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Bedrock of science
“Built on a bedrock of science.” I hear this phrase after the 2020 US election results. After spending 16 years on this subject’s variants, I naturally lean towards it whenever I hear this word mentioned. We need science if we have to return to normal; that is, if returning to normal is possible. While we espouse science and pride ourselves to be rational beings, our irrationality is rearing its ugly head; that is, if you are noticing.
While Biden repeatedly tells us about the bedrock of science on which he will base many of his actions, did you notice what people of an agricultural village named Thulasendrapuram were doing? They came together to pray for the victory of Kamala Harris in the local temple. They had a right to do so. Kamala family, the Indian side, originates from here. You can take India out of you, but India will not leave you.
The votes have been cast. What can prayers do now? It is not going to miraculously change the stamp from Biden to Trump or vice versa. But it was not only those people who prayed. A friend of mine, who hasn’t prayed for a long time, ended up praying for Biden’s victory. I could only chuckle with the other friends on the video call hearing this confession.
Uncertain times can lead to unpredictable behavior. I am an Indian. As a nation, I thought we were very superstitious. The first time a black cat jumped in front of my motorcycle, my friend, who was riding pillion, ordered me to spit to negate the bad. And I did without stopping the motorbike, thereby showering him in my spit. Our satellite launches are preceded by very elaborate rituals for god. I always thought it was our culture, but it is human nature. Sometimes, the bedrock of science is not enough. If you don’t believe me, you should search for, “why do rocket scientists eat peanuts?”
