Beyond Belief

Not to be absolutely certain is, I think, one of the essential things in rationality. - Bertrand Russell

An online friend who I've known for years recently said something to the effect that she couldn't understand when people who usually take a rational and scientific approach to health and medical issues believe in forms of "energy medicine" like homeopathy. She specifically mentioned me as one of those people.

I didn't get into a discussion of this with her, for a number of reasons. One, it was a compliment, and I never argue with those. Two, I don't really think that believing in "energy medicine" or homeopathy is important, so there's nothing to be gained by debating with her. And three, what she said is true, it's somewhat incomprehensible that I would ever even speak favorably about homeopathy or animal communication or any number of other completely improbable, absurd, and unproven things, let alone use them on my dogs or myself.

But I do. Oh, I don't "believe in them" the way fundamentalists believe in the bible. I'm perfectly willing to be proven wrong, and try always to couch my statements about homeopathy in terms that don't conflict with reality as I know and understand it. And I certainly don't blindly accept every crackpot theory or treatment protocol or proposed use of homeopathy put forth by its proponents. I also think that well over 90 percent of all animal communicators are completely full of crap.

But the truth is, there are things in the universe I can't explain. I believe, maybe stupidly, that one day we'll be able to explain them. I believe that science will grow to encompass the mystical and that it will all make sense in the end.  (And I keep insisting I'm not a romantic.)

My point is simply this: I've seen a few things in my life I really can't put into the strictest of rational, scientific frameworks. I persist in believing this is a limitation not of science but of human comprehension and learning. I really am ready to walk away from anything I believe that turns out to be bullshit - as the Dalai Lama said when Carl Sagan asked him what he'd do if it was proven reincarnation was not true, "I'd stop believing in it immediately."

But until then, I guess I'm just leaving a little room in my life for things that seem to work but that I can't explain.

Comments

[Gil.]

"I also think that well over 90 percent of all animal communicators are completely full of crap."

I'd put it a little higher. And frankly, I don't care if they all have pipelines to my dog's mind and can get detailed infno on what's bothering him (couched in English which he somehow speaks fluently in his head) as long as they make a living off the misery of people desperate enough to consult them. I know exactly one person who might have that talent...I guess that's what you'd call it...and she would never stoop to making money that way. Pfui.

As for the Dalai Lama, as a committed Buddhist, he could hardly say anything else to Carl Sagan. The Buddha himself said not to believe anything that conflicted with your own experience, intelligence and common sense. It's one of the reasons that I find this the only admirable religion in the world.

[KT]

(And I keep insisting I'm not a romantic.)

I'll skirt the bigger issue and laugh mockingly at this comment. Yeah, whatever, hon ;)

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[KathyF]

Some things have happened to me that I can't explain too, usually involving death of a small animal in my care. But I'm entirely rational about it.

I do believe that our dogs often laugh at us behind our backs.