Friday, July 1, 2011

Quote of the Day

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth." [citation needed]
~editor for a peer-review journal

5 comments:

James R said...

I'm not sure about that one but I know that "He created the heavens and the earth in six days and then mounted His throne." is from the Quran.

As far as peer review, as scientists peer back farther and farther to the absolute beginning (of the big bang), we should get a better idea of what this God thing is that is being referenced.

Francis said...

Jim this in my view is a very bad quote. for instance if you were in a battle and someone said "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth the would have no inspiration" But if someone said" a coward dies a thousand deaths a hero only one". that would inspire them.

Peter H of Lebo said...

Quote pre-dates the Quran a thousand years in the Bereishit בְּרֵאשִׁית book of the Torah. Citation should read (see Moses Burning Bushing Discussion Panel located in Mount Sinai Lectures)

James R said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
James R said...

Francis, I agree with you—for an inspirational quote during warfare, it's not so good. But it is not a bad quote for other reasons. As Pete points out, this is a very old quote. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it was one of the earliest things ever thought or said, once humans developed language.

It recognizes two truths which make life much easier for us.
1. It says that something exists, namely the earth and the rest of the universe. The world is very real and we get to enjoy it. Sometimes people think that everything may just be in their minds.
2. It says that we had nothing to do with making the earth and the universe. So we needn't beat ourselves up over perceived imperfections.