Dec 08 2009
Science and Humility
To be humble means to be closer to the earth (c.1250, from O.Fr. humble, earlier humele, from L. humilis “lowly, humble,” lit. “on the ground,” from humus “earth.” [source]). There are at least two ways that science helps us to be more humble.
1. By exposing our essential animal nature. Human beings are basically upright alimentary canals, empowered by muscles, guided by brains.
2. By bringing to our eyes and minds the grandeur of a vast universe. A universe that favors us not a whit. (At least not according to the deep-space images provided by the Hubble Telescope and other sources. As far as I am aware, no image of Jesus or “Mother Mary” has appeared in one of them yet.)
Oh sure, in our own relatively small circles we are big deals. But on a greater scale?
In the past 24 hours I encountered two pieces of humor that illustrate the varieties of human hubris.
First, this headline from The Onion: Sports Illustrated Sportsman Of The Year Award Important, Sports Illustrated Reports.
Second, this cartoon from AtheistCartoons.com:
