LETTER: Rationalism and milk-sniffing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Richard Ward
Sir: Randhir Singh Bains tells us that certain Nobel laureates have believed in a god or gods (letter, 25 September). Quite how this supports the view that a milk-drinking statue is a miracle is not at all clear, particularly as no one, to my knowledge, has yet studied the claim scientifically.
If this were done, we might find that, like the "miracle" of fire-walking, a rational explanation does exist, but most people prefer to believe in its mysteriousness rather than accept that hot coals do not conduct heat quickly enough to burn flesh. I should know; I've actually done it.
If a search for simple facts and the exposure of folly is an example of an "inward-looking approach", then long may Western rationalists reign. Or does Mr Bains think it is healthy to gaze in awe at the sartorial elegance of a stark naked emperor?
Yours sincerely,
Richard Ward
London, SE13
25 September
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments