Dan Lipka Web Log

“If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and for understanding reality. By learning from science about aspects of reality where its understanding may be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches its own worldview.” - Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama After reading a statement like this, I gain overwhelming respect for the Dalai Lama and the believe system and ideals of Buddhism (which he represents). For centuries spiritual and religious organizations have tried to put their own believes into a category of an unquestionable truth that cannot be proved false through worldly proof because the idea is beyond our known scientific world. This type of thinking has proved to install great strength and stability in these believes, but it has also reduced our curiosity and ability to look towards new idea or progress. For example, Sixty-three percent (63%) of Americans believe the Bi

I am almost finished reading “ The Man Who Loved Only Numbers ”, a biography of mathematician Paul Erdos. “Uncle Paul” was one of the most prolific mathematicians in the 20th century and was relentless in pursuit of finding the truths hidden in numbers. Beyond his personal brilliance, he was also an amazing collaborator and inspiration to an entire generation of mathematicians. When he was just a young man, he was already offering monetary rewards (although usually very small) to people who could proof certain theorems. He always pushed people to “open their mind” to not only finding the solution, but to push themselves to the brink of their own potential. Unlike many other mathematicians who burned-out early in life, Paul continued to conjecture well into his 70s. He spent 19 hours a day with his numbers, calling (and traveling to) colleagues all around the world. Math was his life and he had almost no material possessions (he had two small suitcases and gave his money to charities or