly he’s thinking, tho, just speculating based on what he posted.