- #1
Thomas1989
- 14
- 1
I've just finished watching an interview with Richard Dawkins, where he describes what he considers to be transcendent moments during his life and career. I'd like to know what experiences members here have had which you may also describe as transcendent, and to what extent you would attribute them to your interest in science. I've certainly had more than I can count on both hands and for many different reasons.
Many which I would definitely attribute to my interest in science would include:
1) The pale blue dot, along with Carl Sagan's transcript. Cosmic humility that completely changed my outlook on life overnight. I can be walking down the street and that photo will flash before my eyes, it reminds me not to take things too seriously when I'm down.
2) Simply trying to comprehend the vastness of our galaxy, of time and space, the totality of existence, and discovering that time is relative.
3) The diversity of nature, the complexity of living things at the molecular level of the cell, and the history and depth of the earth.
4) Reading the implications of quantum theory and string theory.
5) Climbing Mount Sinai in 2008, I had the most spectacular view of the night sky followed by sunrise, but my understanding of stars and the distances involved made it seem so much more inspiring.
6) Seeing the moon close up, and observing other planets through my Dad's telescope.
Others
1) My visit to the Chernobyl zone, which was like a glimpse into the apocalypse.
2) Witnessing the eclipse as a kid. I didn't really understand what was happening or why, nevertheless it was a brilliant sight that I remember well.
3) Climbing mountains, and caving.
How about everyone else?
Many which I would definitely attribute to my interest in science would include:
1) The pale blue dot, along with Carl Sagan's transcript. Cosmic humility that completely changed my outlook on life overnight. I can be walking down the street and that photo will flash before my eyes, it reminds me not to take things too seriously when I'm down.
2) Simply trying to comprehend the vastness of our galaxy, of time and space, the totality of existence, and discovering that time is relative.
3) The diversity of nature, the complexity of living things at the molecular level of the cell, and the history and depth of the earth.
4) Reading the implications of quantum theory and string theory.
5) Climbing Mount Sinai in 2008, I had the most spectacular view of the night sky followed by sunrise, but my understanding of stars and the distances involved made it seem so much more inspiring.
6) Seeing the moon close up, and observing other planets through my Dad's telescope.
Others
1) My visit to the Chernobyl zone, which was like a glimpse into the apocalypse.
2) Witnessing the eclipse as a kid. I didn't really understand what was happening or why, nevertheless it was a brilliant sight that I remember well.
3) Climbing mountains, and caving.
How about everyone else?
... 
