Back in September of 1980, Carl Sagan, a famous astrophysicist, wrote and narrated a scientific TV series called Cosmos. This year, the same series is being aired again just by a different astrophysicist. I recently read a short article called "The Brilliance of "Cosmos" - Seth MacFarlane Uses His Power for Good". The author states that he is impressed with this "new" TV series because it's so unlike all the other crap that is found on prime time TV. "Cosmos is exhilarating. It makes you feel the way you feel when you sit in an open field looking up at the stars, feeling like part of something much bigger than yourself, and also very small". How true this is. I love how this series is actually teaching thought-provoking concepts in unique and interesting ways. The purpose is to make people think and I can think of no greater good that could ever come from a TV show than giving the gift of knowledge. "TV spends too much time celebrating people whose greatest ambition is to be famous. Each week Cosmos celebrates a different science teacher doing the often-unheralded work that needs doing for our civilization to continue". How awesome is that?!? Just another reason why this show rocks.
In one month I will be a graduated Microbiologist. I have spent the last 4 years of my life studying biology, physics, and way more chemistry than I'd like. It was A LOT of work (holy crap, the hardest thing I've ever accomplished in my life) but I love my major and I love the classes I took to get my degree. In fact, I wish I could've taken more Biology classes, but I guess that's what bookstores are for right?
So why on earth would I write a bunch of posts about how much I hate BYU but then admit that I actually enjoyed majority of my classes? Here's why: I love learning. I love new ideas and concepts. I love thinking. I hate studying useless facts. I hate memorizing. And I LOATHE tests. I do not agree with the school system at all. BYU taught me how to study, memorize, and fail at exams. How is that considered "learning"?!? No, learning is not about cramming for a stupid test and then forgetting all the information at the end of the semester. No, learning is about thinking about new concepts and ideas, making connections with known concepts and then questioning everything. Yep, that's right, question everything.
The overall idea of "Cosmos" is to question everything and I couldn't agree more. We would not be where we are today with the amazing technology and knowledge we have if previous scientists were not bold and brave enough to question everything.
I absolutely love this picture because of how it beautifully combines the human eye and a galaxy. It's beautiful and so thought provoking. You and I are made up of the exact same stuff the universe is made up of - how cool is that? I'm so done with the school system, but I'm so not done learning. I'm grateful for science and the joy that it brings to me everyday and for the opportunity I had to get an education in the thing that I love most (other than Matt). Watch Cosmos, think about the concepts and ideas it presents, and above all else, never stop questioning.
