Before I really get into this topic I must point out that I have discussed some of these topics before.
Over the last few weeks I have watched the wonderful “COSMOS’ series, something I remember seeing in 1980/1981. The series has brought to my mind several issues relating to the series, my own personal thoughts and to other issues from Carl Sagan from various sources. Here I've included a link to youtube showing part of the series, where Carl explains the 4th dimension
First up there’s the wonder of all the beauty of the cosmos, especially the pictures of the night-sky. I don’t understand how people cannot be moved when they see images of the stars and galaxies, or why people are not intrigued to know what lies out there. One of my first memories is watching the first moon landing and ever since I have always looked at the moon and wondered what it would be like to stand on another world. That moment in human history inspires me and makes me believe that if humanity really wanted, we could leave our Earth behind.
Something that ties in with the wonder and beauty is a video based on time lapsed photography taken from a mountain top in Spain. I really cannot find the words to express how this makes me feel, instead all I can suggest is that you take a look yourself here ...
One of the views that comes over in the Cosmos and was something Carl was especially pleased to promote was the need to examine concepts using scientific principles with a sceptical mind. (see earlier blog entries). It seems that Carl believed in the power of testing ideas and following the evidence, where-ever that may lead.
One of the things I picked up was how many scientific concepts and ideas were around many thousands of years ago but were lost or suppressed by religion and mysticism. Just think if some of these ideas were allowed to flourish all those years ago we as a species may have been out in the stars long ago. Why is it that humans cling strongly to superstition and religious doctrine when there’s no evidence for these things and common sense suggests they are ridiculous. The problem is that many of these things are still prevalent in many nations of the world - an example of this is a recent survey which suggests that the majority of nations have given up fighting anthropogenic climate change (many believing humanity is not responsible because they distrust science), instead preferring to let climate change happen and deal with the consequences.
Another concept that came through often was “if mankind survives”. When looking at the probability of life other than on earth, one think that is discussed is that on many worlds life may have arisen and even reached a state of high technology, but that it is likely that few technologically advanced life forms avoid destroying themselves (could this be us). I often have doubts that we as a species will avoid this pitfall as I see very little in my daily life that fills me with confidence (based on human greed and the me culture that has developed). Carl however seemed to believe that humanity could, given the right motivation, reach out and become more than we are now - what potential. Is there anything as disappointing as potential unfulfilled, this is why the tragic death of any child is so much more disturbing (for me).
I thought I had written about this before but it seems not. Recently while lying on my back in the grass in Northumberland I was looking up at the sky and dreaming of a flight to new worlds. Slowly my mind wandered to life other than on Earth and I began to think about how tragic it would be if humans are the only “intelligent” life in this Universe, especially if we do manage to destroy ourselves and this planet.
Finally you really need to watch this video from Carl Sagan reading part of his book “little blue dot”. Any body who watches this and doesn’t believe that we, as humans, are all in it together and need to sort out our differences, are probably part of the problem. Loosing our religion and superstitions would probably help - in my view.
On a purely personal note this video shows why Andy Irons surfed. (For those who do not know Andy died this year) It also resonates with me because I have to say that I feel exactly the same as I am always a better person when I have surfed, and it brings me peace, helping me with my own personal demons
