Why Starry Nights spark Philosophical conversation has been a question that has been debatable since the beginning of time. No one can say for certain how or why philosophical conversations are so varied; yet everyone has had an opinion at some point in their life. Of course, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion; thus no one can argue that.
Throughout centuries, scientist, astronomers, and philosophers have debated the universe and its astronomy. Galileo mused the universe and its make up even before telescopes were a commodity. It is believed that one day our world will be destroyed by an asteroid (a falling star).
Yet when we stroll hand in hand with that special person in our life, it is not likely we will consider that an asteroid will ever evade our tranquility, our life as we enjoy it.
The magnificent beauty of a falling star, rarely seen, instantly give optimist the opportunity to make a wish’. The fable is: Make a wish on a falling star, the silent wish must be kept secret or it will not come true.
If that is true then me must remember to set our calendar to watch the meteor showers; especially in August when they are said to be the peak rate, or best viewing. If you are sparked with Starry Nights Philosophical conversation on a normal starlit night, then the viewing of the Perseid display will have you rendered speechless; no doubt.
My daddy was illiterate; yet he believe in the almanac, and followed it very closely as a guide for planting his seeds in the garden and on the farm. Mama would read, Daddy would seed. And so was their philosophical conversation based on the astronomical predictions. You might say. . . The starry nights fed our hungry mouths.
When I was a child, our assignment in school had been gravity and how we were gravitated to the earth when we stand or sit upright. The knowledge had inspired me deeply. That night as Daddy and I walked to the hog pasture, I held tightly to his hand and frolicked about his strides as I gazed into the heavens, amused by the twinkling stars in the vast placid sky. I proceed to share with Daddy what I had learned in school that day.
“Daddy did you know that gravity keeps our feet on the ground?” I said.
Daddy appeased my curiosity by grunting a reply. “It does? How is that?”
“Well, you see the gravity holds our feet on the ground, so when the world rotates on it’s axis, we are able to walk up right. Daddy, I think the world in upside down now.”
Daddy instantly turned and started back to the house. Confused by his actions, I ask. “Daddy ain’t you gonna go pump water for the hogs?”
“Well, Sister,” he replied. “I don’t reckon it’ll do no good.”
“Why?” I ask.
“Cause, if the world is gonna turn upside down, then I reckon all the water will jest pour out.” He said.
“No it won’t neither.” I protested.
“Well, ain’t that what you jest said.” he ask.
“Well yeah, but the gravity will keep the water in the barrel. Anyway, that is what Miss Foster said.” I assured him.
Again, Daddy turned and started walking toward the hog pasture, as he said,
“Well, in that case I guess it will be alright to pump the water for the hogs.”
It was many years later that I realized that my daddy was testing my wisdom, and giving me the benefit of expressing my knowledge. I now realize that even though Daddy was illiterate, he was a very wise man. His philosophical conversation sparked my ability to learn. And it happened one starry night.
