Poetry and science are often placed opposite each other because they describe different things. One describes the human soul; the other describes nature. That’s unfortunate because they can complement each other vividly. The natural world and the vast universe are sources of unending wonder. It’s a shame that too many people are put off by science as intimidating. In truth, it’s awe-inducing and humbling.
Maria Popova brings these lessons to life with 15 poems by renowned poets that explicate some sort of scientific discovery, investigator, or event. They remind us that science is not merely a profession, but also an exploration of humanity’s very small place in a vast place that we really don’t understand well. These poems remind us that some of us are listening, however imperfectly.
Obviously, the scientific community will find these poems personally inspiring and helpful to relate their work’s importance to the wider public. I hope some poets might be inspired to learn more about the minutiae of science to tell of its wonders through their poetry. I also hope public communicators like speechwriters and clergy might use some of these poems to bring their messages to life. Science is too often relegated to a niche topic when it truthfully touches all of life, much like other fields of knowledge. Popova eloquently reminds us that we’re just made of stardust and will return to stardust; some of our time is surely wisely spent reflecting on the wonder of our existence.
The Universe in Verse: 15 Portals to Wonder through Science & Poetry
By Maria Popova
Narrated by Maria Popova & Lili Taylor
Text copyright (c) 2024
Storey Publishing
Audio copyright (c) 2024
Storey Publishing
ASIN B0CWJY4WL2
Length: 1:28
Genre: Poetry, Science
www.amazon.com