A Parable of Moving Blocks

HS #49 2019.8.8

A Parable of Moving Blocks

 Imagine exploring a basement and finding two identical massive wooden blocks resting on a concrete floor. You try to move them, but neither will budge.  Then, using a hose from a fire hydrant, you begin filling the basement with water. Half submerged, you try again. One block remains stuck in place, but the other seems a bit loosened. More water. No change in the first, but now the second groans as it shifts slightly. More water. The first shows no sign of movement, but the second slides a couple inches. Finally, when the blocks are totally submerged the second can be easily repositioned, while the first, apparently bolted in place, holds fast. 

Those who have ears to hear, let them hear.  Consider two siblings growing up in the same home, being taught the same lessons, accepting the same truths. 

Early on, their life views seem identical and remain steadfast. But then they grow, leave home, meet new people, have new experiences, learn new things. These have no discernable effect on the worldview of the one, while the other sibling’s worldview shifts to a new position. 

Blocks that appeared to be identical turn out to be totally different. The first was fixed in place; the second, seemingly just as immovable, just needed enough buoyancy from new life experiences to change considerably. Why the difference? Personalities? Life experiences? Likely a combination of both.

Is one preferred? Aristotle, true to his golden mean, finds middle ground. He said the mark of an educated mind is the ability to entertain a thought without accepting it.  Perhaps similar to a block that is free to move, but after honest consideration remains in the same position. The key for Aristotle is not the new position, but the true freedom to move.

This analogy came to mind recently while listening to a TED talk about an astronomer who proved that other stars have their own planet systems. Since the planets are too distant to be seen, the scientist inferred their presence by precisely measuring a minute wobble of the star as the alleged planets circled it.  However, after the announcement had gone public and a lecture had been planned, the astronomer realized that he had not taken into account the earth’s varying position around the sun as he took his measurements. When he accounted for the earth’s changing position, he realized that his claim was unjustified. 

So, with regret and embarrassment, the scientist reported his error to the assembly who had come to hear of his discovery. To his surprise, they rose in applause. Truth, the pure, unadulterated search for truth, was so highly valued among his colleagues that they honored his commitment to being led solely by the evidence.  (His technique was later used to successfully show the existence of other stars with planet systems.)

This commitment to honestly seeking the truth by following the evidence is the mark of a good scientist. Commitment to searching for the truth takes courage. It may result in altered beliefs. Nietzsche wrote, “The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.”  

Jesus of Nazareth might agree. He certainly challenged folks by upending the worldview of his time. He brought new wine requiring wineskins that stretched and flexed.

How should we then live? As G.K. Chesterton remarked, the reason to keep an open mind is to close on truth.  Yes, indeed! But how long and to what extent should one search before closing?  When I was in college I was active in evangelism and would often start conversations, “Let’s talk only if our objective is to seek the truth.” Later, in graduate school, I turned that question on myself, “Am I willing to examine my own world view with a willingness to move?”

 I now challenge others with the question:  Are you a Seeker of Truth or a Child of God? Of course these are not mutually exclusive, but that’s not the point. Which is at your core?  Wittgenstein said one’s core belief is the hinge around which others move. How do you self-identify? Is one preferred? 

 A related question:  Why do churches encourage young people to make lifelong pledges of faith and commitment while still in their teens?  Shouldn’t  a religion centered on the Person of Truth encourage adherents to take their time in discerning it?  What other decisions of such magnitude are made so young? Something to ponder.