καιρός remembered

A stick in shallow water

Such a simple photo, yet so profound! Ever since I saw this branch in the water and took a photograph of it, the image has been etched into my memory. What we see here is clear: 1) a stick in the sun, protruding from the water, 2) the broken continuation of the stick underwater, 3) the reflection of the stick, and 4) the shadow of the stick on the water’s surface. Four manifestations of one and the same stick. It may be clear and simple, but it remains a wonder.

I often wonder what this image tells us. I think it shows just how multifaceted a seemingly simple object can actually be. When we look at the world, do we always see the full picture, or do we see only part of it? The process of expanding our knowledge and understanding of the world, whilst trying to see and comprehend it in all its dimensions, remains an ongoing challenge. This is the essence of science and of a scientific worldview. We do not need the intervention of a god in this ongoing process. Even when we reflect on the all-encompassing image of the stick in the water, we cannot help but continue to marvel at the world in which we live.

Photo of the week: Betul, M.P., India, 2007