Kosmos ~ Chapter 18

I, too, was captivated by the discussion on rainbows only to be intimidated later with the terminology adopted in later portions of this article. Additionally, I found myself reading and rereading the article in order to really gain insight into the “point” of its existence in the ebook. I assumed, with it being the final chapter, that its purpose was much more than what was inherently apparent; this was definitely one of those reads where you didn’t just read what was printed in black ink to get the “big picture” but you also read into the white space…what was not said.

This entire chapter highlighted many galaxy altering (life altering) discoveries for both earth and her inhabitants. Darksyde describes discoveries such as the supernova and the antenna as resulting from luck or chance (during ones first read of the chapter). However, after rereading this article I’ve come to appreciate what I feel Darksyde was really trying to accomplish in his text. He's arguing that science, similar to life, is not sustained by chance happenings. There are no leprechauns, no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and no such thing as luck. Unless you count the quote, that luck only occurs when preparation meets opportunity. I’m not arguing that Einstein knew what he was about to stumble upon or that Isaac Newton planned for the apple to hit him on the head. What I am saying, however, is that these individuals’ minds were prepared. They had an understanding and appreciation of science in all its capacity. They didn’t by any means conform to groupthink. In fact, they (more often than not) challenged it (utilized their free thought) which brings us to the quote that appears towards the end of the article:
The body of science is sustained by the life-blood of free thought, and often grows along unexpected veins of serendipity. (Darksyde)

After reading all of Darksyde’s articles you’d assume that the main point of his writing alone is and was to defend science but that is far from the case. What is the point then, you ask… The answer is simple and Darksyde says it best. What he wants us to take away from Chapter 18 and the rest of the readings is in my opinion what Dr. Fishman wants us to take away from this course—the idea that it’s all tied together: the integrity of science, the integrity of the nation, the future of the species, the core liberties we all hold dear. (Darksyde)