#Discussion Time - The Quantum & The Lotus - Quote #1

I've always been an avid reader and always wished that I could discuss things immediately with others after coming into contact with new ideas or perspectives. Unfortunately, that's a dream that's never been realized.

Ummm, pretty sure that's called a book club... It's kind of a thing already.

I know, I know, a book club kind of fills this space but I always wanted to share in the moment as I was being impacted rather than going through the whole story and trying to share everything at the end. I always felt like the content is so much more impactful when it's immediately present rather than trying to have it share space somewhere down the road with everything else. So, I think I'm going to give it a try on Steemit. At the very least I'll be able to use the platform to capture these moments and my thoughts at the time I encounter them and create a kind of personal journal as I explore them.

So without further ado, the name of the book I'm currently reading is called The Quantum & The Lotus. It's basically an interview between two monks/scientists that give their take on how the Buddhist philosophy interprets and exists alongside current scientific beliefs.

I don't adhere to any of the world religions, but I do like to find the pieces in them that resonate as truth for me in my spiritual journey in this reality. It's been an interesting read thus far and I'm enjoying it.

A little context

Right now, in the story they are discussing the correlation between scientific genius and human values. Basically, they are giving examples of people that were brilliant scientists but lacked character or integrity. They're pondering the role of morals and ethics in science and how they manifest in the scientists themselves. They see science as a tool of discovery that should be used from a place of greater perspective and intent.

Here's the part I'd like to discuss

Spirituality, which I see as a process of personal transformation, does not simply complement science. It is a fundamental human need. This is the real problem of the scientific world. Personal transformation is no easy matter, even for people who dedicate their entire energies to it. So if it is seen as having only a secondary importance, the chances of success are even slimmer.

To leave spiritual transformation in the background as a sort of optional extra, when it ought to be a core part of one's existence, throws a shadow over the entire scientific enterprise. Its intentions are unclear, its means often not properly gauged, and its results ambivalent.

Without a fundamentally positive and enlightened motivation the exploration of the limits of the possible inevitably takes precedence over the examination of what is desirable or indispensable.

Some scientists think that their work consists entirely of exploring and discovering, and that they aren't responsible for the use their results are put to. Such a position is a mere illusion, willful blindness, or, at worst, just plain dishonesty. Knowledge gives power, and power requires a sense of responsibility and an idea that we are accountable for the direct or indirect consequences of our actions.

So what is your take?

Do you believe scientists have any kind of moral responsibility?

Should we be approaching science as a tool that should ultimately be helping to further spiritual development?

Should any responsibility fall on the scientist for how a technology they discover is used? or are they just the messenger and the responsibility lies with everyone able to comprehend and utilize it?

How do you think the culture and direction of science would change if the scientific community operated from the premise that personal transformation was of primary importance?