Experiments

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” We know that no being is complete and there are unique problems that are to be amicably handled and experiments always have a chance. It is clear that Emerson was talking about experiments that you yourself have to do and not with experiments others are allowed to try on you. Galileo Galilei also does not contradict this statement. But he went a step ahead and said, “I think that in the discussion of natural problems we ought to begin not with the Scriptures, but with experiments, and demonstrations.” What did he mean by suggesting not to begin with Scriptures? Could he be talking on his unpleasant experiences with the Church? Whatever, I think his advice is relevant in a world in which most people are born into religions. 

A body is always the expression of the mind; experimenting with the mind is dangerous. The story of two high schoolers who experimented with drugs is famous. Both ended up trying heroin and getting addicted. Both wanted to stop. One died and the other fortunately found a second chance at life. People are wise, they refuse to experiment and prefer to move by the inferences most others recommend. Here come Scriptures and the gimmicks religions play. Most religions do not allow their followers to experiment on individual level. They stitch gowns at common sizes and have only one tablet for all ailments. This is addiction, the most harmful of all sorts, into which the common public is pushed into. Once if a follower asks, ‘who in this world can offend an unconditionally loving God’, these religionists may not give any answer. Scriptures talk about noble lives on solid virtues. When these holy verses roll through anointed tongues, they may mean designing a universe with only light in it. Emerson is right, the one who dares to attempt individual experiments only is destined to Realization and all its’ Bliss. 

Joseph Mattappally