The materialist model of science has, of course, produced a great deal, as evidenced in technologies that can send a person to in learning very much about our physical surroundings. Over 95% of the universe is invisible dark matter and dark energy that repels gravity.3 These mysterious forces have been measured and their effects described but not understood. Various theories try to made of atoms comprises less than 5% of the universe. One interpretation of quantum physics predicts multi-universes beyond the known universe that remain a mystery to us.4
Neither do we know much about the earth under our feet, revealed by Robert Macfarlane in The Hidden Depths of the Underland Fabulous Fungi. The mycelium that rises to the sur- face as mushrooms are intelligent in that they solve problems, just as slime mold does. The “secret lives” of trees and how they communicate is revealed by biologist Monica Gagliano in Thus Spoke the Plant. The classic Secret Lives of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird also reveals mysteries around us.
Similarly, genes with a known coding function make up only about 1.5% of our DNA structure, while the non-coding genes are called “junk” and dismissed as useless.5 In regards to their function, computational biologist Ewan Birney said, “It’s slightly depressing as in understanding these things is having a list of things that one has to understand, and that’s what we’ve got here.” Biologists are learning — but changes in response to our emotions and our environment. William Bengston* concludes, “I can tell you there is nothing more liberating than realizing everything you think is true is wrong.”
The visionary scientists are intuitive types rather than sensing personality types on the Keirsey and Bates scale (available online to compare your scores with the scientists.)10 Only two men scored sensing rather than intuitive. They’re more extroverted than the Feeling, and very close but slightly more Judging, called “Idealist Teachers or Champions.” Some are interested in the Enneagram as to tool for self-understanding, like Charles Tart* and Judith Swack.* (More about their typologies is on the book website.)
Some readers wondered why I included astrological types in a book about science: Their most common signs are Sagittarius (10), Aquarius, and Libra (both 8). One reason is astrology is a shorthand curious how they’d respond to a controversial topic. I’ve found me by its position in the constellation Aries the ram in my 10th house of occupation, indicating I’ve focused on work. The visionary scientists enjoy their research and get grounded by being in nature. An unusual number are also musicians or singers. “Curious” is the most common word they use to describe their drive to understand reality on a deep level and they like being on the cutting edge of discovery.