Cultural beliefs based on superstition collide unavoidably with true advances in human understanding as represented by the Thirty Meter Telescope. Using the non-religious, secular definition of “sacred,” meaning, “to treat with great regard and respect,” science accords the natural world and its understanding authentic sacredness by yielding to the reality it presents to us.

Knowledge in the form of explanation is a sincere expression of regard for, reverence for, and respect for, this universe of which we are a part.

Kenneth F. Nelson

Waipahu

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