Again, Paul, you are ascribing to me thoughts and emotions which are not anything like mine. This is not a legitimate or useful way in which to conduct a discussion.

I agree with you that it does not detract from the beauty of a cloud if you know a bit about the processes which created that cloud. Yes, it can add greatly to the experience, just as knowing how the chemical and physical nature of a surface or a fluid can filter white light to produce colours does not destroy the appreciation of the beauty of a sunset, a rainbow or a butterfly's wing. Agreed!

My allegorical view of the cloud as being "mysterious" does not in any way conflict with my scientific appreciation of the cloud's nature...nor should it.

"In claiming that it is only by some kind of virginal ignorance that beauty can be appreciated, you are trying to claim a monopoly of artistic sensitivity and spirituality. And that is extremely arrogant and greedy."

Your key error in the above statement is the word "only". I do not claim that such innocence is required nor do I claim that it is the ONLY way. I think that a fully knowledgable scientists can also have such moments of artistic sensitivity and spirituality, and much literature will bear me out on that. I am implying no such sense of exclusivity as you seem to believe I am implying, I'm simply saying that there are two ways (at least) in which to look at things...the literal, empirical way and the allegorical or lyrical way. I do not regard those two ways as being opposed to one another. On the contrary, I regard them as being mutually supportive to one another.

There is absolutely no good reason for a war between spirituality and science. If you think there is, then you have confused what I call "spirituality" with something else...such as various forms of rigid fundamentalism, I suppose, or forms of primitive ritual-based activity.

I am no more inclined toward those in all probability than you are. I belong to no organized religion.

(* Regarding a ritual...it can be of use if you realize that the form of the ritual doesn't matter in itself...that it is simply a means of harnessing and focusing attention strongly. It is the attention and intention that matters, not the form of the ritual.)

I agree fully that scientific knowledge enhances all forms of genuine spirituality. How could it not? They are natural allies, as far as I'm concerned.