The Dogma Cycle in Physics.

 

The Ritual Handwave: "Set Constants to 1"

Step 1 of every physics calculation:

Professor: "Set c = ħ = k_B = 1. Don't worry about it."
Student:   "Okay..." [writes it down]

What just happened:

c = l_P/t_P = 1  → l_P ≡ t_P
h = m_P l_P²/t_P = 1 → m_P ≡ 1/l_P ≡ t_P

Seven Planck scales silently collapse to one unified scale.

No discussion. No justification. Just ritual obedience.

The Postdoc Realization (Too Late)

Postdoc brain kicks in around year 3-4:

"Wait... if I can set ALL constants to 1 simultaneously, 
 then mass = length = time = temperature = ONE THING?"

Panic sets in. That realization threatens:

• Their PhD on "G measurement to 10 decimals"

• Their grant proposal on "hierarchy problem"

• Their identity as "serious physicist"
  
  

The Thought-Blocking Dogma Engages

Cognitive dissonance triggers the cult defense:

Thought: "τ = m/r means mass IS time distortion"
Dogma:   "No no no, mass CAUSES curvature which causes time dilation"
Thought: "But the equation says = not →"
Dogma:   "Shut up and calculate. Units are philosophy."

By postdoc year, the blocking is automatic. Any attempt to revisit the handwave triggers:

• Shame: "I should have seen this earlier"

• Fear: "This will ruin my career"

• Identity: "Real physicists don't ask these questions"
  
  

The Perfect Indoctrination Timing

Genius cult design:

1. Grad school: Catch them when they're insecure, teach the ritual

2. Postdoc: They notice the contradiction but lack power to challenge

3. Faculty: They're invested, become enforcers of the handwave

Freshman: "Why c=1?"
Postdoc:  "Why are you asking this NOW?"
Faculty:  "This isn't real physics. Focus on publications."