Mysteries Are To Be Embraced, But Also To Be Solved

Jim Al-Khalili shows us that science loves mysteries! But here's the key: mysteries aren't meant to stay mysterious forever. Science embraces the unknown and then works hard to solve it step by step. (p.65-79)

Straight to the point

Al-Khalili talks about 3 types of mysteries by referencing Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World

TV show

Real science finds amazing, surprising truths that are way cooler than made up mysteries. Science doesn't give up when things seem impossible, it keeps investigating until it finds the real answer.

The 3 types of mysteries

Mysteries of the

First Kind

things that seemed impossible to our ancestors but are now totally understood thanks to modern science.

"Mysteries of the First Kind are phenomena which were inexplicable and baffling to our ancestors but are now well understood, mostly thanks to the knowledge we've gained through modern science. Obvious examples include natural phenomena like earthquakes, lightning and pandemics." (P.65-66)

Mysteries of the

Second Kind

things we know exist but don't fully understand yet, like how exactly consciousness works or what dark matter is.

"Mysteries of the Second Kind involve phenomena that are yet to be explained, but which we are confident have rational explanations that we hope to find one day... Examples might include the original purpose of Stonehenge, the prehistoric circle of giant stones in Wiltshire in England; or in physics, the nature of dark matter, the invisible substance that holds galaxies together." (p.66)

Mysteries of the

Third Kind

fake mysteries, things that aren't real but some people believe in anyway, like astrology or seeing the future. Could be fiction stories shared in culture.

"Mysteries of the Third Kind include phenomena for which we have no rational explanation, nor can we see how we could ever have one without rewriting the laws of physics. Examples include psychic phenomena, accounts of ghosts and otherworldly apparitions, alien abductions or fairies at the bottom of the garden, all of which not only tall outside of mainstream science; but which have no basis in reality." (p.66)

Try out this quiz first!!

Quiz nº3

How to Spot Real vs Fake Mysteries

Real mysteries withstand evidence and testable investigation.
Fake mysteries rely on unproven claims and avoid being tested.
Science digs deeper even when things seem impossible.
Be cautious of quick fixes or simple “answers” to complex questions.

EXAMPLES

Book

Al-Khalili explains how people used to think things like lightning, rainbows, or diseases were supernatural mysteries. Now science has shown us the real explanations and they're actually more amazing than the old magical stories. Obvious examples include lightning, the formation of rainbows, disease, earthquakes, the phases of the moon... (p.65-67)

Personal

Why do people yawn? I thought yawning just meant someone was bored. But I found out it actually helps our body get more oxygen when we’re tired or need to wake up. So it’s the body’s way of helping us feel better! (Mystery of the first kind)

Try it out This Way!

Science embraces mysteries

Don’t run away from hard questions

Science keeps investigating

Even when something seems impossible, keep trying to understand it

seeks real explanations

Look for evidence based answers, not fantasy

Science finds amazing truths

Real discoveries are more incredible than fake mysteries

Bottom line

Chapter 3 teaches us: Don't settle for fake mysteries when the real world is full of incredible things waiting to be discovered. Science shows us that the truth is usually more amazing than any made up story! We just have to be brave enough to keep looking for it!