Soulen and Soulen 22. The Mystery of the Universe
Jun 9, 2019
Dive into the mysteries of the universe as the hosts explore humanity's insatiable quest for knowledge. They blend personal stories with historical ideas in cosmology, revealing the philosophical weight of our understanding. Reflecting on the divine origins of our curiosity, they discuss how our awareness is not just a gift but a profound responsibility. This captivating conversation invites listeners to ponder their place within the vastness of existence.
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Early Cosmic Wonder
- Richard Soulen describes writing a high-school paper titled "Cosmology" in 1949 and his early fascination with the heavens.
- He recalls receiving Fred Hoyle's BBC lectures on the nature of the universe shortly after, which captivated him.
How 'Big Bang' Became Popular
- Fred Hoyle coined the term "Big Bang" derisively while defending a steady-state view of the universe.
- The label stuck despite Hoyle's skepticism and shaped popular cosmology discourse.
The Mystery Of Comprehensibility
- Einstein and Pascal marveled that the universe is comprehensible to the human mind, calling that fact itself mysterious.
- This compatibility between mind and cosmos is philosophically striking and foundational to inquiry.
