Though a devoted admirer of modern science, including gravitational waves (Report, 12 February), may I advise a word of caution on two principles: one being that the simple labelling of phenomena with metaphorical language – whether big bang, dark matter, black holes, waves, cosmic dust, or selfish genes – while giving the impression of concrete knowledge, may in some cases simply lead to self-satisfaction. Job done! The second is to bear in mind the capacities of the human brain which evolved in a very specific and very narrow window of time, in a very specialised environment. We should not be too cocky therefore in thinking that everything is within our grasp, even when enhanced by technologies (which are also the product of this very limited form of understanding). A modicum of humility is all I ask – otherwise, press on!
Ian Flintoff
Oxford
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