Do the smart, good thing

To the editor:

Science and religion offer two different approaches to find a way to live that is best for most of humanity, but both methods are limited because science can only be applied to the physical aspects of existence, and religion is mostly concerned with the beliefs of past generations.

To further complicate things, new scientific discoveries by educated experts give them a higher understanding of the physical universe, while only spiritually gifted gurus are able to explain the meaning of ancient beliefs to the multitudes of people, regardless of their spiritual development. In other words, only highly educated technical experts are able to transform the latest scientific findings into physical benefits for society, and only a limited number of spiritually advanced gurus are able to teach us the deeper meanings of religious beliefs.

Since most of us are not highly educated scientists or spiritually endowed individuals, we might feel unqualified in our attempts to improve our way to live. But it doesn’t take an Einstein to apply common sense to the everyday problems of life or to understand that treating people with respect and tolerance is likely to evoke a similar response.

As a rule, if we apply the use of reason to every aspect of our lives, we soon find that being smart is the best way to be good because the use of reason brings about more good for humanity than all our religious beliefs put together. From a practical point of view, our use of common sense is the source of the everyday “blessings” of life.

When people make a conscientious effort to think ahead and consider the outcomes of their choices, they begin to take responsibility for their actions — and they come to realize they are the masters of their own destiny. A better life (and world) will come to pass from our individual use of reason, which encourages science to continue improving our physical existence. Gurus will continue explaining the mystery of religious beliefs to those who honestly search for it, and our standard of living will continue to rise through our own use of common sense.

Consistently doing the smart thing is the key to self-actualization, as well as a more sustainable environment.

Art Carney

Wasilla