Wonder

Last evening I caught the last bit of a 1986 Star Trek movie, in which a Earth woman in the 20th century is beamed onto a star ship which had time-warped back to Earth from the 23rd century. Prior to being beamed up by Scottie, the woman thought Admiral Kirk was a lunatic, posing as a visitor from the future. Her arrival on the star ship humbled her and shook her. She was a scientist and soon decided she did not want to return to the 20th century.

I'm glad I saw this again. It bolstered my confidence in my conviction that the Universe as it is should suffice as a source of lifelong wonder. Who needs ghosts and goblins, born of human fear? There are enough terrifying realities in front of the naked eye in daylight. Who needs a god? The intricate workings of our conscious existence, of our own bodies for example, can provide enough awe and wonder for the most skeptical.Who needs stagnant rituals? The Universe, and everything in it, is constantly changing.

After being exposed to the tools of education about the Universe, relying on religion or mysticism to explain the big questions of life and death is a form of intellectual laziness, infected by emotional cowardice. Look at what is in front of you...really look. Opening the eyes is liberation. Liberation opens doors which do not bring comfort and assurance. Living with a free mind is walking a tightrope above the abyss of fear, ignorance and arrogance.

Each day offers wonder when you decide to take the risk of being mindful and compassionate. The way of humanist practice requires a commitment to wonder, insecurity and experimentation. Dogma and ritual bring a false sense of security and indisputable correctness.