but it is not 'for nothing' once we look at it! We give meaning and value to the things in our universe. There are no objective values of 'beauty' or 'useful'; they are values WE give things. We climb a mountain "because it is there"...we appreciate Autumn leaves and watrefalls because they affect us. There is no reason to have 'meaning' to a universe without us to concoct meaning! The universe just **IS**.....and will **BE** long after we are scattered to the atoms we came from.

Bill, this is awesome. You're absolutely right - I doubt any other creature on Earth needs to attribute "meanings" of any kind to life or any of it's trappings. Animals can see the stars too - but do they wonder about what they're looking at? Does it give them a sense of humility? Do they make wishes upon them, or imagine them as "gods" and "goddesses" and weave enduring and alluring legends and stories around them, or devote their lives to discovering the truth about them from a scientific perspective?

Now, I can't read the mind of an animal any better than the mind of a human, but I sincerely doubt it!

I daresay Bill's point is the crux of the matter too, especially if taken in equal doses with I think the key is wonder. When we cease to do that we may as well cease, period. I love people who still have that sense. (thanks, Peace!)

Y'know I think this is the first time since joining the Cat that I've ever wholeheartedly agreed with you, Bill. ANd this is a miracle of no small proportions in and of itself. HALLELUIAH!!!   

;-)

Amos, thanks for posting the definition of "religion". Unlike Einstein, I must have an "issue" (or several) around that word.