The following tweet has been doing the rounds. I've no idea who the original came from, but here's one possible source:
In many ways, of course, the perfect tweet. Quite witty, very topical and fits in 140 characters.
A few thoughts strike me. One is that dragging poor Malala into this argument is a bit rotten.
Another is, of course, that it sets up one of those false dichotomies so beloved of fundies on both sides of every argument. Science or Religion? I have to choose? Who decided that? Was it the same person that decided that the use of a gun isn't "Science" but jumping out of the edge of space is? I was planning both to carry out X-ray crystallography on my cake, and eat it. As the great man said, I want it all and I want it now (and I do want to live forever, since you asked).*
Finally, if we're in a world of false dichotomies for satirical intent, we can all play that game. Can I suggest:
"Dear Science, while you whinged about your cut grants I dropped a man out of space for publicity. In your face! Love Corporate Sponsorship"
* Before anyone tells me there's no point in carrying out crystallography on a cake - I know. It's NMR for cakes. Crystallography for crackers.
I'm suspicious of anyone who talks about science and religion in the same breath.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure you're not Richard Dawkins?
I've just checked, and I can confirm I'm not married to any timelords.
DeleteAE, you of all people should know that this is an example of one of those "allegorical" sayings, it's not meant to be taken *literally*... :)
ReplyDeleteI understood that this had originated with Ricky Gervais
ReplyDeleteI seem to recall the guy in the balloon prayed before he jumped. As would most people!
ReplyDeleteSeems entirely reasonable.
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