The news these days seems to be more and more depressing. Today, for example, over 50 people killed in Jordan by suicide bombers. When and where will the next attack occur? Apparently the authorities in Australia have thwarted some attacks there which is good.
On the home front, the looney "intelligent creation" supporters won and lost this week so that has balanced out for now. Actually, I have no problem with a "power that we know nothing about creating the universe and setting up its laws" but what I do object to is the whole Christian tradition that has turned that power into an "old man" up there somewhere whose son, well, you know the story. I don't see anything "supernatural" about it. It is just that we haven't been around long enough to study the universe(s) and really learn something about their workings.
Currently I am reading A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and it the most interesting thing I have ever read. I have always been interested in astronomy but quantum physics and related matters have really opened my eyes to some things. The chapter entitled "The Origin and Fate of the Universe" is the most interesting one in this book so far. I am almost speechless with enthusiasm concerning these matters. (OK Scotty, you can beam me up anytime. Mr. Sulu, are you there? Is anyone there?) No seriously folks, sci-fi is nice but the real thing is even more interesting. The study of the origin of all things, of black holes, where the universe(s) has been and where it/they are going are much more interesting than a work of fiction.
On the home front, the looney "intelligent creation" supporters won and lost this week so that has balanced out for now. Actually, I have no problem with a "power that we know nothing about creating the universe and setting up its laws" but what I do object to is the whole Christian tradition that has turned that power into an "old man" up there somewhere whose son, well, you know the story. I don't see anything "supernatural" about it. It is just that we haven't been around long enough to study the universe(s) and really learn something about their workings.
Currently I am reading A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and it the most interesting thing I have ever read. I have always been interested in astronomy but quantum physics and related matters have really opened my eyes to some things. The chapter entitled "The Origin and Fate of the Universe" is the most interesting one in this book so far. I am almost speechless with enthusiasm concerning these matters. (OK Scotty, you can beam me up anytime. Mr. Sulu, are you there? Is anyone there?) No seriously folks, sci-fi is nice but the real thing is even more interesting. The study of the origin of all things, of black holes, where the universe(s) has been and where it/they are going are much more interesting than a work of fiction.
As for intelligent aliens visiting this planet, well, I think the possibility exists it is not probable given the considerable distance to other planets but you never know. If someone has found a way to travel faster than the speed of light, perhaps it would be possible. Or, if there are parallel universes or worm holes that distort space and time, perhaps it would be possible.
"Glory be to the originator, its laws, and to the spirit of all beings. As it was at the big bang, so it is now, and will be forever."
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