Geology helps us understand origins

From the origins of the universe to individual lives, from geological time scale developments to the start of the lifespans of butterflies, beginnings loom large in all of our lives, but do we have the insight to get even close to an understanding of the concept?

Geology is crucial in trying to come to terms with ‘beginning’.

“Rocks are records of events that took place at the time they were formed.

“They are books. They have a different vocabulary, a different alphabet, but you learn how to read them. ”— John MacPhee

The geologists and geophysicists tell us fascinating narratives of the changes over millions of years.

Continental drift, lost civilisations and the evolution of life and humankind are just some of the monumental discoveries revealed by geology.

But time is relative, and the immediacy of our daily lives, concerns about global warming and, for many, where the next meal will be found, take on greater significance than matters geological.

The beginning of a new relationship, marriage, job, tertiary education path or retirement, occupy more attention than contemplation on the origins of the universe.

That is in the nature of humankind. Much has been written regarding advice and guidelines to motivate people to make a start.

Sometimes that first step requires courage or a sense of adventure to try something new.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ”— Lao Tzu

While beginnings in our more immediate day-to-day lives are easier to identify and define than those on a geological scale, they all play their significant parts in the affairs of humankind and the ongoing evolution of our planet.

However, what may be more significant still, are the endings ... of our undertakings, lives and planet Earth, as we know it.

Fortunately, the inherent selfprotection elements in human nature prevent us from pondering that question too deeply.