Steven Weinberg, Ph.D.
Nobel Prize in Physics, 1979
Weinberg was a panelist on Ira Flatow's NPR program "Science Friday" a few weeks back, along with Brian Greene and a couple other brainy guys. They were discussing what we know and don't know about the cosmos. I was saddened to read this quotation from him, but not surprised. So many "brilliant minds" appear to see nothing in existence but tedium and meaninglessness. And sometimes, because I tend to revere science and "brilliance", I allow myself to sink into a cynical, bored disposition toward life. Partly I do that by choice, to connect with a part of me that IS that way, the part that recognizes that meaning is NOT self-evident, and that there IS mostly randomness in the universe. Once I've spent the obligatory moments there, I come back to myself, and permit the eyes of childlike fascination to be the lens through which I see my world. It is such a wonderful reunion with myself! I get to imagine the world at play, the random swirling eddies (that's a band name!) as splashes of motion and color on a cosmic canvas. I get to see my world as ART, and if I believe anything at the core of my being, it is that humans have evolved as the species of ARTISTS, and not merely as mechanics or technicians or analysts or diagnosticians or brainiologists of one form or another. So, Dr. Weinberg, keep on comprehensing our universe, keep on peering and peeking with those prodigious, smartypants, adultist peepers. You'll keep on seeing no point. Because the point is ... "there is none so blind as the one who WILL not see." Point, game and match!
Nobel Prize in Physics, 1979
Weinberg was a panelist on Ira Flatow's NPR program "Science Friday" a few weeks back, along with Brian Greene and a couple other brainy guys. They were discussing what we know and don't know about the cosmos. I was saddened to read this quotation from him, but not surprised. So many "brilliant minds" appear to see nothing in existence but tedium and meaninglessness. And sometimes, because I tend to revere science and "brilliance", I allow myself to sink into a cynical, bored disposition toward life. Partly I do that by choice, to connect with a part of me that IS that way, the part that recognizes that meaning is NOT self-evident, and that there IS mostly randomness in the universe. Once I've spent the obligatory moments there, I come back to myself, and permit the eyes of childlike fascination to be the lens through which I see my world. It is such a wonderful reunion with myself! I get to imagine the world at play, the random swirling eddies (that's a band name!) as splashes of motion and color on a cosmic canvas. I get to see my world as ART, and if I believe anything at the core of my being, it is that humans have evolved as the species of ARTISTS, and not merely as mechanics or technicians or analysts or diagnosticians or brainiologists of one form or another. So, Dr. Weinberg, keep on comprehensing our universe, keep on peering and peeking with those prodigious, smartypants, adultist peepers. You'll keep on seeing no point. Because the point is ... "there is none so blind as the one who WILL not see." Point, game and match!
I love your delicious, colorful and alive sense of our universe. Makes me really happy to share it with you.
ReplyDeleteThis maybe the second time you see this, but...Once upon a time someone asked Einstein, "Why have you spent your life trying to understand the workring of the universe?" He thought about it for a minute and answered, "Because I wanted to know if the universe is a friendly place to be in...and I believe it is." Sum that one up yee skeptics and questioners!!!
ReplyDeleteCarl
Meaningless does not have to be cynical. To put a different perspective on things: The Universe is meaningless because the meaning that WE GIVE it is how we will experience it. With that thought in mind, it is a blank canvas, waiting for us to paint the pictures of our chosen experience(s). Riding the Randomness to create our own meaning is no different than catching a good wave, or hang gliding a good thermal. Good artistic media is constantly thrown our way...how shall we ride it? What shall we create? From this aspect of thought, I am glad the Universe is meaningless....it allows me to be most creative! It allows me to do and be things I might not have done or been, expanding on my own randomness and spontaneity. Maybe to say the Universe is a big Neutral, or Void, would be better. A Place where nothing has yet happened, yet EVERYTHING is possible...and waiting for us to make our choices! That's like being a kid in a candy store where everything costs a nickel, and you have $2.00!!! I, personally, plan on a lot sweet stuff, with a lot of color!!! How about you?
ReplyDeleteAh ... I love a universe that is friendly and sweet! "Meaning" is always "mediated", the superimposition of "mind" upon an otherwise "meaningless" reality. The key is evolving consciousness and choice. My choice is to permit "meaning" to be imposed upon my universe by culture, collegial consensus, collective consciousness, or to shape meaning afresh with creativity and freedom. Is this not art?
ReplyDeleteIt is art indeed!! Art of the most engaging kind! ENJOY!!
ReplyDelete