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macrocosmos of the galaxies as into the microcosmos of the
atoms and into the material and energetic mechanisms of the
life processes.
This knowledge formed the basis
for the development of the technical industrial civilization.
It would be difficult to accept that this was the true role
of the natural sciences, namely to provide us with the comfort
of the industrial society, including the catastrophic ecological
and social problems. I believe that the true, evolutionary
value and importance of the natural sciences in the history
of mankind consists in providing deep spiritual insights into
the material cosmos, into the riddle and wonder of creation.
The Creator does not speak
with words to His creatures. As Paracelsus, the great
natural scientist, philosopher, and physician of the renaissance
said: "The Creation is the book, written by the
finger of God, in which we should learn to read."
The chemical and physical mechanisms
of life processes are described -- not explained -- by natural
scientific investigations. If these investigations are meditated
upon, they will fulfill us with astonishment and awe.
As an example, take the elucidation
of the process of seeing. It shows that in the outer
world no colors exist; that the colored picture of the world
is formed inside, on an inner screen, in the consciousness
of the individual. Every individual bears inside his
self made, private picture of the world. The Creator
used a trick: letting us experience different lengths
of electromagnetic light waves as different colors, in order
that we may enjoy the beauty of a colored world.
Natural science has disclosed
innumerable examples of such tricks which prove that the Creation
is designed to make mankind happy. In a meditative state
of mind we become conscious of this grace.
Looking over the top of my
typewriter on a meadow strewn with yellow flowers, I send
cordial regards and best wishes for a joyous and fruitful
meeting.
Yours,
(Signed) Albert
Hofmann
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