An Eloquent Astrophysicist

The second law of thermodynamics holds, I think, the supreme position among the laws of nature.

If someone points out to you that your pet theory of the Universe is in disagreement with Maxwell's equations -- then so much the worse for Maxwell's equations.

If it is found to be contradicted by observation -- well, those experimentalists do bungle things up sometimes.

But if your theory is found to be against the second law of thermodynamics I can give you no hope; there is nothing to do but to collapse in deepest humiliation.

-- Arthur S. Eddington, in "The Nature of the Physical World" (1928)