Since this is the first essay in the book, I started by reading it, even though the subject is rather remote for me.
I'm not qualified to any judgement, nor good at writing at all, so please bear with me if I'll just relate my very personal impression & feelings.
The essay was certainly very interesting to read and I learned a lot!
But what shall I say, the longer I read on about the origin and the ultimate fate of our earth and of the universe, the more I felt I kind of chill. Quite the opposite of what
Legate felt:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc
Myself, sharing the "amateur astronomer" interest with the Prof  , found those really, let's say, heartwarming to read, |
I find this all rather frightening and was suddenly reminded of Tolkien's Mythopoeia:
Quote:
a star's a star, some matter in a ball
compelled to courses mathematical
amid the regimented, cold, inane,
where destined atoms are each moment slain.
At bidding of a Will, to which we bend
(and must), but only dimly apprehend,
great processes march on, as Time unrolls
from dark beginnings to uncertain goals;
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I know this is reality, but I'd rather not think about it too much, but prefer to look at it this way:
Quote:
He sees no stars who does not see them first
of living silver made that sudden burst
to flame like flowers beneath an ancient song,
whose very echo after-music long
has since persued. There is no firmament,
only a void, unless a jewelled tent
myth-woven and elf-patterned; and no earth,
unless the mother's womb whence all have birth
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