EconTalk Who Needs Miracles? On Nature and the Miraculous (with Alan Lightman)
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Nov 11, 2024 Join physicist and author Alan Lightman as he navigates the fascinating interplay between science and spirituality. He advocates for cultivating awe in our lives by engaging with nature's wonders, from the mystery of ball lightning to the survival strategies of brightly colored animals. Lightman explores consciousness, questioning AI's grasp of human experiences, and discusses the impact of gravity on mountain heights. With a sense of connection to nature, he invites listeners to appreciate the miraculous elements of our universe.
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Miracles vs. The Miraculous
- Alan Lightman distinguishes between "miracles" and "the miraculous".
- He defines miracles as events contradicting natural laws, while the miraculous refers to experiencing awe and beauty in the natural world.
Cultivating Awe in Children
- Encourage children to spend time in nature and pay attention.
- Cultivating awe requires mindful observation, especially in today's digital world.
Science and Awe
- Scientific understanding doesn't preclude awe; it can enhance it.
- Emotional reactions to beauty originate in a primitive part of the brain, unaffected by scientific knowledge.