The sun is a powerful source of energy. Every hour it washes the earth with billions of kilowatts of energy. Yet with a hat and sunscreen you can bathe in its light for some hours with few ill effects. A laser, on the other hand, is a relatively weak source of energy. It takes only a few watts and focuses them. But with a laser you can drill a hole in a diamond or wipe out cancer. Focus brings possibility and power to almost anything. – Bob Gass
Source: The UCB Word For Today, 19/12/2004.