A few random thoughts that came to me as I read this. Speaking of biology - did you see Kermit's thoughts on biology at the Maryland graduation?
"Kermit proceeded to call out the arts and humanities majors by name in addition to the biology students, though he added grimly — well, as stoically as he could without being able to change his face — that he would not accept any invitations into their labs after the ceremony." And it makes me wonder are the Muppets machines? I have seen Kermit interviewed twice by the top of the line reporters and Miss Piggy once. And there is a moment in all the interviews when the interviewer appears to be having a true conversation with the Muppet character.
And in thinking about man as a machine, takes me to wonder what Isaac Asimov might be thinking about this, knowing he had created thinking machines. And look, I loved Star Trek's Data, but I've never been able to decide for myself how I would vote on the question if he was a sentient being.
Thanks for the book recommendations. Currently I'm reading Berry's THiS DAY. This is a part of my daily habit of reading a poem a day. But with Berry there are some days it takes the entire day (and more) to comprehend one poem. Today, I read 1998 IX
This reminds me of this interview with poet David Whyte. He started as a biologist in the Galapagos Islands but what he found was that scientists have a tendency to put a label to a creature, genus and species, and then think they know that creature. And thus their curiosity can be stunted. He left biology to become a poet. His conversation with Russell Moore is well worth a listen.
This reminds me of this podcast interview I just listened to yesterday which discusses the incomprehensibility of God while at the same time we are called to know him: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cairn-10/id1034870601?i=1000709267335
Stuff like this is such an encouragement to me!
A few random thoughts that came to me as I read this. Speaking of biology - did you see Kermit's thoughts on biology at the Maryland graduation?
"Kermit proceeded to call out the arts and humanities majors by name in addition to the biology students, though he added grimly — well, as stoically as he could without being able to change his face — that he would not accept any invitations into their labs after the ceremony." And it makes me wonder are the Muppets machines? I have seen Kermit interviewed twice by the top of the line reporters and Miss Piggy once. And there is a moment in all the interviews when the interviewer appears to be having a true conversation with the Muppet character.
And in thinking about man as a machine, takes me to wonder what Isaac Asimov might be thinking about this, knowing he had created thinking machines. And look, I loved Star Trek's Data, but I've never been able to decide for myself how I would vote on the question if he was a sentient being.
Thanks for the book recommendations. Currently I'm reading Berry's THiS DAY. This is a part of my daily habit of reading a poem a day. But with Berry there are some days it takes the entire day (and more) to comprehend one poem. Today, I read 1998 IX
"What I fear most is despair
for the world and us: forever less
of beauty, silence, open air,
gratitude, unbidden happiness,
affection, unegotistical desire."
Cheers Lyndie
"But you know from experience that the world is unpredictable, unfathomable, and that you have to live well without understanding fully."
I love this. Why is it so easy to fall into thinking that we should be able to control & understand our lives.
https://pdst.fm/e/chrt.fm/track/7D3612/traffic.megaphone.fm/CHRTDY8050806444.mp3?updated=1741039898
This reminds me of this interview with poet David Whyte. He started as a biologist in the Galapagos Islands but what he found was that scientists have a tendency to put a label to a creature, genus and species, and then think they know that creature. And thus their curiosity can be stunted. He left biology to become a poet. His conversation with Russell Moore is well worth a listen.
Good one. As hard as I try I can’t understand everything. As I get older, I’m more and more ok with that.
I’m thankful I’m not in charge.