Language of God 199. Spiritual Yearning in Science
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Nov 13, 2025 
Brandon Vaidyanathan, a social scientist focused on spiritual yearning in scientists, explores how even in secular environments, the quest for meaning thrives. Agustín Fuentes, an anthropologist specializing in human evolution, discusses archaeological evidence suggesting our ancestors experienced early forms of transcendence. They reveal that scientists, regardless of belief systems, express profound longings for connection and understanding, challenging the view that science diminishes mystery and awakening a deeper spiritual consciousness.
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Science And Disenchantment Aren't The Same
- Science explains mechanisms but often leaves questions of meaning unanswered.
- Max Weber called this modern loss of shared meaning 'disenchantment', yet scientists still report wonder.
Yearning Found Across Scientists
- Brandon Vaidyanathan studied yearning among scientists via interviews with biologists and physicists.
- He found widespread desire for deep connection regardless of religious identity.
Different Frames, Same Yearning
- Researchers categorized scientists as religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, and non-religious.
- All groups sometimes express yearning for connection, but they frame and process it differently.
