Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light-years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty, and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual. So are our emotions in the presence of great art or music or literature, or of acts of exemplary selfless courage such as those of Mohandas Gandhi or Martin Luther King, Jr. The notion that science and spirituality are somehow mutually exclusive does a disservice to both.
~ Carl Sagan
(Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark)
Why of course they are. Just because one may not understand the science of science does not mean it is less important to our understand of the world around.
For oneness to happen acceptance is needed!
The Series of Star Trek for years was expressing that fact Ray Bradbury was a genius in expressing this through entertainment !
It’s kind of funny, Jeff, I never understood this until I was in my late 30s… “For oneness to happen acceptance is needed!” So true, Jeff! Wonder how things might have turned out if I had been more aware of unicity and the spiritual messages in science fiction. As it was, my children and husband led me to see the wonders found therein.
Isn’t that photo amazing ! Love the Carl Sagan quote.
I thought the photo and quote were pretty amazing, too, Sybil – so happy you enjoyed them!
Science is but another language. Spirituality encompasses it so fully. We humans are funny the way we can make a problem and incompatibility out of almost everything at times!
We ARE adept at drawing lines and dividing things into categories, making mountains out of molehills! Science and spirit are both ways we try to make sense of the here and now…
The Carl Sagan quote and the photograph are the perfect pairing, and what a wonderful way to start this beautiful morning — thank you!
You’re welcome, Laurie! I’m glad the combo had a hand in getting your day off to a good start. I had part of the quote read at my father’s memorial because he was a “devout” scientist and used to watch Carl Sagan on public TV.
My first impression was of the Headless Horseman standing with arms slightly reached out.
Correction…in mid stride walking.
Hmmm… I guess your mind was still on the headless horseman in the “Sleepy Hollow” movie we were watching the other night! 🙂
I love the quote and that image is stunning. I’ve always thought science and spirituality easily go hand and hand. Einstein knew that, too. 😀
Thank you, Robin, very happy you liked them! If I could have understood earlier in my life that science and spirituality easily go hand and hand, I would have spared myself years of existential angst.
Wow, what a spectacular image! Of course science and spirituality are compatible, and I do hope that some day, those who MUST have scientific proof of absolutely everything in this world will believe that also.
Me, too, although I think advanced science will one day explain many things that seem puzzling to us now.
“The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” ~ Eden Phillpotts
That is a very good quote!
Glad you like it! Here is where I shared it the first time:
http://www.ingebrita.net/archives/6719
Hi Barbara. I have a book of the Hubble photos. The beauty and extent of it all is quite amazing, and humbling. Jane
Wow! That sounds like a wonderful coffee table book to have in your home – a great conversation starter. 🙂