I had discovered a secret -- not to remain too long at one point, forever repeating the too familiar.
Constantine Stanislavski
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In ancient times astronomers were calculating from the premise that the Earth was the center of everything and that the heavens surrounded it. There were empirical and theological reasons for that premise. Today astronomers are telling us that there is no canter to the universe because there is no edge. How do they know there is no edge? Through physical and mathematical calculations. Through science. Through intelligent observation and research.
By their calculations we now know that the Earth is a minor part of a solar system circling around an insignificant star, that the whole solar system is an insignificant dot in a large galaxy which in turn is an insignificant dot in the vast universe of galaxies.
And if there is no center to the universe how do we know where we are? We don't, except in our relationship to other planets, stars and galaxies.
When we look up at the night sky everything seems so serene and constant, and yet the astronomers are telling us that the universe is a very busy place, constantly creating, destroying and recreating pieces of itself.
Because it has no edge we will never explore it all, we will never know it all.
These discoveries have and should have redefined physics, philosophy and theology. It is veritable that old ideas are hard to discard. Is it fear that keeps people from facing the true meanings of scientific discovery? Or is it the discouraging fact that we will never know it all? Is it easier just to hold on to the fence post than to face the endless and understand it? Are the journeys of the scientist, engineer, technician and artist pointless if they have no destination?
If there is no edge to the universe then there is no edge to consciousness, and no center. But is it consciousness which makes us significant after all, no matter where we are? Is there intelligent life on other planets? Probably. But if not, at least there is on this one, if we are willing to start using it.
DB - The Vagabond
*************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
Only 4 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Showing posts with label astronomers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label astronomers. Show all posts
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Qualitative Quest 2/24/09
Qualitative Quest
Atlas groaned only under the weight of the Earth.
Today we sweat under the burden of cosmic ideas.
DB - The Vagabond
***********************
Good day Earthling.
It may some day be proven that human beings are the most arrogant, and hence, most ignorant creatures in the universe. We used to believe and proved, we thought, that the Earth was the center of the universe. After having to give up that canard, many now believe, and think they have proven, that the Earth is the only inhabited planet in all of creation. But with the increasing evidence that there might be extraterrestrial activity, the question comes up: Is there life on other planets? So far that question has only two answers: Why should there be? and Why not?
Science fiction writers, astronomers and cosmological theorists have had a grand old time with this subject. If there is life elsewhere we will probably know someday. If there isn't, we may never know it but we will keep looking.
Reason tells us that there must be some form of life existing somewhere out there. But reason itself is a questionable thing. It is merely the way humans think. But man cannot truly classify himself as a terrestrial rational being until he meets a non-terrestrial rational being. And if he were to find totally alien creatures who reason as well as, or better than, he does, he would have to conclude that reason is not what makes him human, that we reason because we're human, and not human because we reason. But what if reason is not the standard of universal mentality?
It seems as likely that there is a superior mode of thinking as there is that pigs can fly or that roses can grow at the bottom of the ocean. That is only because we can't think of one. But what if there is? What if our dedication to reason and our ability to think things through in a logical manner is just another form of believing that the Earth is the center of the universe?
There are some earthbound religions that teach that there is a higher form of thought than reason and that it is obtainable by the enlightened. Maybe that is so, and maybe it is a cosmic form of thought, shared by those whose dwelling place is an all-inclusive mental realm, no matter where they may come from.
I am a reasoning creature, and will no doubt remain so, ,I hope, for I see no better way. But I retain the right to have an open mind about unheard of and undreamed of possibilities in the universe of ideas.
DB - Vagabond Journeys
---------------------------
If your sky is clear, look up and wave. Something may be watching.
Atlas groaned only under the weight of the Earth.
Today we sweat under the burden of cosmic ideas.
DB - The Vagabond
***********************
Good day Earthling.
It may some day be proven that human beings are the most arrogant, and hence, most ignorant creatures in the universe. We used to believe and proved, we thought, that the Earth was the center of the universe. After having to give up that canard, many now believe, and think they have proven, that the Earth is the only inhabited planet in all of creation. But with the increasing evidence that there might be extraterrestrial activity, the question comes up: Is there life on other planets? So far that question has only two answers: Why should there be? and Why not?
Science fiction writers, astronomers and cosmological theorists have had a grand old time with this subject. If there is life elsewhere we will probably know someday. If there isn't, we may never know it but we will keep looking.
Reason tells us that there must be some form of life existing somewhere out there. But reason itself is a questionable thing. It is merely the way humans think. But man cannot truly classify himself as a terrestrial rational being until he meets a non-terrestrial rational being. And if he were to find totally alien creatures who reason as well as, or better than, he does, he would have to conclude that reason is not what makes him human, that we reason because we're human, and not human because we reason. But what if reason is not the standard of universal mentality?
It seems as likely that there is a superior mode of thinking as there is that pigs can fly or that roses can grow at the bottom of the ocean. That is only because we can't think of one. But what if there is? What if our dedication to reason and our ability to think things through in a logical manner is just another form of believing that the Earth is the center of the universe?
There are some earthbound religions that teach that there is a higher form of thought than reason and that it is obtainable by the enlightened. Maybe that is so, and maybe it is a cosmic form of thought, shared by those whose dwelling place is an all-inclusive mental realm, no matter where they may come from.
I am a reasoning creature, and will no doubt remain so, ,I hope, for I see no better way. But I retain the right to have an open mind about unheard of and undreamed of possibilities in the universe of ideas.
DB - Vagabond Journeys
---------------------------
If your sky is clear, look up and wave. Something may be watching.
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