Boundaries of Inquiry

I had a lengthy conversation with the sister of a good friend, a very educated scientist with a PhD from an Ivy League school. Our conversation lasted most of an hour before we reached a subject that demonstrated that she was unable to handle any further meaningful inquiry. In her erudition, she had reached a level of conclusion in which she believed further questions on the matter were not only unnecessary, but out of bounds. As a person with a broad scientific background myself, I was struck at first with amusement that a scientist believed that something – anything - was settled.

I let the matter go, however, to disarm any further confrontation... and because I encounter this wall of complacency in accepting the consensus without question all too frequently. Where is the curiosity to push beyond boundaries and break the rules to extend our understanding? We are limited by the mainstream hold on our consciousness. As a society we seem stuck in our evolution, more than willing to readily accept whatever it is we are told. Personally, I don't readily accept anything that is considered mainstream or, increasingly, even any alternative explanation. It is a human responsibility to question everything. Question, question, question.

For me, the truth is paramount, and I have little regard for those who willingly confine themselves to ignorance or worse - those who willingly perpetuate lies. Most people seem content with so little; so easily distracted and not willing to stick their head up to challenge the party line. Satisfied with just bits and pieces of the truth, most people don't realize they are digging their own graves... as well as those of their children.

It is rare to find a truly awakened mind. I thank my lucky stars for the internet and the virtual social connections I have made there. Others are out there – I know that - but I generally don't encounter them in my day-to-day circle. When I listen closely or peer deeply into the darkness, however, I see glimmers of light everywhere. It inspires me to encounter a break in an otherwise sea of oblivion that surrounds me. It is so encouraging, enough to keep me going, to catch brief flashes of light indicating there is still real thinking intelligence to be found within a very small portion of humanity.

Most people have spent their lives waiting to be fed like baby birds, straining for any chord of consolation. They crave belonging like it is a drug and pray in silence for their god to hear them. Wake up, I whisper; the divine is within each of us. Make that quiet connection and understand that you have all the truth within and unlimited power to create a better world. Turn off the mainstream noise, and tune in.