From John Norton
Chislehurst, Kent
Ian Hughes is undoubtedly justified in asserting that physics may fail to
find the answers to the big questions and may not result in the formulation of a
unified theory of everything (Forum, 23 March). However, can we really be
expected to accept our intellectual limitations and grow up?
As the most intellectually advanced animal, we have evolved to a state of
being concerned over our origin and the reasons for our existence. Globally,
throughout the ages, religion has reassuringly provided the answers for many.
Science has advanced and has out-proven the basis of many religions.
Now, to acknowledge that science cannot provide satisfactory alternative
answers to these questions might be discomfiting for many and perhaps too bitter
a pill to swallow. Humanity’s enduring drive to find answers through religion
and science suggests such an admission would be unlikely. Rather than grow up,
as Hughes suggests, would we not be better off remaining ignorant of our
ignorance?
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