Is it just me or do others also find these fighter jets appealing? appealing as in 'attractive'. Sounds strange but these hit-machines are designed so beautifully and have these great looks. Aerobatics they can do and attractive they are. Compare them to the passenger aircrafts :) Leaving out the science part and the reasons for the difference in shapes, if we just focus on the aesthetic component, people would definitely vote for these fighter jets as better looking. Even other space vehicles like the rockets don't seem so elegant either.
Somehow I see an inherent sarcasm in the way these things are designed. For one, they are designed to kill. They carry dangerous explosives capable of wiping out civilisations but one look at these carriers and you would like them instantly. Compare this to the evolution theories put forward by Darwin et al, who say 'things that are attractive are generally safe'. Probably the most intelligent species that we are, went for the deception tactic to fool the natural senses and give a fatal edge to these good-looking 'beautiful beasts' :)
Reminds me of the famous John Keats and his La Belle Dame sans Merci -- the beautiful princess without pity. These hawkers are definitely the belle of the dames of their category and sure are 'sans merci'. :) Guess you can call it the Keatsian irony! They sure have kept 'thou in thrall' as well..
How the course of natural evolution has taken the wrong track with humans developing these tools that, instead of propagating human life to the next evolutionary phase, are taking the whole process one step back enabling the possibility of large scale destruction with these weapons. Or is this the natural path? only time will tell.
On a parting note, it’s that time of the year when we remember the man who has personified the word consistency. Wishing a great birthday to Sachin this year and many more on the field. The world needs more cricket.
