"It is thought that primitive life forms developed in the oceans, possibly as a result of chance combination of atoms into large structures, called macromolecules, which were capable of assembling other atoms in the ocean into similar structures. They would thus have reproduced themselves and multiplied..."
ISKCON BANGALORE, Sep 29, 2010 — Like many, I too sought for an understanding of the primary questions of life: what is creation? What was its purpose? Who created it and why are we all here? Human society has long searched for answers to the meaning of life and its origins.
The perplexities of material existence, the mysteries of God and the purpose of creation itself have lead to speculations, theories and hypothesis that attempt to provide answers.
Yet it seems that even some of the most revered thinkers, philosophers and scientists can only give us mere suggestions in the name of science and rationality. Stephen Hawking tries to explain in his highly acclaimed ‘A Brief History of Time’:
Stephen Hawking tries to explain in his highly acclaimed ‘A Brief History of Time’:
 |
“It is thought that they [primitive life forms] developed in the oceans, possibly as a result of chance combination of atoms into large structures, called macromolecules, which were capable of assembling other atoms in the ocean into similar structures. They would thus have reproduced themselves and multiplied…”
As we can see, it is at best an educated guess, a mere possibility that attempts at an answer. Even then, it does not provide an explanation on the origins of those primitive forms of life from which we are said to have evolved. So how did we begin to exist? Scientific research reveals that each human being starts with a singular embryonic cell. This then multiplies into a group of specialized cells that constitute the organs and organ systems of a person’s body. Our life is supposed to begin this way, with just one, single cell. But what inherent nature of these cells instructs them to grow? What instinct tells them that they are the cells of a beating heart and must, therefore, be strong enough to last a lifetime, or the flowing cells of our blood, and must therefore, carry oxygen? |
| Stephen Hawking: At present our computers remain outstripped in computational power by the brain of a humble earthworm. |
When asked for an explanation, two acquaintances of mine, each of them experts in “life sciences” expounded that a cell is the building block of life constituting highly complex molecular structures that work in harmony to carry out the activities of the cell. But they were not able to explain why these atoms and molecules combined in that particular way.
Where did they get the intelligence to do so? Why did adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine bond to form DNA? We are surely not just a random, accidental combination of molecules, a mere result of the laws of probability. As more and more questions arose, it was clear that none of the theories I had come across so far provided the comprehensive understanding that so many like myself sought.
By simple logic one can deduce that we are not a mere combination of molecules for this would imply that all the people one cared for, were also just combination of atoms or inert matter. How could we feel so much and work so hard to provide for a mere (but a massive) group of atoms? Could we ultimately conclude then, that caring for a human being or caring for a rock is the same? It seems impossible; an idea that would fill anyone with immense despair.
Even Hawking, who states that the purpose of science is the formulation of a single unifying theory, goes on to add: ‘if we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason – for then we would know the mind of God’.
All these tenuous philosophies side stepping the issue, while pretending to provide answers, compounded by the evident lack of a perfect source of knowledge, only lead to more confusion. A period of my life soon began when I became aware of a serious desire for answers.
But where was I to get these answers and who would give that knowledge? Would they remain unanswered?
To be continued..
Speak Your Mind