People into hard sciences, neurophysiology, often ignore a core
People into hard sciences, neurophysiology, often ignore a core philosophical question: 'What is the relationship between our unique, inner experience of conscious awareness and material substance?' The answer is: We don't know, and some people are so terrified to say, 'I don't know.'
The words of Raymond Moody resound like a challenge to the pride of humankind: “People into hard sciences, neurophysiology, often ignore a core philosophical question: ‘What is the relationship between our unique, inner experience of conscious awareness and material substance?’ The answer is: We don’t know, and some people are so terrified to say, ‘I don’t know.’” Within these words lies both the humility of the wise and the tragedy of those who fear ignorance. For in every age, men have raised temples to knowledge, yet trembled when they faced the abyss of the unknown. Moody speaks not only to scientists, but to every soul that has ever sought certainty in a universe wrapped in mystery.
Since the dawn of time, sages have stood at the threshold of this same question. What is consciousness—that inner flame that burns unseen, yet illuminates the world within us? Is it born of flesh, no more than the firing of neurons? Or is it of some greater substance, untouched by matter, divine in essence? The hard sciences measure the brain, map its currents, trace its sparks, but still the mystery of awareness remains. Moody reminds us that the bravest answer is not false certainty, but the honest confession: We don’t know. For to admit ignorance is not weakness—it is the first step toward wisdom.
Consider the tale of Socrates, who declared that his wisdom lay in knowing that he knew nothing. In an age when philosophers claimed mastery over truth, he confessed his ignorance openly, and for this he was condemned, yet his name endured through centuries. Meanwhile, those who boasted of certainty have long since turned to dust. Socrates teaches us that the courage to say “I do not know” is the root of true understanding. So too does Moody call us to cast aside the arrogance of pretending, and instead to honor the sacred mystery of the mind and soul.
History also offers us the example of René Descartes. He sought to ground all truth in reason and declared, “I think, therefore I am.” Yet even he, father of modern philosophy, could not pierce the veil between conscious awareness and material substance. He split reality into mind and matter, the unseen and the tangible, but he could not explain their union. His struggle is the same as ours today, in laboratories and lecture halls alike. That ancient riddle has not yet been solved, and perhaps cannot be solved by instruments alone. The humility of not knowing is the most faithful companion in this quest.
Moody’s words also strike at the fear within us. Why do we dread saying “I don’t know”? It is because we are taught to equate certainty with strength, and doubt with weakness. But the ancients knew better. The oracle of Delphi declared that no man was wiser than Socrates precisely because he admitted ignorance. To confess uncertainty is not to surrender—it is to declare war on complacency, to set sail on the boundless sea of inquiry. Those who cling to false answers remain chained, while those who admit they do not know can begin the journey toward truth.
The lesson is clear: do not fear the unknown, and do not hide behind false certainties. Instead, embrace the mystery, for in mystery lies the wonder of existence. Ask questions that cannot yet be answered, and honor them with patience. Let the union of science and philosophy guide your path: measure the world with precision, yet contemplate it with awe. When you do not know, speak it without shame. That humility is the crown of wisdom.
Practical action begins with honesty. When confronted with a question beyond your grasp, do not rush to fill the silence with hollow answers. Instead, let silence itself be your offering, and admit your ignorance with courage. Seek learning, but never let learning harden into pride. Read widely, listen deeply, meditate often, and let the unknown inspire you rather than frighten you. For the soul that embraces the mystery of conscious awareness and its hidden ties to material substance will live not in fear, but in wonder.
And so, children of the future, let this teaching guide you: the cosmos is vast, and much remains unseen. The mightiest truth you may ever utter is not the cry of certainty, but the whisper of humility: “I do not know.” From that whisper springs the eternal flame of inquiry, the courage to search, and the strength to grow.
CTDa Co Ten
The idea that many people in scientific fields avoid addressing the unknowns of consciousness fascinates me. It's easy to forget that the pursuit of knowledge often involves confronting the limits of our understanding. How do you think society would react if more scientists openly admitted their lack of answers to such profound questions about human consciousness?
NLTran Thi Nhat Lan
Moody's observation that people in hard sciences tend to ignore the philosophical aspects of consciousness is something I've thought about often. The notion that we might never fully understand the relationship between the mind and the body is unsettling. How do you think this uncertainty affects people’s perception of consciousness? Do we need to embrace the unknown more openly?
MNHa My Nguyen
This quote really challenges the often unspoken assumption in science that everything must be measurable and explainable. It’s refreshing to hear someone admit that there are still questions that we simply don’t know the answers to. Do you think the fear of uncertainty limits scientific progress, or is it actually a necessary part of the journey to deeper understanding?
THNguyen Thi Hang
Raymond Moody brings up a crucial point here. The relationship between consciousness and the physical brain is a mystery that many avoid addressing directly. It’s surprising how many people, especially in scientific fields, shy away from saying 'I don't know.' Why do you think there's such resistance to accepting the limits of our understanding in areas as deep as consciousness?
TNTran thi thao nhi
This quote touches on an interesting philosophical dilemma: the connection between consciousness and material substance. As someone who is deeply involved in the hard sciences, I find it difficult to reconcile these two realms. Why is it so uncomfortable for many scientists to admit that they don’t have all the answers to this fundamental question? Is it the pressure to always have a clear, scientific explanation for everything?