Howardism: Rhapsody on a Theme of T.H. Huxley

Rhapsody on a Theme of T.H. Huxley

Care to join me on a little walk? It is a pleasant day, perhaps a bit warm, but we won't be long, just down this lane. Just pass this overgrown cherry tree is large, old house. It is was made in the days before noise pollution and traffic drove people inside, and air conditioning and television made it possible to stay inside. It has a large porch, and in three rocking chairs, sit the destination of this walk… three old men. Abe is the one with the "speckles" and fancy himself the wisest of the porchers (as they like to humorously call themselves). Ben is the one with a cane and thinks himself the most rational and reasonable of the group. Chip is the little man on the left, and he is quite self-effacing among the other giants on the porch, but a real nice guy.

We wave our hellos, and overhear an argument that is just beginning…

Abe says, "Do you see that red object in the grass under the cherry tree? That is a rubber ball. Yesterday, a girl was playing jacks on the sidewalk, and it must have bounced over to that spot in the lawn."

Ben, while seeing the red object, doesn't agree. "I think you're mistaken, Abe, for you don't see so well. Clearly a ball couldn't have rolled that far on accident, and that object is too dark red. Being under a cherry tree, it must be a cherry."

Abe retorts, "I know what I know, and I see what I see. It is a rubber ball, and it is plain to me!"

Ben stamps his cane on the porch for effect and replies, "Then how do you explain the darker color, oh you who sees a ball of rubber?"

The argument continues with lots of wind and gusto, but without must more illumination. Every contraditory fact from one old man can be made to fit neatly inside the other's own expected view.

Exhausted from the debate, both men sit back, and almost for the first time, notice little Chip sitting in his own rocker enjoying the breeze.

Abe says, "What is your opinion, Chip? For clearly trying to talk any sense into Ben is like trying to push a mule." Ben responds by elevating his rival from mere mule to ass.

Chip slowly says, "Well, as you two well know, I know nothing. I have no opinion, but it seems to me that the only way to settle the argument is to get off the porch and walk over there to find out."

Abe, only little flustered, says, "Well, I don't have to, I know what I know, and I don't have to prove it."

Ben is not much better, "That is a good idea, Chip, however, my bad leg won't permit me to walk under that old tree. I might trip on a bulging root."

Chip, the only one who doesn't know, is the only one free enough to inquire, and the only one who can actually find the truth.

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	Ten Commandments vs. The Beatitudes History of the Devil The Teleological Proof of God The Dance of God and the Devil Religious Evolution Does Religion Own Morality Faith, Reason and Agnosticism A World Without God Who Made Us? Read other entries in Religion...	Rhapsody on a Theme of T.H. Huxley Care to join me on a little walk? It is a pleasant day, perhaps a bit warm, but we won't be long, just down this lane. Just pass this overgrown cherry tree is large, old house. It is was made in the days before noise pollution and traffic drove people inside, and air conditioning and television made it possible to stay inside. It has a large porch, and in three rocking chairs, sit the destination of this walk… three old men. Abe is the one with the "speckles" and fancy himself the wisest of the porchers (as they like to humorously call themselves). Ben is the one with a cane and thinks himself the most rational and reasonable of the group. Chip is the little man on the left, and he is quite self-effacing among the other giants on the porch, but a real nice guy. We wave our hellos, and overhear an argument that is just beginning… Abe says, "Do you see that red object in the grass under the cherry tree? That is a rubber ball. Yesterday, a girl was playing jacks on the sidewalk, and it must have bounced over to that spot in the lawn." Ben, while seeing the red object, doesn't agree. "I think you're mistaken, Abe, for you don't see so well. Clearly a ball couldn't have rolled that far on accident, and that object is too dark red. Being under a cherry tree, it must be a cherry." Abe retorts, "I know what I know, and I see what I see. It is a rubber ball, and it is plain to me!" Ben stamps his cane on the porch for effect and replies, "Then how do you explain the darker color, oh you who sees a ball of rubber?" The argument continues with lots of wind and gusto, but without must more illumination. Every contraditory fact from one old man can be made to fit neatly inside the other's own expected view. Exhausted from the debate, both men sit back, and almost for the first time, notice little Chip sitting in his own rocker enjoying the breeze. Abe says, "What is your opinion, Chip? For clearly trying to talk any sense into Ben is like trying to push a mule." Ben responds by elevating his rival from mere mule to ass. Chip slowly says, "Well, as you two well know, I know nothing. I have no opinion, but it seems to me that the only way to settle the argument is to get off the porch and walk over there to find out." Abe, only little flustered, says, "Well, I don't have to, I know what I know, and I don't have to prove it." Ben is not much better, "That is a good idea, Chip, however, my bad leg won't permit me to walk under that old tree. I might trip on a bulging root." Chip, the only one who doesn't know, is the only one free enough to inquire, and the only one who can actually find the truth. Tell others about this article:
	2014, Howard Abrams Some rights reserved	Originally written on 17 February 2006. Updated on 8 February 2014.