One of our biggest problems going forward is probably going to be separating fact from fantasy. The problem in doing that, however, is that common sense is no longer our ally. We will be investigating things that cannot possibly exist according to our current iteration of science. We will be seeing impossible things... and, if we're lucky, doing some ourselves.
What this means is that we have to go into this like children. Assuming nothing, believing that anything may be possible. I believe that this may be the source of the madness some of our forebears experienced. It wasn't that they were insane, not in the classical way, anyway, but rather that they were expanded, aware of a world bigger than our science, than our rules. Aware of a realm where magic... to our research a logical implausibility... is in fact a reality, and one potentially to great to comprehend.
We must also beware of hubris. It is heady stuff, to know and dabble in things the greatest minds of our age have deemed impossible. It would be easy to feel superior, to revel in the power that comes from holding a truth beyond the capacity of the doubters. But this power, this knowledge, is no boon. It will not lead to greatness. That is the way of the cultists, of the ones who join, rather than oppose, the forces that would destroy us all.
We do not hoard this knowledge to place ourselves above our fellow human beings, but rather do it as a sacrifice to allow them to live their lives. The human mind has grown, and will continue to grow. Perhaps, one day, we will join the great forces of the cosmos, and stand not as quaking mice but rather as an entity worthy of respect. Perhaps, even as potential rivals.
But for now, we do what we do knowing that we cannot escape it unscathed, and that our deeds, if they survive at all, will likely only exist in the half baked tales of madmen.
I never want it said that I led people into this under false pretenses.
I have a lead on a book that may be of assistance. I go tomorrow to locate a copy, located blessedly nearby. I will say more when I know more.
Be brave.
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