The universe is something so vast that we cannot even begin to comprehend its magnitude or scale. Our jargon cannot justly paint the picture of the universe that we all long to see. We use words like “astronomical unit” to express the distance that separates us from the sun, roughly 93 million miles. But honestly, can we fathom 93 million miles. In our world, a few thousand miles seems like an endless expanse. When was the last time that any of us saw 93 million of anything? I never have. How then am I supposed to wrap my brain around this idea of 93 million miles? Is it possible for us to visually perceive just how massive 93 million is? This does not even begin to take into account how insanely large our solar system, or the Milky Way, or our cluster of galaxies is. It is this lack of understanding, this lack of adequate words of description, that has encouraged man to develop myths as to how, and more importantly why, the universe began. Ever since the beginning of time, man has sought for answers to these mind-boggling questions. With courage, humility, and a little bit of blind faith, we have developed beliefs that Zeus reigns high above and rules the world, or that God is ever-present and set the universe into motion solely with his words. It is this faith that tries to explain how the cosmos came to be in the first place. It now appears that a new explanation can be inserted into this list, the scientific explanation of creation.
The LHC plays a huge part in filling in the gaps in this particular story. The LHC is an experiment that has global ramifications. As the Large Hadron Collider prepares to launch particles into one another at 99.99% the speed of light, what can we expect to occur? Will the Earth be swallowed into an endless black hole, or will we gain knowledge that will unlock mysteries that can bring light to a world lost in the shadows of science? This mammoth machine presents endless possibilities, but ironically it presents “the end” as well. It is amazing that one creature can present such contrasting ends simultaneously. Our minds cannot even fathom what possibilities it holds, yet we may not even want to know once we find out. As the particles prepare to collide with one another, our hearts wait in anxious anticipation for the final product. The energy created in this union of particles will be unlike any we have ever encountered. The power produced will be colossal. But how much of our thirst will this drink quench? Can re-creating the conditions directly after the Big Bang bring us any true satisfaction, or will we only be pushed to answer even more complex questions?
Despite the numerous questions that the Large Hadron Collider may offer an answer to, it can never explain the biggest question of them all. Why? A question whose many answers have helped mold the world into what we know it as today. Where did this dense ball of matter come from? Why was it there? Who put it there? These questions can never be answered while we are on this Earth. Many think we will never know, others feel that as their body passes from this world it will enter a Godly realm where all of these questions will be answered. The catch is that while we walk the face of this Earth, we do not know. We cannot know. We are not supposed to know. The mystery of it all is what makes life worth living. If we knew it all, life would be no fun. Surprises are what it is all about. The spontaneity that a life of wonder and curiosity fosters provides us with a reason to get out of the bed every morning. We never know what tomorrow may bring, but even if science could tell you, would you want to know? For some this thought is scary, for others rewarding. But for all of us, this provides a reason for running the race. A reason for enjoying every day to the fullest. A reason to simply sit in awe of the world around us, so simple, yet so complex that we will never know all of its secrets. This beauty is what keeps us coming back for more. The beauty of Earth is like that of a gorgeous woman. She is graceful yet can be fierce, beautiful yet capable of immense power, humble yet in total control. She holds control over all of us, yet allows us to come and go as we please. It is as if she is the host of the party and we are guests that come and go at will. She was here long before us and will be around long after we are gone, yet she humbly allows us to make an appearance at her party. Who do we have to thank for this beauty, for this gift of an Earth that is “just right” for human inhabitation? Your guess is as good as mine, yet surely something made all of this possible.
The LHC does not have these answers, and neither do your parents or your friends or your preacher. Faith in something greater than ourselves is what separates humans from all other organisms. But it is just that, faith. It is a belief in something that we cannot see or prove or show to someone else. Yet we believe that this all powerful God has the whole world in his hands and cares for each of us. This mystery of creation provides endless opportunities, but without stepping out on a limb we cannot take advantage of the possibilities it presents. Courage and faith must be present for us to take a leap of faith into the arms of another to see what beauty lies within.
Are we meant to understand the intricacies of this complex lady, or should we just go with the flow and embrace what comes at us one day at a time? Is it dangerous to invest all of our effort and time into this mysterious realm of the unknown? Is anything ever gained if we do not take some risks every now and again? A willingness to go out on a limb and make bold predictions is dangerous, yet extremely powerful. No matter how strong our desire, we will never have all the answers. The LHC will certainly open new doors of knowledge and discovery, but even it will not provide all the answers. Nor can faith give all the answers, because it is just that, faith. Despite these lingering questions, we know one thing for certain. That if we are to grow in knowledge, understanding, and even happiness, we must have the courage to embrace the mystery around us with open arms. All we have to fear is fear itself, but if we can push this fear aside for just a moment, we allow ourselves the opportunity to experience things never before seen.
Joseph sat under the stars, contemplating. The thoughts of her ran through his brain as if they were on a mission to preoccupy his thoughts. She was mysterious, yet predictable. Ever changing, but as constant as the tides. Always there, amazing him with her endless beauty. She presented immeasurable opportunities, as well as utter destruction. The bit of unknown is what made it all so interesting to him. He could not pinpoint how it would all turn out, no matter how hard he tried. But he had faith in her, faith that she was the one and that she held the key. The key that would open his eyes to what the world truly had to offer. The stakes were high, but this was his one chance to catch a glimpse of what life was all about, his one chance to taste the sweet fruit of love. As he pondered these thoughts, the situation grew increasingly hairy. He always calculated the risks involved in any situation, but this situation presented too many unknowns for him to make any bold predictions. An unbelievable elation and a fear of utter destruction tortured his entire body with every second. The passion coursed through his veins like a supernova. It poured out of his heart as if it was headed to the four corners of the Earth. No matter how much he fought it, the feelings would not, could not, subside. His attempts to control it were futile. He had never encountered a force such as this in his entire life. These two spirits colliding were what had first caused man to thrive. It was this force that made life, and it was this force that made the universe seem whole to John. Finally, it was here. The time had come for John to put his neck on the line and risk it all. Risk losing everything, but allow for doors to be opened that would permit insight into a life filled with endless possibility. The point of impact had come. The union of these two particles would allow John to release the passion that waited like a crouched tiger deep within his loins. His head riddled with these thoughts, he forced his feet to move. John stepped out of the darkness and into the aisle, all eyes awaiting his decision. There she stood, the veil covering those beautiful blue eyes. And with that step John set the accelerator into motion. These souls would collide with monumental force. The potential outcome was unknown, but John knew that this single action would careen him into a new life, one that would fulfill his wildest dreams and help provide insight into what life was really all about. Why we are really, truly here.
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