Looking With Both Eyes

Science and Spirituality are like the Right and Left Eyes of the human mind that greatly influence our collective perception. While we can see the world through just one eye, doing so limits our view and ability to fully grasp our environment and how we must respond to it. Seeing through two eyes, on the other hand, has several advantages, which is why Nature has given most species on this planet two eyes with which to view the world. By seeing through two eyes we have:

• A broader field of view
• Precise depth perception
• The ability to detect subtleties
• A backup whereby we can rely on just one eye if the other’s vision has become blurred or distorted

If we truly wish to peer into the depths of knowledge about our Universe and how it works, then we must see things from BOTH the Spiritual AND the Scientific perspectives. Depth perception results from each eye viewing an object from different positions or perspectives. When eyes are on the same side of the face and can move in sync or focus on the same object, depth perception is enhanced. Precise depth perception is lacking when we see things only through one eye or when the eyes are on opposite sides of the head.

In addition to seeing deeper into the world, when two eyes are viewing the same thing in cooperation, it allows us to detect more subtle details and objects that might otherwise evade our sight. Not only is there the statistical advantage of having two detectors for the light reflecting from the world, but there is also a summation or facilitation of the two independent images that occurs within the mind. In other words, there is a synergy between the two views that leads to a single image with a greater level of activity than the sum of the two independent views from each eye.

So, while we can get by with just one perspective or vision from one eye, ultimately we are impaired unless we can bring the vision of both eyes back to full function and cooperation. Fusion of the images from two eyes leads to a whole image that is easy to understand and interpret. In the same way, by uniting the perspectives from Science and Spirituality about our universe, we will discover a synergy that will bring us to a greater sense of the whole, as well as a deeper level of understanding and meaning.

The famous physicist and mathematician of our day, Freeman Dyson, well known for his work in quantum field theory, solid-state physics, and nuclear engineering, puts it this way:

“Science and religion are two windows that people look through, trying to understand the big universe outside, trying to understand why we are here. The two windows give different views, but they look out at the same universe. Both views are one-sided, neither is complete. Both leave out essential features of the real world. And both are worthy of respect."