The history of light

AI researcher Eliezer Yudkowsky published "The History of Light," arguing Einstein's era (1915-1975) was uniquely predictable due to mathematical constraints like symmetry and renormalizability. He contends this period was an anomaly in scientific history, not the norm. The essay analyzes failed aether theories preceding Einstein to show how scientific progress actually occurs through trial and error, contrasting with simplified textbook narratives. Yudkowsky suggests studying historical failures reveals repeating patterns in how knowledge advances.