R.L.--Johannes smugly(and ignorantly) asked: "PS It is a mathematical fact that a derivative of a constant equals zero. Perhaps Robert or Nick can explain how that applies to the formula of E=MC^2. You failed to respond to this comment, I wonder why."

J-- Smug?; perhaps, simply because I believe that I have a deeper understanding of the reference point that is known as a "constant" and its derivative the "zero".
Ignorant?; yes, in the sense that I do not know how YOU understand the concept of 'zero' in the context of Einstein's equation.

R.L.--I assume you mean time derivative?
J--If that is how YOU understand the 'constant' and 'zero' then tell us how 'zero' time relates to the value of about 300,000 kilometers per second.

The depth of your ignorance is astounding! The simple fact that you think there is any significance to what you are saying just makes my point.
The derivative of mc^2 wrt time is zero...true... BIG F'N DEAL!!! SO IS THE DERIVATIVE OF 2!

MC^2 is the rest mass energy- the energy contained in some arbitrary lump of mass that is just sitting there doing nothing- say like your brain. This lump of mass is not moving or accelerating- it does not change with time, therefore BY DEFINITION the time derivative is zero.

Now, your problem is you have unthinkingly latched onto thIs relatively uninteresting special case of an object at rest- If the object is moving or accelerating the formula becomes more complex and can indeed be a function of time.. ARE YOU SIMPLY TO IGNORANT TO UNDERSTAND THIS?!

You have not "derived" anything, zip, zilch, nada... all you have done is embarrass yourself in public.

As for your second line, it doesnt even make sense! I strongly suspect you dont even have a moderate grasp of grade school calculus!

It is my "quest for knowledge". I think that everyone should understand how nature works at the fundamental level. I am trying to 'translate' some mathematical concepts into common words that anyone can understand. Many people do not understand statements such as: "If function f is a constant c; f(x) = c then f' (x) = 0." I would like to clarify it to them in the language that they DO understand. Perhaps by stating that the word "constant" is a reference or a starting point for calculation with formulas, same as the number "zero" is a starting or reference point for calculation with numbers. I would continue from that to the explanation of how these references relate to the 'real world'.

" I think that everyone should understand how nature works at the fundamental level. "

I agree, and the way you do that is by educating yourself, and that happens by listening to those that know what they are talking about- NOT by latching onto something with complete ignorance and refusing to accept you are wrong.

I agree that the mathematical fact applies perfectly to the formula. The 'truth' can not be denied, except by not understanding what the truth is. My point is that if you can not express the 'truth' in simple or non mathematical terminology, then perhaps you do not understand the 'truth'.

What complete garbage! I can explain mant aspects of relativity in english, but until you go through the math and logic and see how it so naturally, and inevitably must be true YOU are never going to truly understand it- Sorry, but thats just the way it is, you may not feel it is fair, tough... You may try to accept that some of us worked countless hours, took dozens of classes, and studied years for a reason- we had to learn the language and rules of science first to truly understand it fundamentally.

It goes far beyond what you do... I feel sorry for you- you obviously desperately need to feel you've accomplished something, that you know a deeper truth, but the sad fact is you don't, and unless you are willing to work at it and learn from others you never will

Not an Ad hominem just two questions.
Does it make you feel 'superior' when you try to belittle or "stomp" on someone, or is it some other type of a psychiatric problem?
Have you noticed that war with words, or the real thing, can be intensified by arrogant posturing?

You are the arrogant one here, you are the one that seems to think reality caters to your whim...