Lectures on the Philosophy of Being Human by Leovino Ma. Garcia, Ph. D. Also includes insights and reflections of his Philosophy 101 Class of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014.
Friday, November 23, 2012
The Biological Advantage of Being Awestruck
This is a short clip shared by Sari Molintas of Section C, and this video tackles the ability to "marvel at our own existence alongside other things that exist." What do you think?
I recall that back in high school, I encountered an interactive flash animation called "The Scale of the Universe" that put into perspectives the smallest things possible physical things to the the very size of the universe. (It actually now has a sequel, as I found out just weeks ago)
When I saw that I was just awe-struck and wondered how we humans can so easily bicker about the most trivial and mundane of things when there is this grand majesty that surrounds us.
As a pantheist, I am reminded of what Richard Dawkins says that there is no need to put so much clutter in our lives, believing in dwarves, fairies or (false) gods as thanks to science, we have seen great things beyond the capacities of the imaginations of the people in the past. It is a most humbling experience to see our place in the universe and realizing how "un-anthropocentric" it is but also so empowering to look at all of this and realize how fortuitous it is that we are here to say "There Is a Universe."
I really love this video, Sari. There is absolutely everything in the world that we are to be in awe with. Our families and relationships, to the food that we get to eat. For me, travelling is the perfect solution to being in more awe with the world. To experience different cultures and see historical places which people from long ago have set foot on.
The video has truly made me more aware that there is more to the world that we live in. I know I'm not a very good scientist. I stick to what I know and that is not really science related. But seeing the galaxy and the infinite number of stars, sometimes makes me think of becoming an astronaut just to see them more up close. I love star gazing because it makes me feel like I'm part of the universe.
I recall that back in high school, I encountered an interactive flash animation called "The Scale of the Universe" that put into perspectives the smallest things possible physical things to the the very size of the universe. (It actually now has a sequel, as I found out just weeks ago)
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw that I was just awe-struck and wondered how we humans can so easily bicker about the most trivial and mundane of things when there is this grand majesty that surrounds us.
As a pantheist, I am reminded of what Richard Dawkins says that there is no need to put so much clutter in our lives, believing in dwarves, fairies or (false) gods as thanks to science, we have seen great things beyond the capacities of the imaginations of the people in the past. It is a most humbling experience to see our place in the universe and realizing how "un-anthropocentric" it is but also so empowering to look at all of this and realize how fortuitous it is that we are here to say "There Is a Universe."
Oh, and by the way, awesome video.
I really love this video, Sari. There is absolutely everything in the world that we are to be in awe with. Our families and relationships, to the food that we get to eat. For me, travelling is the perfect solution to being in more awe with the world. To experience different cultures and see historical places which people from long ago have set foot on.
ReplyDeleteThe video has truly made me more aware that there is more to the world that we live in. I know I'm not a very good scientist. I stick to what I know and that is not really science related. But seeing the galaxy and the infinite number of stars, sometimes makes me think of becoming an astronaut just to see them more up close. I love star gazing because it makes me feel like I'm part of the universe.
Thanks for the video, Sari. ;)
Hokulea Cabrera
PH102-A