Zaniboni 1.

Thomas E. Zaniboni
Ms. Connie S. Douglas
UWRT 1101-090
09022014-21



This I Believe
Science is the state of knowing: knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or
misunderstanding (Webster 740). The study of science is, in fact, the study of the natural world that has
been proven through experiments and observations. Due to Science being accurate, I feel it is more
believable, not considered a religion but indeed a belief. Religion, though, does influence our modern
day society norms and ethics. We, the people in America, have the free rights to pick and choose our
beliefs, whatever makes us feel more comfortable. With that being said, I want to begin with a quote
from Mr. Randy Pausch; I dont believe in no-win scenario, (Pausch 8). I think this statement can go in
so many directions. After all, we are all entitled to our own opinions. Referring to the quote, no-win
scenario does not mean to win or lose in a competitive attribute, but more of a better understanding
over fact and fiction. The context of the quote does change because how I value and experience life
around me.
The Book of Eli as depicted by the King James Holy Bible being the last copy on earth, had a
significant impact on myself. The people look to a book not by belief and fact but by faith, alone. Faith
Zaniboni 2.

including its predecessor, both the old and new testaments have been used for centuries to determine
what is right and wrong. However, the holy bible is based on interpretation and speculations. Is this a
no-win scenario? Yes, I have based my life on thought after facts. I would always lose to the bible
because there is no scientific facts to prove its real. Not only that, but in my life experience, having an
argument with someone running on shear faith is utterly pointless. Yet, are they wrong? Not to them,
their answers will always be the same out of respect for others faith. It is an argument I tend to avoid.
Our world is a cornucopia, a vast land separated by vast bodies of water. Studies of Geodesy,
Chemistry, as well as Mathematics is all around us every day. I look for these answers when I have the
time. Who are my Major influences? Stephen Hawkings, Gregg Forbes, and Jim Cantore. Dr. Stephen
Hawkings was the first person I laid eyes on in the science community. Dr. Hawkens is a theoretical
Physicist. I first saw him on a television program called Stephen Hawking Universe which played on
both Offal and Discovery Channel. This was only the beginning for my love of the sciences. September
1996, Hurricane Fran was on a direct path into the low country (sand hills) of North Carolina. Living in
Fayetteville, NC was a hardship in itself being the minority. However, in times of crisis, people do show
compassion before fear. When my mother and I were in a store to buy supplies for the cyclone, I
remember my mom talking to a woman about the bottle of water and I heard the name Hugo. A couple
of days later, my family and I are both face-to-face with nature. This was a scary time for me, but I got
through it. My feelings at the time cannot be described. After the storm ended, I remember the
devastation and impact on my community, I saw a great deal of hardship and love from a stranger.
Experience is what you get, when you didnt get what you wanted (6). I joined the United
States Army in late 2006 in hopes of going to college. However, I got much more then I bargained for
and I dont regret any of it at all. I have learned computer systems not used in civilian populations. I also
learned how to protect myself and my fellow soldiers, plus medical training that I would later on use at a
fire station. Unfortunately, experience is not enough. Age and wisdom on how to use the experience
Zaniboni 3.

you gain to make your life better. When I dedicated my life to study science, I have been told multiple
things by many people. One thing these people had in common was Christianity, faith driven to do and
say things against the word yet they justify it because its what he wanted.
Brick walls are there to stop the people who dont want it badly enough (6). This quote also by
Mr. Pausch has made me think long and hard about everything I have given up on. However, it is flawed
to speculate what a brick wall entails. Most people cant compare their charmed lives to others. In basic
texts this quote is both a beautiful harmony when trying to speculate others, but also very arrogant. In
conclusion, humanity has a basic drive, but we need others around to feel better about oneself. To
coexist in this world, an opportunity for world peace can and has presented itself numerous times. Yet it
will always fall through because of selfishness, Faith, and intuition. Humanity will be our undoing.