Part 1: Awe

For me awe is something seldom achieved, I find that if I think about something in the right way it’s existence makes sense. This might sound like a ridiculous statement, however, lets explore this concept a little further.

Definition of awe

1: an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime

2: archaic**:** DREAD, TERROR: the power to inspire dread

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awe

In the above definition dread and wonder stand out in my mind. There are few things I wonder about especially in the technology sector because if a human(s) created said technology then thinking through how the arrived at that point id just a logical process. If we look at dread on the other hand, I fear for only what humans will do with the technology, I even categorize the eventuality that AI and machines will overtake humans as a result of what humans have done with the technology.

The idea of awe moves further away from something I experience when we look at the second half of the definition, sacred or sublime. This notion exists on the belief in the sacred, holy, spiritual the list goes on. Being agnostic or even atheist at times it’s hard for me to reconcile this within my thoughts. Is it impossible to be in awe if one does not believe in a higher power?

If we are in fact living in a simulation, I believe that would inspire awe for me, but one must ask the question if a simulation inspires awe than why would the creation of the world by a high power not inspire awe? This is the root of my dread, if there is a god why would it not truly make itself known to us, faith alone is not something I can rely on and furthermore why would a god want us to doubt it. However, the creator of a simulation wishing to remain anonymous make absolute sense to me, since by definition a simulation is not real.

Now don’t get me wrong I find lots of things cool but that doesn’t mean they inspire awe.