The development of the cognitive ability in the humans has got us all this far. Along with the gradual development of our cognition over centuries, Arrogance has also found its way to develop and thrive within us. Arrogance arise when one possess a toxic Superiority Complex
Arrogance and Astronomy
On an individual level the arrogance of a person is totally justified in society as it is a way to keep unwanted people away. To some extent it is true, being arrogant indeed keeps you safe from being taken advantage of. The problem with being arrogant is you become a person that is difficult to work with. The person working with an arrogant person always feels this sense of inferiority. Another bad consequence of arrogance is this high sense of inflated self ego that refrains you from asking for help whenever needed.
Astronomy a humbling science
Astronomy is the study of the universe as a whole and all of the celestial bodies within it. For me I was driven to astronomy mainly because of curiosity to find answers. With time I realized how much of an humbling experience it is. Our universe is 13 billion years old filled with an infinite number of galaxies possibly just like ours. Take for instance our galaxy the Milkyway it has close to 300 million planets that can support life. Our solar system which consist of the 8 planets including our home earth is just 4.5 billion years old compared to 13 billion age of the galaxy , we are just a fraction of it. Just think of the number of extra terrestrial life that could exist in other solar system of our own galaxy that has the conditions to support life. Definitely we can not say that we are alone.
So what makes us think we are the special ones ? You may argue our Intelligence.Take into consideration the technological advancements we have made in the last couples of decades. Consider the internet for example. We built the first working prototype of the internet back in 1960s. Today the internet has changed everything as we know. Now On in this context think of what internet or technology will be if it was a million years old ? One can't fathom what a million year old technology would look like. So now what happens if an older alien civilization possess such a technology Definitely we are not intelligent either
The Maya civilization were the early adopters astronomy. Astronomers held a highly respected noble position among the kings and emperors. Astronomers would look at the various alignment of the planets , stars and then decide on a war with an enemy or construction of some architecture. But here is the thing, the astronomy that they followed was flawed and we realized this with time. Today the position of mars has nothing to do with a country going on a war with another. Building a skyscraper in Dubai today has nothing to do with the position of Jupiter. This shows how the entire civilization was wrong about the concept of astronomy for centuries.
The reason I mentioned about the maya civilization is to give a perspective on a possibility that even the modern science we know today could also be proven wrong by the next civilization that succeed us. Maybe AI robots .
Still feel intelligent?
Religion and Arrogance
For me I like to think of earth as a spaceship that is moving in this universe and religion as a user manual of the spaceship (earth). The user manual has been introduced with a good intention. But just like any other user manual they are never perfect to solve a problem.
Religion no doubt has its benefits, but it has also contributed arrogance in some form. It teaches us that having faith in your belief system requires you to think that everyone else is wrong
Conclusion
The conclusion here is to be fluidic with your attitude that is to have a healthy sense of Arrogance and humility as situation arises. In the bigger picture we as humans are nothing. We are just a species that functions with an overinflated sense of superiority. Always remember that our purpose on this planet is no more grander than that of an ant. Learning about astronomy can reduce some of that superiority we all feel and replace it with some humility.
If you made it till here, you might want to check out my other posts
The expectation of constructing realistic expectations
Our Pursuit Of Unhealthy Happiness
The Future Of Space Odyssey Is Almost Here
MERKLE : The unsung hero of decentralization
Tl;DR
- Society has erroneously normalized Arrogance.
- Having healthy amounts of arrogance is a must to grow in this current society of ours otherwise you can be taken for granted .
- Astronomy teaches you humility/modesty because you realize in the bigger picture of the universe we as humans are nothing and we have no more grander purpose than that of an ant.