Doubt is joy

Via Pharyngula, this wonderful video of Richard Feynman explaining his take on the “Big Questions”:

As Myers notes, it’s the only rational view of the universe. But I’d add something more to that — it’s the only view that can lead to real, honest joy and happiness. It’s letting go of the childish, simplistic need for certainty — and for someone to take care of your troubles for you — that can really lead to happiness. Not knowing, you are free to explore, and that exploration is the best reason for getting up in the morning.

I often think that the so-called “Big Questions” — Why are we here? What is the meaning of Life? etc, etc — are mostly chimeras, things that take us away from simply dealing with what is, and the joy of working to understand it. We have enough to learn without wasting time on such vague, self-serving questions.