Sunday, August 21, 2011

Einstein on the mysterious

Someone shared with me a short essay written by Einstein on life and I thought it was so interesting that I would like to share it with you guys.

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed. It was the experience of mystery -- even if mixed with fear -- that engendered religion. A knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, our perceptions of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty, which only in their most primitive forms are accessible to our minds: it is this knowledge and this emotion that constitute true religiosity. In this sense, and only this sense, I am a deeply religious man... I am satisfied with the mystery of life's eternity and with a knowledge, a sense, of the marvelous structure of existence -- as well as the humble attempt to understand even a tiny portion of the Reason that manifests itself in nature."

Reading this, I can't help but feel the same attitude towards life. It is good to see a scientist who can understand and appreciate the "unknowns" if you will. Rather then denouncing spirituality, he seems to acknowledge that we need to be able to merge it with science; even then we will only know a portion of what is out there. And that is something truly magical. There is so much more that life can offer, that I think we tend to forget and undervalue it. Sure, the world has been circumnavigated and it may feel like we have explored everything, but there is still the mind, body and universe.

So we are left with a couple options; we can sit back and think that life is dull and boring, or you can open your eyes and appreciate the marvels it has to offer.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow serge i think checking Inspired by Light for updates makes my days worthwhile

Front Desk Agent said...

Your last paragraph reminds me of a quote by Anthony Robbins; I doubt quite recall where I heard it but it's something that has always stuck with me."In life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action."

People who sit back and think life is dull only know the boring things in life. The second they open their eyes to new ideas, experiences and chances will they be able to truly live. But knowing that there are these life experiences and chances doesn't do one any good; they must act on them. And I think 'action' is the step that scares people the most.

It took me a while to understand the quote and decide to put myself into action but I've stopped holding back on chances. Through said actions can we explore and start to understand the mysterious of the world. It's not so much the end result of solving the mysteries that people enjoy; it's the hunt.

Einstein was a hunter of knowledge and solver of mysteries; as much as the world needs mysteries, we also need people who are daring enough to solve them.

Heather Max said...

"Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties of the earth are never alone or weary in life... those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."

- Rachel Carson; marine biologist, helped start the environmental movement that created the EPA.

Grew up hearing about this woman, everyone from Maine was proud to have called her a former resident, even though she called Pennsylvania home for most of her life.

Thanks for reminding me of this wonderful woman and wonderful way of life. :)

ncchapman said...

I like that, thanks for sharing. Lately, I've been trying live by my new motto which is L.U.C.K and that stands for love, understanding, compassion, and kindness. It's so much more pleasant to stand in awe of life and realize that is is so and it can't be otherwise.

Sonia said...

Sergey, I am glad that you liked this one. This little gem came to me during a time I needed a little boost of hope and inspiration. Funny how someone or something can be found, can seem to be insignificant at the time, but leave such an impact. Take care of yourself during your travels!