Knowing and Mystery
Embracing the mysteries of life, initiated by the Mystery of life—I find myself smiling when I read about new scientific discoveries that are happening so rapidly any books written about them are quickly outdated. A few years back, NPR was interviewing Ed Yong, author of An Immense World and before that, I Contain Multitudes. It took me no time to head to the library where I checked out the original work. Multitudes is an in-depth presentation of the unfolding understanding of the human microbiome, which is amazing. It inspires consideration of what is put into the body, from food and drink to medicines, supplements, and substances. But, what was profoundly clear is the fact that, at the time, these were brand new findings. We are only on the cusp of actually understanding how our complex bodies and its’ host of microorganisms work and function together. When I read the book five years after it’s release, I wondered how much had since been discovered. Scientific information is expanding so quickly.
Peter Wohlleben, in The Hidden Life of Trees, reveals exciting new discoveries about our towering outdoor neighbors. He wasn’t the first to suggest that trees communicate with one another. But those who braved sharing such information at earlier times often forfeited their careers in the scientific field because folks were not ready or open to such findings. With passing years and continuing research it is now understood that trees do, in fact, communicate through mycelium that connect their roots in a network as well as through chemicals released in the air. And, these are the ones about which we have knowledge. The questions only multiply with any new information. It’s the fuel for continuing research and discoveries. How exciting is that?
We are just now uncovering unprecedented amounts of knowledge about the living world. What else don’t we know? It is humbling. It challenges how we hold the knowledge we assume is certain. What we are actually learning is that there is still so very much to learn—we have only begun to scratch the surface. Therefore, it seems obvious that we should tread softly and act kindly towards all living things. We know not what we do. Not really.
I used to long to have all of the answers to my questions. There is a sense of security in certainty. Certainty doesn’t ask me to stretch or learn or dialogue with others. It offers a smug feeling of superiority next to those who are less certain, while creating defensiveness of our sure answers. I wonder, why are we afraid of mystery?
No longer do I wish for all of the answers. Now I chase after the mystery
that allows us to stay inquisitive and fascinated with all that is around us.
that keeps us humble and filled with a sense of wonder and awe.
that releases us—freeing us from the need to believe we have it all figured out.