People who believe themselves ignorant of nothing have neither looked for, nor stumbled upon, the boundary between what is known and unknown in the cosmos. And therein lies a fascinating dichotomy. The universe always was, gets no respect as a legitimate answer to What was around before the beginning? But for many religious people, the answer, God always was, is the obvious and pleasing answer to What was around before God?
This quote invites a profound reflection on human curiosity, the nature of knowledge, and the intersection of science and faith. It underscores the tendency of some individuals to claim complete understanding, often dismissing the unknown or the mysteries that push the boundaries of our comprehension. In doing so, they may overlook the fundamental fissure in our knowledge—the boundary that demarcates what we know from what we do not. The universe's origin is a perfect example: science suggests that before the Big Bang, the concept of 'before' might lose its meaning because our current understanding cannot definitively describe what existed or did not exist prior to that event. Yet, many religious traditions propose an eternal being—God—that existed before and beyond the universe’s inception. Here, the dichotomy lies in the different approaches to existential questions: science seeks natural explanations rooted in evidence, while faith relies on divine or metaphysical assumptions that offer comfort and purpose.
The quote challenges us to consider our own position in this spectrum and recognize the humility required in scientific pursuit, acknowledging that some questions may remain beyond our reach—not necessarily because they are false, but because human cognition has limits. Simultaneously, it prompts us to appreciate the different ways humans seek meaning: some through empirical investigation, others through spiritual belief. Understanding that these perspectives often address different facets of the same fundamental questions can foster greater empathy and open-mindedness. Ultimately, the relationship between what is known and unknown is a vast frontier—a boundary where science and faith may meet, overlap, or stand apart, but both serve as vital pathways in our quest to comprehend the universe and our place within it.