Science & Metaphysics

Part II

The Next Wave

The famous physicist Albert Einstein said, “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious.” He also said, “The important thing is to never stop questioning or learning.”

Science to me implies investigation, inquiry, curiosity, exploration, and a passion for discovering truths. Scientists I have known, however, seem arrogantly locked into a rigid belief or hypothesis they are determined to prove. They debate with other professionals that hold different beliefs and argue over who will ultimately be proved right. The irony of this attitude is that often the evidence to support one theory gives way to new evidence that opens the door to a different or expanded explanation of the phenomena. Science is transient and beliefs evolve. For example:

Certainty: The earth revolves around the sun.

Likelihood: Our ancestors evolved from bi-pedal walking primates to humans.

Iffy: There is life akin to us on another planet.

Mysterious: The Yeti creature originating in folklore exists.

Where, in the above, would you position: God, reincarnation, parallel dimensions, synchronicity, coincidence, déjà vu, spirits, past lives, soul, or perpetual motion?

When I lectured on man’s evolution to audiences at New York’s American Museum of Natural History I relied on what archaeologists and physical anthropologists knew at that time. Our ancestral tree has more branches than we could have imagined. Bones and tools unearthed have now shed new light on our ancestor’s physical look as well as their diet, tools and the beginning of art, symbolism and faith. All my former books and notes are useless today.

We search for truth…how did life begin? Where did we come from? What is our purpose? Do we have free will? What happens after death? What is consciousness? What is reality?  Space and motion are real…is time real?

When we can measure something it exists. The creation of language and numbers facilitated communication and understanding. The present moment frequently referred to is characterized by focusing on one’s feelings and emotions. Mindfulness also includes our present sensations and thoughts. Past and future do not exist but we use the terms to describe the changing of the present. How do time, our existence and the now go together? We’re back to Einstein and relativity theory!

Scientists often have great ideas to explore and share publicly. However, many of these ideas, though later validated, were rejected in their lifetime. Some brilliant minds were persecuted, banished or convicted for their “cutting-edge” beliefs. Too often, we dismiss a theory or concept as impossible, or not rational, simply because we don’t understand it. Instead we insist on proof or evidence without even considering its merits. Galileo, Kepler, and Copernicus got nasty initial receptions to their brilliant theories and observations. The list is long. It is a sad commentary on the narrow and inflexible beliefs of our species. When we cease being curious, interested in the unknown and quick to dismiss what seems mysterious, our learning and personal growth is stymied and blocked.

I read many of the best business books, watched lots of documentary movies on astronomy, nature, and my hobbies of vintage posters and stamp collecting. When serious medical and personal relationship events happened I opened my “acceptance window” wider. It took fear, desperation and a look into the mirror to seek help. A new, and very different library of books and information came my way. Iron John by Robert Bly and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle made my business books unnecessary. Going within, expanding my consciousness and seeking peace and happiness required that I get out of my head and recognize the limitations of my five senses. It doesn’t come easy, but then major change is incremental. I could not go from A, a personal growth novice to Z, a grounded more conscious person. The journey has been a lifesaver.  Call it a spiritual path if you wish. The world has changed so much in the last five decades. Everything is speeded up. Information is pushed at us 24/7 and would drown us if we, by habit, made it more important than our health and happiness. Maintaining mental balance when much around us is not within our control is a worthwhile pursuit. Coping with the mystery surrounding the pandemic of 2019-2021 has been easier. I had finally swallowed my stubbornness and began a spiritual path. How do I begin? Part III The Journey.