the universe

I heard a learned astronomer say recently, “We are atoms that are aware that we are atoms…we are the universe aware of itself.” That’s a profoundly religious declaration, without reference…

Random processes notwithstanding, evolution has a lot invested in the human brain. But nature knows how and when to cut her losses, and we’re pushing our limits as a sentient,…

In deeper states of meditation, there comes something totally beyond words. For lack of a better word, call it benediction. Can only the human brain bring the benediction on this…

The most difficult falsehoods to uncover are those that are wrapped in a truth.

In astrophysics, as in life, it comes down to whether one feels there is some kind of intelligence operating from the beginning in the universe (without implying a Creator), or…

Galileo spent the last years of his life under house arrest because he found evidence that Copernicus was right, the earth revolves around the sun. But are we just specks…

Though the rain didn’t begin until late morning, by mid-afternoon the park that runs along the creek through town had already returned to its creatures. A light, almost imperceptible drizzle…

Readers of this column know I have a fascination with time, both physical and psychological. Neither is what we think it is, what our everyday, commonsense experience assumes. Most importantly,…