Idle Talk of Bai Ze Divine Lord and Laplace

The Myriad Dharma Sect, A Pu Na, and the Bai Ze lineage he passed down hold significant status in this book. Thus, this humble Daoist has specially opened a chapter to elaborate on them for all you esteemed readers.

The counterpart of the Bai Ze Divine Lord is the great French mathematician Laplace.

Speaking of which, Laplace is among the most disliked figures in modern science.

Nowadays, when people mention Laplace, they mostly mock his ambition for power or condemn his plagiarism of others' papers. In modern times, another point has been added: dragging him and his spirit beast, the Laplace Demon, out to be criticized, symbolizing the end of determinism in science.

Laplace craved fame, so when he published his books, he didn't cite his sources.

He was the son of a farmer. During the French Revolution, he was a political opportunist, and each time he switched allegiances, his status rose. By the time he died, he was already a Marquis.

He seemed like a complete scoundrel.

However, there are two things that make this humble Daoist deeply respect him.

The first is when Laplace's student presented his new mathematical findings to his peers. Afterward, Laplace called him aside and gave him a yellowed paper. It turned out Laplace had already achieved this result. Laplace told his student not to announce it and to publish it under his own name.

Although Laplace sought fame and fortune, he never suppressed others for his own gain. He was exceptionally supportive of rising talents. He was never stingy with his praise for Gauss, calling him "the greatest mathematician in the world." When Gauss was struggling financially, Laplace also generously supported him—note that France and Germany were hostile nations at the time.

The second event occurred when Napoleon asked Laplace: "Your Majesty, in your theory, what position does God occupy?"

This man, who had always been a political opportunist, finally showed a proud expression. His reply was: "Your Majesty, my theory does not require such a hypothesis."

Although Laplace's stance wavered, he never compromised his creed of truth. Keep in mind that in that era, theology still controlled the human spirit. Even Newton's purpose in studying science was to prove God's existence, and Napoleon himself was a devout believer.

Yet, Laplace arrogantly declared to God: "I do not require this hypothesis."

This statement can be considered the most profound testament to human greatness.

Newton was an arrogant man, arrogant towards others, looking down on everyone, but bowing his head in humility only to God.

Laplace, while not withholding praise from any outstanding individual, was arrogant only towards God.

In this book, the motto of the Myriad Dharma Sect was written by the Bai Ze Divine Lord, and I believe he was qualified to do so.