Questions
Have I properly identified the implications of the facts, ideas or situation (So what)?
Profound ideas, like Einstein’s E = MC2, have implications–some positive, others disturbing. Some implications can be anticipated, others not. When Einstein initially conceived of this radical notion he was a pacifist. He never could have foreseen the role it would play in a World War. In fact, some implications may emerge generations later. Thus, ferreting out implications or “So whats?” is one of the most daunting tasks that face humans.
It is one, though, that human beings are uniquely equipped to do. Our minds can anticipate, calculate, and speculate. In essence, when we ask “So what?” we are thinking of the chain reactions set off by our acts, statements and notions. And we have a fundamental need to control any chain reaction, atomic or otherwise.