Thoreau

[electricland]

Oh, Henry David. I like you so much, but some days you just talk out your ass. Like May 1, 1859:

Science is inhuman. Things seen with a microscope begin to be insignificant. So described, they are as monstrous as if they should be magnified a thousand diameters. Suppose I should see and describe men and houses and trees and birds as if they were a thousand times larger than they are! With our prying instruments we disturb the balance and harmony of nature.

See, I see it exactly the other way around. Knowing more about stuff makes it that much more amazing to me. This whole "you're taking the mystery out of creation!" argument is... well, ignorant, for want of a better word.

Comments

[raithen.livejournal.com]

But I'm not sure it IS a "mystery of creation" argument! It IS saying that tools like microscopes can place undo importance on some things in relationship to others, which is actually pretty accurate. I'm never against seeing cautions against the wholehearted embracing of science, because for all it's value, it is just not the be all and end all.

Also, I bet you knew I'd respond, eh?