Page 116 - Darwin's Dilemma: The Soul

Darwin’s Dilemma: The Soul

The formation of a sensation of depth on the two-dimen-
sional retina bears a close resemblance to the technique em-
ployed by artists trying to impart a realistic sense of depth on a
two-dimensional surface. There are certain recognized techniques
for creating a feeling of depth: objects being placed in front of one
another, one or more vanishing points, variation in texture, dimin-
ishing dimensions and height and movement—the closer an object,
the quicker it seems to be moving. The method employed by artists
also applies to images arising in the brain. Depth, light and shade
are perceived by the two-dimensional retinas in our eyes through
the same method. The more accurate the details in this image, the
more realistic it seems and the more it misleads us. Thus we act as
if the third dimension—with depth and distance—were actually
there.
In fact, however, all the images we perceive exist in a single
plane, rather like a film on a flat screen. The visual center in the
brain is exceedingly small. All seemingly “distant” images such as
far-off mountains, stars in the sky, the Moon and Sun, planes flying
in the air and birds are all crammed into this minute space. In a
technical sense there is no distance between a plane you imagine to
be flying many kilometers away and the glass in your hand; both
are on a single location in the visual center inside your brain.
This is a glorious proof of creation, sublime artistry and a
flawless work. Allah creates these perfect images and details in the
mind of every human being, at all moments and without interrup-
tion. Nothing is missing to make us harbor any suspicions regard-
ing the existence of the three-dimensional images before us. The
world belonging to us is created constantly as a copy of the origi-
nal world outside. The might, power and creative artistry of
Him to Whom all these belong are manifested in every detail. It
is Almighty Allah, the Lord and Sovereign of all things, Who

114