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  • From: Don Bowen <don.bowen AT earthlink.net>
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [Homestead] Another fine book by Bill Bryson
  • Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2004 20:07:25 -0800

His latest titled "<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form//exec/obidos/search-handle-url/ref=pd_kk_sr_3/102-9787665-4465729?index=stripbooks:relevance-above&rank=relevance20041029rank&field-keywords=a%20short%20history%20of%20nearly%20everything>a short history of nearly everything"is a collection and discussion of what we know about the development of the earth and what is in/on it. A very interesting book. His discussion on the "Big Bang" had some interesting points. One that struck with me the most was that in the first few nanoseconds various constants formed in a random way. If those constants adhered in a consistent way, a universe developed otherwise there was a reset and another bang. For example if the gravitational constant was to low then all the mass would not coalesce and no stars, planets, etc were formed. The mass just expanded until it looped back on itself and reset. If the constant were to high, the mass would fall back to create another big bang and a reset. Reading this makes sense and is one more reason to see that those pushing for "intelligent design" are just looking for another crutch for weak minds.

The book goes on to discuss the formation of the earth, its very first life forms, and the eventual evolution of human kind. The discussion is interlaced with stories of how various theories evolved and the personalities involved.

That is all religion is, a crutch for weak minds.



"Sports, politics, and religion are the three passions of the badly educated" - William Gass




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