Archimedes

In the car today we were having one of our favorite discussions: what are the stars, how big is the sun, how big is the Earth, how big is the universe, and so forth.

Isaac said, "If I had a tower crane, I could move it."

Thinking he had abandoned astronomy in favor of construction vehicles, another favorite discussion topic, I asked jokingly, "What, the universe? That would be a big crane!"

Isaac said seriously, "No, the Earth. If I had a big tower crane, I could move the Earth."

I asked, "But where would you put the crane?"

Isaac said unhesitatingly, "It would be attached to a spaceship."

I thought for a moment, then said, "You know, I bet that would actually work."

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Archimedes said, "Give me but one firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth" (according to the second edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, anyway). Although he was talking about levers, I'm sure he'd agree that a tower crane would be easier.

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Another favorite discussion topic: why is there war? We have told Isaac that the desire to control resources is a factor in many wars, and as I have been reading about the Puritans in Sarah Vowell's "The Wordy Shipmates," now he wants me to tell him about beaver pelts, river access, and the wars against Native Americans in the 1600s.

Do you think he's too young to learn to chant "No Blood for Oil"?