Into the void, maybe

So the CERN Large Hadron Collider was turned on today. A machine that when put to the purpose for which it was designed in the next week or two could potentially lead to some of the most important discoveries in physics and, in turn, the nature of the universe and existence itself. Pretty important some might say. However, how many people have you heard discussing it in the street, the office or the home – beyond the sensationalist “It will create a black whole and the Earth will be sucked in and we’re all doomed!” type conversation? I haven’t heard or been a part of many such discussions.

Does this mean that people aren’t really interested in the nature of existence and the discoveries that might result in answers to the biggest questions mankind can ask? Seems so to me, and to be honest, I’m really not that surprised. Then again it might not matter if we are all sucked into that (possible) black hole, it couldn’t be much more vapid than the average TV reality show that you probably have heard people discussing today.