Music of the Spheres
Last night’s Aurora Borealis display shifted all my social media to photos of crimson ribbons across green skies. I welcomed the mood of delight, and liked every such photo I saw.
For my ancient and medieval philosophy students last night was a bonus. They’re required to stargaze throughout the semester, and to indulge in wonder like that of the ancients who contemplated the “music of the spheres.”
At times like this I am reminded of the words of C.S. Lewis:
“Those who brood much on the remote past or future, or stare long at the night sky, are less likely than others to be ardent or orthodox partisans.”
He doesn’t say we won’t be partisans, but that certain types of contemplation can make partisanship less likely. That is worth considering, and worth practicing.
C.S. Lewis, “On Science Fiction,” in On Stories and Other Essays on Literature. (San Diego, New York, and London: Harcourt, 1982) 63.
