The Big Bang...

[peeonme]

When you hear the phrase "the big bang", what is the first thing to come to your mind:
1, the beginning of the universe
2, your first sexual experience (involving penetration)
3, the TV comedy with Sheldon and his friends..

For me it's the beginning of the universe, but I love the comedy and often think about getting banged in a distant place years ago...

 

[tarallucci]

First thing I picture is an asteroid falling on the Big Ben tower in London

 

[NotHardUp1]

I think not only of the astrophysical theory, but the almost comic emphasis on its importance as if it were in some way a rival for creation myths.

Creation myths, whether true or not, serve a cultural and psychological purpose, and astrophysics really isn't concerned with those needs. Objectively proffered, the creation myth of science is a form of nihilism, and as such, tends to work in a contrarian manner to much older human culture.

For my own part, I accept science as science, and do not expect it to provide any real guidance. We are still in the nascent decades of real astrophysics, so it it not too surprising that some have latched onto it as the bringer of truth. In the words or Homer Simpson, "don't tell me about facts -- you can prove anything with facts." The facts can only take one so far. Life's meaning is much deeper.

 

[gsdx]

Creation myths, whether true or not, serve a cultural and psychological purpose, and astrophysics really isn't concerned with those needs. Objectively proffered, the creation myth of science is a form of nihilism, and as such, tends to work in a contrarian manner to much older human culture.

I forget which Pope it was, but he finally admitted to the distinct possibility of the Big Bang with the caveat that "God pushed the button."

 

[NotHardUp1]

The smart popes do not get distracted by the churn of science and the former interpretations of religion and the natural world. Myth gives meaning. Genesis was most certainly interpreted as a how-to manual by hapless millions over the centuries. It remains unproven that the original authors were such literalists.

Eden is an apt metaphor to introduce the duality of much of human experience, and the import of transgression against our purpose.

 

[Vannie]

.....................

 

[NotHardUp1]

Vannie, the cabbage rots from the head. We're all doomed.

 

[GreyUnderscore]

Always think about the expansion of the universe.

 

[NotHardUp1]

As you get into middle age, you'll really appreciate that tendency.

 

[gsdx]

As you get into middle age, you'll really appreciate that tendency.

^Indeed. Try as I might, I can't keep mine from expanding. I might as well just take my lunch and slap it directly onto my waistline.

 

[NotHardUp1]

Manifest destiny.

 

[oakpope]

Expanding, and yet we will see less and less of it over time slightly depressing really.

 

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

WO noggee apees lost up teys butt wile real life watin fa plumma

tinku

 

[jaysizzles]

After watching this weeks episode, all I can think from seeing Amy's expression and reaction after she and Sheldon finally did "it", is that she must have experienced quite the big bang!

 

[rareboy]

Definitely the universal big bang.

I loathe the series so I shut it out of my brain entirely (laugh tracks in 2015?).

And my first fuck was too gentle and a little scary for it to have been 'The Big Bang'. That came a few months later.

 

[pigface]

Life's meaning is much deeper.

Life has no meaning. Life is nothing more than a very complicated chemical reaction, that happens, by chance, because the physical construction of the current cosmos allows such reactions.

Putting sodium bicarbonate in vinegar to make a big fizz has no meaning.... it's just a chemical reaction. Same with life... it's just involves way more atoms and molecules.

The term "big bang" was coigned by Fred Hoyle as an expression of contempt. His insult became one of sciences greatest insights.

 

[oakpope]

Life has no meaning. Life is nothing more than a very complicated chemical reaction, that happens, by chance, because the physical construction of the current cosmos allows such reactions.

You have no evidence of this. And you miss the meaning of 'meaning'. Science tries to explain the how. Science can't explain the why.

 

[NotHardUp1]

Life has no meaning. Life is nothing more than a very complicated chemical reaction, that happens, by chance, because the physical construction of the current cosmos allows such reactions.

Arguably, nihilism itself is a belief, or more correctly stated, a value system that finds "truth" or fulfillment in a lack of meaning. There is a decided mentality that desires for there to to be a neutral, or perhaps sterile environment with no attached or imputed purpose, meaning or direction.

And for those who live without meaning, their lives may well have no meaning, a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy, or sans religious phrasing, their perception is their reality.

Nihilism is a very weak position for humans. Were there no God or other supernatural aspect to life, there would still be meaning if for no other reasons than humanity in evolution developing to the point of self-awareness that meaning resulted, like artificial intelligence.

 

[Rickrock]

I think of the beginning of the universe.

 

[ElmosToe]

3, the TV comedy with Sheldon and his friends...

^ ^ this .