It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach.
Although a biologist, I must confess I do not understand how life came about... I consider that life only starts at the level of a functional cell. The most primitive cells may require at least several hundred different specific biological macro-molecules. How such already quite complex structures may have come together, remains a mystery to me. The possibility of the existence of a Creator, of God, represents to me a satisfactory solution to this problem.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the complexity of life and the origins of biological structures, suggesting a possible divine creator as a solution to this mystery.
In this quote, Werner Arber, a biologist, expresses his bewilderment at the complexity inherent in the formation of life's fundamental building blocks, namely cells. Despite his scientific background, he acknowledges the limits of his understanding regarding how life originated and suggests that the existence of a Creator could provide an acceptable explanation for the mysteries surrounding the emergence of life. Arber's perspective bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and philosophical contemplation, emphasizing the intricacy of biological systems and the potential for a divine influence in their origin.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the origins of life, one could use this quote to illustrate the intersection of science and spirituality.
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Early on, you talk about God because you consider Him to be most important. But later, you realize there are means by which God is known and portrayed.
The person I am now, compared with the person in the dream, has been baffled and defeated and only supposes he enjoys a full life. In the dreams, I see what a full life really consists of, and it is not what I really have.
Well, I’ve had my fun; I’ve had it, he thought, looking up at the swinging baskets of pale geraniums. And it was smashed to atoms—his fun, for it was half made up, as he knew very well; invented, this escapade with the girl; made up, as one makes up the better part of life, he thought—making onself up; making her up; creating an exquisite amusement, and something more. But odd it was, and quite true; all this one could never share—it smashed to atoms.
Ultimately there can be no freedom for self unless it is vouchsafed for others; there can be no security where there is fear, and a democratic society presupposes confidence and candor in the relations of men with one another and eager collaboration for the larger ends of life instead of the pursuit of petty, selfish or vainglorious aims.