Abolish All That's Tangential to Reason and Logic

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 24 April 2024 "He who possesses art and science has religion; he who does not possess them, needs religion." Miguel De Cervantes Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's quote, "He who possesses art and science has religion; he who does not possess them, needs religion," reflects the profound significance of art and science in our lives. Cervantes suggests that those who possess art and science possess a deeper understanding of the world, which in turn fulfils their spiritual needs. Art and science have the power to elevate our consciousness, providing us with a sense of wonder, purpose, and connection to something larger than ourselves. Conversely, for those who lack exposure to or appreciation for art and science, religion becomes a means to fulfil their spiritual longings. Cervantes asserts that art and science can offer a profound spiritual experience, making religion unnecessary for those who possess them. Steven Weinberg, who shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics with Abdus Salam and Sheldon Glashow, also said the same thing, albeit differently: 'Religion is for the rustic minds.' Just departed atheist philosopher Daniel Dennett (he died on April 19) wrote that " Even if creatively and scientifically advanced individuals remain in the fold of religion and continue to believe in god, they at least question the relevance and validity of religion and its weird ideas and postulations." The best examples being two Renaissance men, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Though both never called themselves atheists and died as Christians, they disliked the interference of religion and called it an 'unnecessary appendage' (Kentana in medieval Italian). Da Vinci observed that artistically challenged individuals with no scientific inclination would be drawn to faith and prayers. His biographer Walter Isaacson wrote that Da Vinci never prayed in life, though it's debatable. Point is: Relatively evolved brains aren't in need of religion. Cervantes (1547-1616) himself never believed in god and religion and he even wrote a paper (later destroyed by his mistress) doubting the authenticity of the Gospels. He even doubted the existence of Jesus. It must be mentioned that Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Cervantes among others were all Renaissance men. They were centuries ahead of their time/s. Don't we require yet another Renaissance to abolish all that's tangential to reason, logic and scientific temperament? Alas, there's a dire dearth of evolved and maverick (in a positive sense) minds all over the world. Turkish poet Nazim Hikmat aptly said, " The world needs a 'volcanic revolution' (Epra Noita in Turkish) to wipe out all 'divine' doubts and so-called 'truths.' ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/abolish-tangential-reason-logic/d/132189 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism