Sir, – One frequently hears and reads of people reaching out for, and seeking basic truths about, the probable order of things. This is normal and good, as we are all spiritual as well as temporal beings. It might however help to use logic in thinking in this spiritual field. For example, our universe is moving (expanding) so it must have had a beginning, and therefore have been created (the “Big Bang”). In this context, arguably the only type of entity which could have created our finite universe is an infinite one. However, we are finite beings and so cannot comprehend the concept of infinity. There is therefore a tendency for people to try to to explain the infinite in temporal terms.
However if there exists an overall infinite universe then as finite beings there is an infinite amount that we cannot and do not know. This wisdom was well expressed in the early 1500s by Michel de Montaigne when he wrote: “All I know is that I know nothing, and I am not even sure about that.” Socrates said much the same thing: “The only true wisdom is knowing that you know nothing.” This wisdom should encourage us to keep open minds on spiritual matters, and as advised by Albert Einstein, continue learning all of our lives, right to the very last day. Yours, etc,
TOM MOLYNEUX,
Ripley Hills.
Bray.
Co Wicklow
Sir, – Edward Hanlon (Letters, April 9th), calls the Big Bang theory “bonkers”. He is limiting himself in his scope, why stop at the Big Bang if you are prepared to deny overwhelming physical evidence and the expert opinion of thousands of scientists? He can use the same method of simple denial to classify our currently accepted “Theory of Gravity” as bonkers, but is he prepared to jump off his house roof to prove his point? Your Etc. Sean McGibbon 10 The Knoll Cashel Downs KIlkenny