I believe that human beings were given a brain for
the purpose of using it. And I have long believed that the only benefits,
advantages, and growths for humans come from, and through, a recognition of the
reality that "Secular Humanism" is fundamental to such human
progress. Science and technology may become, in their own ways, a form of
"sacred cow"; but, "religion" as such has never contributed
to human advancements, as such - whatever it might have contributed to societal
stability, from time to time, throughout the ages.
I also don't believe that humans have, or will ever
have, universal absolutes in any area. And, therefore, I am rather frustrated
when someone, anyone, - with, or without a Degree, or years of experience, or
both - simply insists that something "cannot be", or "will not
be". The limitations of today are challenges, not just permanent
roadblocks. Thus, if today's electric lines, or "grid", can only
handle 20% - or whatever percentage - of current advancements and alternatives
to traditional forms of production, the challenge is to arrive at a point at
which that "grid", somehow, someway, is improved to a point of
greater capacity.
Of course, most, if not all, these advances will not
take place in my own lifetime. But, that does not invalidate the potential of
their happening. So, my point is - as best I can make it - we are always challenged to go beyond today, and work for the future.
And, where there be impossibilities - or whatever
reason - we are challenged to keep on finding viable alternatives, using the
best of what he have, or develop, as a starting point for making things better.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle expressed it better than I
can, in one of the Sherlock Holmes stories: "Life is a series of lessons, Watson,
with the greatest left for the last."
To which I would add: Let NO ONE ever stop you from
learning!
Sincerely,
Yore Cowlorado Correspondent
Revised, 06/26/10