What an inspirational post, Colin! Another person who is lost in history, despite having a Best Seller, millions of copies sold in 1894!
"To Carus, science was not only compatible with spiritual life, it was its highest expression.". Now that I am aware of some of his ideas, I believe that his works just might have impacted the changes within the Catholic church during the 1900s. Not that it would say that science is the highest expression, but that science is compatible with faith, as well as the Church's refocus on the integration of mind and body, spirit and matter. Obviously, there are contradictions with Carus' work, but engagement with his ideas is what matters here.
Thank YOU for this post. I've not yet read any of his works. And here is where I am grateful for technology, for while a local library no longer carries such books, the e-versions are abundant on platforms, for purchase. I'll start with his first, and with his prolific writing, i will likely not finish his output in my life time.
Allowing intellectual engagement that is full of contradictions, puzzlements, and dissonance is what fosters authentic dialogue . It also requires humility. Even as Carus wrote his works, I am fairly certain he was arguing against his own ideas, and yet, by writing and sharing them, he encouraged readers to do the same. It is an inspiration to us to do the same, to state ideas, one held with less certainty, in order to foster engagement. As you said, he wagered everything on the idea that thought itself was holy, and that reason might yet redeem us. In honour of his life example, we are challenged to do the same.
What an inspirational post, Colin! Another person who is lost in history, despite having a Best Seller, millions of copies sold in 1894!
"To Carus, science was not only compatible with spiritual life, it was its highest expression.". Now that I am aware of some of his ideas, I believe that his works just might have impacted the changes within the Catholic church during the 1900s. Not that it would say that science is the highest expression, but that science is compatible with faith, as well as the Church's refocus on the integration of mind and body, spirit and matter. Obviously, there are contradictions with Carus' work, but engagement with his ideas is what matters here.
Thank YOU for this post. I've not yet read any of his works. And here is where I am grateful for technology, for while a local library no longer carries such books, the e-versions are abundant on platforms, for purchase. I'll start with his first, and with his prolific writing, i will likely not finish his output in my life time.
Allowing intellectual engagement that is full of contradictions, puzzlements, and dissonance is what fosters authentic dialogue . It also requires humility. Even as Carus wrote his works, I am fairly certain he was arguing against his own ideas, and yet, by writing and sharing them, he encouraged readers to do the same. It is an inspiration to us to do the same, to state ideas, one held with less certainty, in order to foster engagement. As you said, he wagered everything on the idea that thought itself was holy, and that reason might yet redeem us. In honour of his life example, we are challenged to do the same.