“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”—Albert Einstein
THE BULLET TRAIN
In 1989, Japan’s bullet trains reached speeds of 170 mph. Its speed was impressive, but it came at the expense of a few issues. It was so fast that it was causing noise pollution and structural damage. Japan tasked a team of engineers with making it quieter and more efficient.
Eiji Nakatsu, the development’s general manager, shared an idea with his team that left everyone scratching their heads. His engineering or design background didn’t inspire his vision for the future of the bullet train. Instead it came from his hobby of bird watching.
There’s a remarkable bird found in nature called the Kingfisher. They’re known for their large, sword-shaped beaks, which evolved to be perfect for hunting fish. They’d sit on a branch above water, waiting for the right moment to strike. When the opportunity presents itself, they dive at high-speeds, beak first, into the water, spearing their prey …