The Twilight of Hubris: Light Pollution and its Greater Ramifications.

     Welcome to our lovely planet, where humans have taken it upon themselves to find a way to outshine the stars, and outshine all the knowledge to be gleaned from this vast, infinite span, which you and I and everyone are a part of and made of, called the Universe. It has become increasingly difficult to even find a place where humans have not polluted the sky with their light. One has to take trips, hours out of the way, just to be able to marvel in the Milky Way.  But you know what they say, out of sight, out of mind. I am of the opinion that this wonder of our Universe is something we should not allow ourselves to lose sight of.

     Of all of the things that I think have the potential of a massively dumbing the general population into ignorance, this may well be one of them. Between the horribly deteriorating education system, (umm has anyone looked at recent posts on the internet? What happened to grammar?) the injection of creationism as a valid theory of science in schools, and the weapons of mass distraction such as the media, humans are beginning to forget what they are a part of. And let us not forget relativism and political correctness which stands as the red tape of censorship between people and the ability to criticize new-earth creationism for what it is-- hokum. The inability to see properly the stars allows humans to delude themselves into believing they are the greatest organism in the universe. I'm not saying humans are some terrible thing, nor do I advocate self hate. That is the wrong way to go about it. I do however, believe that sometimes we must allow ourselves to be humbled.

    I feel it, do you? A massive disconnect is occurring between humans and the Universe. Somehow, being a tiny planet circling around a massive star, which is one of trillions of stars has not ingrained a single iota of reverence and respect from the majority of humans. These are things to be pondered relentlessly, meditated about, and used as a life lesson in perspective. The transit of Venus  offers a glaring perspective as to the size and scope of what we are dealing with here. People are getting caught up in their minutia and forgetting as they run in their hamster wheels, bounce between work, school, families, and other obligations.

     Maybe, just maybe, we should advocate the dimming of the lights at night across major cities, a few times a year, or maybe once a month, as a form of reverence. Why not? Is this religious in nature? No. Does it have the possibility to unlock minds? Maybe stir some wonder and inspire a child to the sciences. Maybe for the many denominations of the religious, it will resonate spiritually. Maybe, just maybe, be a cause for reflection that brings people together, in a world that seems to be trying its best to create imaginary separations between them. One may argue for telescopes, and yes telescopes are a marvelous invention. Does everyone have one? Can everyone, in this economy afford one? And yes there are many photos of the Universe, sure. But the direct relationship between the eye and the sky would create a direct connection.