Quarter Project, Option 2 (Radio Show, Blogger)

Zoë’s Random Rants- 10/1/12

As much as I hate to bring these sorts of things up, I heard a rather interesting radio interview a few days ago in which a radio talk show host asked an atheist physicist spoke with the host about the symmetries of nature being proof of intelligent design.  The physicist disagreed sharply, saying that the universe is merely an accident, and that “there is no design, no purpose” and that “the universe is just a cold, dark place.”  An article was posted this morning (see my last post for the link to that and the interview itself), which mentioned that the wife of the physicist was less than thrilled with the interview and challenged him on whether his belief that “there is no intelligent design, symmetry, or purpose” could be applied to their relationship.  I feel like I need to state my opinion on this.

Where Do I Stand?

First off, as an atheist myself, I do not see phi and natural symmetry as proof of intelligent design.  I see those things more as being more proof of fortunate circumstances- after all, there are countless stars and solar systems, so it is extremely likely that at least one (or even more) has the perfect conditions to allow life.  On top of this, I must say to his wife that love is a completely different topic.  Not to say that love is solely a human concept, because many species of animals show the capacity to love and mourn the loss of those they love (particularly certain breeds of elephants, who lead a sort of “funeral procession” when one of their own dies).  Not only that, but love is not purely caused by hormones, as it is perfectly possible for an asexual person (one that is not sexually attracted to anyone, regardless of gender) to be romantically attracted to someone else.  Love is its own separate subject- not earthly, not divine.  Love just is.

What is Love?  (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)

What is love?  Love is companionship- a necessity for humans and all other physically aware animals.  (Not necessarily pack animals- I mean those that have a memory longer than those of, say, goldfish.) Without it, we simply cannot survive.  Humans are pack animals- people need people.  Why else do people go insane when left alone for so long?  True love is developed out of friendship.  Though his wife could “just as well be with another person,” it takes time to develop a true, loving relationship that will last.  There is a good chance that they may have met under really lucky circumstances.  If there are millions upon millions of stars and solar systems, and there is at least one planet with the correct conditions for life, then couldn’t there have been the chance that out of billions of people on this planet that they just happened to bump into each other one afternoon?

And In the End…

I’m sorry to complain about this (and I’m doubly sorry if I sound as if I have a sense of entitlement, writing about the love of two people I’ve never even met).   I promise I will go back to the things that you all read random ramblings for- game reviews, and my truly exciting day-to-day exploits.  However, please know that love and science are two completely different things – science gives us order with which to live our lives to the fullest, and love is just the icing on the cake.  If love and science were the same thing, then Sheldon on the Big Bang Theory would be happily married.