Stephen Jay Gould: We May Yearn for a Higher Answer, but None Exists.

Yearn for Higher Answers

"We are here because one odd group of fishes had a peculiar fin anatomy that could transform into legs for terrestrial creatures; because the earth never froze entirely during an ice age; because a small and tenuous species, arising in Africa a quarter of a million years ago, has managed, so far, to survive by hook and by crook. We may yearn for a 'higher answer'- but none exists."

- Stephen Jay Gould

Quote Source: Who's Who in Hell Page 450

SammyShazaam's picture
I think that many people are

I think that many people are afraid to face the fact that there is no magic that put us here. In my mind though, the incredible combined power of coincidence in evolution is magic enough for me.

I mean really, what are the odds? 5 essential elements and a healthy dose of solar radiation brought about all of this. The same simple drive to survive and create a better life for ourselves and our offspring has made both me and an oak tree. I don't see how people could see such a thing as empty, to me it's much more exciting than some static plan by a creator.

Zaphod's picture
If there ever was a supreme

If there ever was a supreme being all this being had to create was the elements that make all things possible to be the creator of all things great and small.

If this being did exist outside time and space it would be more likely it did not see ahead and know about every tiny detail that would happen however it would have probably known to a certain degree what the likely end result may be like a chemist mixing its elements in a controlled environment or vacuum. A chemist mixes things in a controlled environment to achieve a desired result but never knows for sure what the final result will yield in its entirety and may even check in from time to time to see it's progress but barely notices every little part. A good chemist test its final result to be sure it got what it planned to. The chemist is usually interested in the the main reaction or reactions it is going for. We would likely be one the unknown tiny variables in this supreme beings reaction.

mattyn's picture
Evolutionary theory at its

Evolutionary theory at its finest! I like that even though this is such an easy to follow idea, it says so much to all of us as human beings.

firebolt's picture
This is so true, there is no

This is so true, there is no answer as to a higher power or not being involved in anything that we see around us. It's nature at it's finest with a hint of evolution thrown in.

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