Throughout human history, we have progressed much as a species. This rapid development of human capability came through our understanding of science, the disciplinary field which analyses the qualitative and quantitative measures of the natural world around us. By understanding and by harnessing the principles and concepts we have come to learn, we have found an explanation for most phenomena. However, even in the modern day, there is a certain extent to which science can understand the world. Certain topics continue to remain a mystery. Several such mysteries include the understanding of human consciousness, the origin of aliens and the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. By looking at these topics, we come to understand the limits of our understanding of the world and how science still leaves black spots in certain aspects of our world.
The Human Consciousness
The human consciousness is a very debated topic. It is said to be the very root of our awareness. Science hasn’t been able to understand what the human consciousness is made of or where it comes from. There are several theories proposed, none of which have been proven or disproven. The first theory around it is said to be that human consciousness is derived from materialism. An explanation of that is, human consciousness is made from nothing more than the infinitely complex array of neurons firing in the brain, with each neuron conducting an infinitely complex array of biochemical reactions. Others believe that the human consciousness is some unfathomable force inside a human, detached from physical form, yet working through one. This explanation is referred to as Dualism.
Likewise, there are several other theories that vary with region, religion and spiritual preferences. The topic of human consciousness and what lies behind it has sparked interest in various fields of science, from neurology to psychology to philosophy and so on. Despite everything, it continues to remain a mystery.
Aliens
The very existence of life outside of Earth has fascinated humans for a long time. Having understood the potential that lay beyond our own atmosphere, we have been drawn into ‘possibilities’. Aliens have been the subject of both scientific study as well as personal anecdotes. But science still has no substantial proof. The numbers run by experts suggest that there should be billions of planets capable of sustaining life. Data tells us that the universe is extremely big, and the probability of our planet being the only planet with life in the entire universe is extremely unlikely. However, the results remain inconclusive. There are many generally accepted consensuses like the presence of UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), several signals and radio frequencies, though extremely hazy and open to various interpretations. However, the final conclusion is that science doesn’t have a concrete explanation about whether or not aliens exist.
The Bermuda Triangle
Another phenomenon of interest is the Bermuda Triangle. The region is bound by three islands of the Bermuda, Miami and Puerto Rico. The region has a notorious reputation for the disappearance of many ships and aircraft. There have been several cases in which vessels that entered the area have never been seen. Not only that, but any remnants of them have also seemingly disappeared. One such example of disappearance is “Flight 19”. This was when 5 military grade airplanes flew into the triangle and were never heard from again. No wreckage of any of the planes was found.
While many have gone on to say that such events are caused by human miscommunication and rough weather in the region, they don’t account for flights that leave no trace behind. Should the crafts have crashed, their wreckage should have been found, but it never was. The area is prone to a lot of folklore, which contributes to the infamy it has been associated with.
Conclusion
The saying from Aristotle goes “The more you know, the more you realise you don’t know” and science is no different from this quote. Be it human consciousness, aliens, the Bermuda Triangle, dark matter, pyramids of Egypt or many such things, humanity may have pondered about what lies beneath but it is not always possible to explain everything. The realm beyond the great blue ether- the stuff of legend, is what intrigues and humbles us. And that should be normal. Science has given us the answers to many questions, but some things will just continue to remain a mystery.
Writer : Ethan
Grade : 12 (Year 2025)
Place : Sydney, Australia
