Another happy movement in the “symphony of science” composed by us finite, lonely, temporary ensembles of matter. It is thrilling to contemplate, and to anticipate our species’ survival and flourishing: a strong reply to our Vital Question, and a much kinder and gentler frame for Richard Dawkins’ message.
With every century
Our eyes on the universe have been opened anew
We are witness
To the very brink of time and space
[Robert Jastrow]
We must ask ourselves
We who are so proud of our accomplishments
What is our place in the cosmic perspective of life?
[Carl Sagan]
The exploration of the cosmos
Is a voyage of self discovery
As long as there have been humans
We have searched for our place in the cosmos
[Richard Dawkins]
Are there things about the universe
That will be forever beyond our grasp?
Are there things about the universe that are
Ungraspable?
[Sagan]
One of the great revelations of space exploration
Is the image of the earth, finite and lonely
Bearing the entire human species
Through the oceans of space and time
[Dawkins]
Matter flows from place to place
And momentarily comes together to be you
Some people find that thought disturbing
I find the reality thrilling
[Sagan]
As the ancient mythmakers knew
We’re children equally of the earth and the sky
In our tenure on this planet, we’ve accumulated
Dangerous evolutionary baggage
We’ve also acquired compassion for others,
Love for our children,
And a great soaring passionate intelligence
The clear tools for our continued survival
[Michio Kaku]
We could be in the middle
Of an inter-galactic conversation
And we wouldn’t even know
[Sagan]
We’ve begun at last
To wonder about our origins
Star stuff contemplating the stars
Tracing that long path
Our obligation to survive and flourish
Is owed not just to ourselves
But also to that cosmos
Ancient and vast, from which we spring
NOTE to Happiness 101 students: Thanks for so many fun, provocative discussions. I hope some of them made you happy (or got you to think about it), they certainly did me. My concluding word (not that anything really has concluded, that we may conclude in regard to it): find your warm puppy, whatever that may be for you, and “walk” it daily. And if you must be a pessimist, try to be a cheerful one.
Tags: Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins
Up@dawn 
December 8, 2009 at 9:12 am |
The final outcome of Happiness 101: People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost. ~H. Jackson Browne
This is how I see a good-bye:
The world is round and the place, which may seem like the end may also be the beginning. ~Ivy Baker Priest
=-)
December 8, 2009 at 9:53 am |
Right! What goes around comes around, as T.S. Eliot sorta said, and we may hope finally to begin to grasp where the heck we are in the cosmos. Seeing ends as beginnings is fundamentally optimistic (& “spiritual”?), and I’m for it! I also begin to understand, btw, that optimism and flourishing do not necessarily require an observably-happy disposition and temperament. Grumps can be hopeful too.
December 8, 2009 at 11:34 am |
Thanks for the many insights I’ve gained by reading the works of these great philosophers. Not only has it enriched my knowledge of the subject,but has added depth to my writings for other classes as well. I even found myself using quotes and ideas gained here in discussions in classes like Macroeconomics and Physical Fitness. Indeed, the lessons learned here have impact on the quality of my everyday life, and I appreciate it, thanks!
December 8, 2009 at 1:56 pm |
Thank you, Bob, for being a wise and steady presence in class… and for setting the presentation bar so high!
December 9, 2009 at 11:13 pm |
http://blog.gurusingh.com/