The Mythology of Science, life and christmas road tolls
Modern Science has its share of mythology. Generally Scientists disdain philosophy (while forgetting that science is a branch of philosophy) and argue mythology is irrational. This is a trend as people move from their innate human faculties toward an externally self evident universe.
Science has introduced relativism into every form of human knowledge, and this certainly has limitations: Only that the speed of light is not constant. Keynesian economics (based on relative demand) creates economic paradox (stagflation). Abstract art is ludicrous. And atonal music is relative to the listener.
As we scientists, however, love to declare: it wasn't in the calculations.
This is about as self-defeating as the astrologer who merely chances prophecy.
Let us get over our disposition of real and myth and hold respect and value for all human knowledge.
Myths unfold in every circumstance of human life. From the enrage Medea who kills her own children at the cost of her husbands infidelity, to the tormented saviour, who at the very least represents our abysmal physical suffering by daytime, and our rejuvenation found in the comfort of dream-time at night.
Mammals are, after all, kings of the night and the promethian gift ensured that humans would seize and conquer both day and night. And this is a myth for both the mind of day and night.
But as we have our livers shredded by the dawning of sun: dealing with work, the injured, the dying and starving; equally our spirits are invigorated by the infinite world of night and mind.
Is space mind? Indeed. It cannot be measured by physics, it is merely a construction of our thinking - while planets, energy and dark matter are all measurable to some extent. The infinite plane rests in the realm of philosophy.
If you don't believe in astrology, take a look at this:
Charles Martin Hall (December 6, 1863–December 27, 1914) was an American inventor and engineer. He is best known for his discovery in 1886 of an inexpensive method for producing aluminium.
The French scientist Paul (Louis-Toussaint) Héroult (April 10, 1863–May 9, 1914) was the inventor of the aluminium electrolysis, also in 1886, and of the electric steel furnace.
Their inextricably parallel lives defined an era of industrial chemistry. Aluminium was the first metal to gain widespread use since the prehistoric discovery of iron. Given that both men worked independently, separated by the Atlantic divide, deriving their numerological and metaphysical circumstance invariably leads our imagination back to a time when the gift of fire was bestowed by Prometheus.
This is nothing but an example of the metaphysical realm. Yes, Humans do have a science for analysing this type of information, but it is more akin to the mind than the body. It is not a waste of time. It produces meaning to our lives and our place in the universe. We are not here to abuse our existence with technology and pillage the earth with consumerism. Myths extend our sciences and knowledge base by affecting the core (reptilian brain). When we hear a myth it does not change or conscious mind, but moves the body and challenges our spirit. How many inventions are due to luck? There is nothing logical about it. The scientist is at times more like a magician. His language has merely changed from verse, then to prose and today mathematics. But, the inventing is still done in verse.
I believe we need to be more aware of our arrogant conscious mind. It seeks to calculate and devise means to an end, rather than seeking harmony.
The best examples are the weather, markets and politics. Try using your conscious mind to predict either and you will most likely fail. Those who go with the moment succeed.
I hope that we can enjoy the adventure of myth and explore life beyond gravity, floods, tax returns and examining George Bush's terms of reference.
When was the last time warriors wept for the fallen enemy? Why is the hero’s place higher than the gods? Heroism places a floor for all those who would like to do good but cannot: That is for a cop to do, I will walk on by and ignore the hapless victim; that is for a fireman to extinguish … Only the good die young.
Perhaps, if our offerings were sacred, we might learn to enjoy rather than over-indulge. When people are lying in hospital do they ever wish that they had watched more television?
Escape the manacles of polyphemus. The T.V. enslaves us in our dark caves as did the one eyed Cyclops. It too has one eye, and has usurped parents, religion and teachers. The T.V. has taken out youth and condemned them troglodytes. Or, are we too busy riding our saurons, fuelled by the earthen-blood of dinosaurs, screeching when the breaks are hastily applied; and, driving everyone to insanity and death (see road rage)
Merry Christmas, but I fear the road toll. Why do we do it to ourselves?
Thank you for reading.
