Peace on Earth: A Cosmic Perspective
Why many leading peace advocates have been scientists
Throughout history, some of the most active advocates for peace have been scientists. Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, Linus Pauling and Albert Schweitzer represent some of the scientific luminaries who worked tirelessly for global harmony. Perhaps their realization of Earth’s preciousness, as the only known planet with life, helped inspire their efforts. Let’s reflect upon our place in the universe, and share in the sense of humbleness that has motivated many thinkers to contemplate ways to bring unity to Earth.
Science tells us that our planet is but a minuscule — perhaps even infinitesimal — part of the universe. In Einstein’s time, humanity learned that the Milky Way is but one of many galaxies that are moving away from each other in an immense, expanding universe. Today, we know that the observable universe contains hundreds of billions of galaxies, encompassing, in total, sextillions (billions of trillions) of stars. Telescopes explore reaches more than 10 billion light years (about 60 billion trillion miles) away.
As vast as the observable universe is, the actual universe could be much bigger — maybe even infinite. When astronomers measure the shape of the universe, they find it to be the three-dimensional equivalent of as flat as a pancake. Imagine a flat-sided box extending indefinitely in all three directions — that’s what the universe’s geometry is like. If the universe were curved, we could imagine it being finite like Earth’s surface. For a space curved in three dimensions like the three-dimensional equivalent of the outside of a sphere, if you travelled in one direction you would eventually return to your starting point, like circumnavigating the globe. However, a prairie-flat space has no natural border. It could conceivably continue forever. Earth’s relative size, compared to the total universe, would then effectively be zero!
Our tiny enclave seems astonishingly diverse, brimming with multifarious forms of life. There could be life on other planets, but we haven’t found it yet. Astronomers have made great advances in identifying other worlds, but haven’t found a clone of Earth just yet. Our planet is like a garden of rare orchids that we must treasure for its delicacy and beauty.
As custodians of our terrestrial garden, we need to be careful to preserve its balance. That requires unified effort. How can we get together, given differences between people? Science shows us that these differences are insignificant, compared to the similarities. It is estimated that fully 99.9 percent of the human genome is shared by all of us. The differences among us comprise only 0.1 percent of all genes. Men, women, people of Asian, African, native-American, European, Pacific Island, and other ethnic backgrounds, gay, straight, curly-hair, straight-hair, dark-complexion, light-complexion, big and small, have genetic similarities more than a thousand times as important as the distinctions. The majority of the world’s religions and belief-sets share similar ethical principles, such as the sanctity of life.
When violence strikes, we are turning our backs on our roles as preservers of our precious resources, and hurting those who are almost the same as us — our fellow guardians. Violence against anyone strikes the hearts of all. War drains resources needed for environmental preservation and global health.
Fortunately, parts of the world have made tremendous strides toward cooperation. After millennia of conflict, Europe is finally at peace — an achievement applauded by the Nobel committee in awarding the 2012 Peace Prize to the European Union. Even in the midst of economic problems, no member of the European community is talking war or advocating dictatorship. Who would be happier than the inventor of dynamite, Alfred Nobel, who wanted to be remembered for his constructive endeavors, rather than his development of devices for destruction?
How can we ensure that the next generation inherits a more peaceful, prosperous Earth? Telescopes and science kits, rather than toy guns and violent video games, make great gifts and help instill a sense of wonder about the universe. The fraction of our national resources devoted to science, health, and the environment should reflect a commitment to preserving and healing our planet. In the multi-billion-year timeline of the universe, we are all children and need to share the valuable possessions of our tiny enclave in the best spirit of cooperation.
Paul Halpern is the author of fifteen popular science books, including The Quantum Labyrinth: How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality
