Getting Philosophical

[Eskel]

Anyone ever just looked up into the starry sky or just went to the beach and stared at the crashing waves along the shore and think, "Is there something more out there for us?" Like in the expanse of the abyss of space, in the dense forests, in the dark caves of mountains and the oceanic deep.

 

[Jonathan123]

Anyone ever just looked up into the starry sky or just went to the beach and stared at the crashing waves along the shore and think, "Is there something more out there for us?" Like in the expanse of the abyss of space, in the dense forests, in the dark caves of mountains and the oceanic deep.

I once did a course in astronomy and the depth and breadth of the Universe left me in awe. We have the spectrum of light, from the infra red to the ultra violet, these are the vibrations us humans can see and use, but what is beyond all that, because it goes on into infinity at both ends? Our eyes are limited in what we can see, and it's only a minute part of the spectrum. I think your post is about the most philosophical I have seen on here. Philosophy may seem airy fairy to most people, but it's all about knowledge of the Universe and how we live and why. Has anyone heard of Plato's cave? The old Greek philosopher suggested we are like a person chained to the wall of a cave with only the ability to see shadows on the wall of passing events behind us. We hardly ever see reality, what is actually happening. Knowledge, the broadening of horizons can help so much in anxiety. We tend to turn in on ourselves, (the cave!), and only see what is there in front of us at that moment when there is so much going on around us. There was book I forget by whom, called 'Breaking the Chains that bind us'. A good read!!! The chains of anxiety do bind us from the enjoyment of life and all it's possible pleasures.

 

[He Man]

Anyone ever just looked up into the starry sky or just went to the beach and stared at the crashing waves along the shore and think, "Is there something more out there for us?" Like in the expanse of the abyss of space, in the dense forests, in the dark caves of mountains an deep.

I'm with you on the last part of your thought. I believe there is more for us here (as opposed to out 'there').
And it is cool to think about humanity's potential role beyond Earth.. but, I always find it to be unaware when people talk about the potential of space, while seemingly feeling disappointed with what we have here on Earth. Hoping to find intelligent life 'out there', while ignoring their intelligent neighbors here on Earth.
I believe God specifically put us on Earth with purpose.. I definitely believe there is more here (both now & in the future), for us.
I've been to a couple funerals recently, and the 'out there' philosophy of leaving Earth & going to Heaven (understandably) always dominates the conversation. But Christian doctrine is actually that mankind is waiting for bodily resurrection to inhabit a new, perfected Earth. There definitely could be (& have been) rewards for us in space, but my opinion, the greatest unfulfilled potential for human beings is here.
Forgive me for a long, scattered post. This is the kinda conversation that is more suited for conversing late in to the night over a couple beers..