Crisis of Faith: A Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Remember You are the Instructor

What core belief about knowledge and science did the author initially hold, and how did this belief influence their professional life?
What two questions initially "drove the author mad" and set them on a quest for answers?
Why did the author feel their lifetime had been wasted, despite their love for science and learning?

How does the author use the example of climate change to illustrate a broader societal issue regarding the application of scientific knowledge?
What was the author's initial reaction when seeking answers from others about the perplexing behavior of horses?
According to the author, what is humanity's "wonderful ability" that hinders understanding unexplained phenomena?
What transformative effect did writing the book "So That We Can See" have on the author?
How does the author characterize "life" in terms of its nature and purpose?
What specific scientific field is mentioned as being explored in the author's book, "So That We Can See"?
What did the author ultimately realize about life's role in their journey of change?
Quiz Answer Key
The author initially believed that knowledge, especially that which can be proven by science, held all the answers and was the key to changing things. This conviction led them to dedicate their life as a teacher and then a publisher, sharing information about horses.
The two questions that initially drove the author mad were: "What the heck is going on?" and "Why isn't this working?" These questions stemmed from the observation that despite readily available knowledge, suffering continued.
The author felt their lifetime was wasted because, despite their efforts to share scientific knowledge, significant positive change did not occur, particularly concerning the suffering of horses. They realized that facts alone were not enough to effect the desired transformation.
The author uses climate change as an example to highlight humanity's tendency to defy scientific evidence and continue destructive actions, even when facing dire consequences. This mirrors their frustration with the lack of action despite readily available knowledge about horses.
When the author turned to others for answers about the horses' perplexing behavior, they met with silence. No one offered explanations or even acknowledged the strangeness of the situation.
According to the author, humanity has a "wonderful ability to ignore that which we can't explain." This tendency prevents individuals from engaging with phenomena that defy their current understanding or established beliefs.
Writing the book "So That We Can See" fundamentally changed the author, transforming them from the person they once were. The book provided answers to their long-standing questions and catalyzed a personal evolution.
The author characterizes "life" as endlessly creative and an expert in evolution. They also describe life as having a delightful, mischievous way of challenging individuals to grow and change.
The author mentions that their book "So That We Can See" delves into the world of quantum physics. This field is presented as a realm looking to fulfill all possibilities.
The author ultimately realized that life itself had been trying to help them change things all along. This understanding suggests that the mysteries and challenges they faced were deliberate efforts by life to facilitate their personal transformation.
Essay Questions
Analyze the author's shift in perspective regarding the power of "knowledge" and "science." What specific experiences or observations led to this "crisis of faith," and what new understanding emerged from it?
Discuss the author's frustration with the disconnect between knowing and doing. How does the example of horses' suffering and climate change illustrate this core problem, and what implications does the author draw from this societal failure?
Explore the role of "unexplained phenomena" in the author's journey. How did the inability to explain the horses' behavior challenge the author's worldview, and what does this suggest about the limitations of purely scientific or factual approaches to understanding?
Examine the concept of "change" as presented in the excerpt. Who or what is expected to change, and what is the ultimate purpose of this change, both for the individual and the world?
How does the author frame the act of writing their book, "So That We Can See," as a transformative journey? Discuss the elements of mystery, quantum physics, and the "creatures who can't even speak" as vehicles for personal and intellectual evolution.
Glossary of Key Terms
Crisis of Faith: A period of intense doubt or disillusionment regarding previously held beliefs, particularly those concerning the efficacy or ultimate truth of science and knowledge.
Knowledge as God: The author's initial belief that provable scientific knowledge holds all answers and is the ultimate authority or source of truth.
Worthless Knowledge: The author's realization that information and facts are ineffective if they do not lead to actual change, evolution, or improvement in lives.
Defiance of Science: The phenomenon where human actions continue to contradict clear scientific evidence, leading to negative consequences (e.g., climate change).
Ignoring the Unexplained: Humanity's tendency to disregard or remain silent about phenomena that cannot be easily understood or explained by current knowledge.
"So That We Can See": The title of the author's book, which was written in response to their two driving questions and ultimately provided the answers and led to personal transformation.
Evolution (Life's Role): The concept that life itself is an active, creative force that challenges individuals and circumstances to promote change and growth.
Quantum Physics: A branch of science mentioned by the author as being explored in their book, characterized as a "world looking to fulfil all possibilities."
Echoes/Light Doesn't Like to Be Watched: Mystical or metaphorical concepts introduced by the author as themes within their book, suggesting deeper, perhaps non-linear, ways of understanding reality.
Creatures Who Can't Even Speak: Refers to the horses, who, despite their inability to communicate verbally, presented mysteries that led the author to profound insights and personal change.