Re: Abiogenesis -- Definitions

Kevin O'Brien (Cuchulaine@worldnet.att.net)
Fri, 20 Nov 1998 20:07:59 -0700

I never said you were a creationist, only that you use their same style of
argument; but then so do many ant-creationists. It's the argument style I
dislike, not you. I found your comments intriguing and thoughtful, and I
enjoyed our exchanges immensely; as such I simply could not understand your
stated reasons for cutting off the discussion, especially considering how
hurtful they were. I couldn't understand how you could have misjudged me
so, or why you would take our discussion so personally. In my confusion I
lashed out at you; I shouldn't have and I apologize. I hope this helps; if
it doesn't, I won't understand but I will empathize.

As for your rhyme, I never considered you dogmatic, just opinionated and
willing to staunchly defend what you believe is true. I am the same; hence
I was not surprised when we started butting heads, nor did I let it become
personal. Nor did I ever believe that you believed your beliefs were the
sum of all truth. I certainly cannot claim all knowledge; I have taken to
heart the messages of Jacob Bronowski's lecture "Knowledge or Certainty",
which are that there is no perfect knowledge nor any way to obtain same, and
that the more you know the less certain you become that what you know is
perfect or even all there is to know. But neither will I pretend that what
I do know is true is in fact not true, just as you will not. I believe that
in that way we are very much alike.

Kevin L. O'Brien