Data and Information: A Parable

Some time, long ago in Western history, four people looked at a rock. A conversation took place around one central question:

Why is this rock here?

Two of the people discussed it and said, “It was put here by a creator who created all things.”

The other two people discussed it and replied, “We’re dubious. There are rocks all over the place. You mean to tell us that some thing put them all here? We agree that some thing created those rocks, but they weren’t created by a Creator. If they were, why are they so similar to other rocks, yet some rocks are very different?”

To which, the first group replied, “The creator made many different things, including the trees, creatures, and ourselves. Sometimes the rocks move because of Mother Nature, but they were created by a God.”

The second group was unsatisfied. One of them spoke up. “That doesn’t make sense to us. We don’t have an answer right now, but something tells us there’s more to it than this. We think the rock came from the Earth. If you look closely, it seems to have a lot of different parts. It’s jagged as though it came from a larger rock. If God created it, when did he create it and why? It’s not plausible that a God created this rock.”

The four people went back to the village and began talking to people about their thoughts about the rock.

Many weeks, months, and years passed and one day, an earthquake hit. Then, another. Then, another. The village was without shelter and many had passed away.

The two God-inclined people rallied the town together and spoke: “God put these rocks here. God made the Earth. God put you here. These earthquakes have happened for a reason: They are a sign that God is mad. We need to be better people honoring God.”

The science-inclined people bristled. One turned to his friends, quietly, and said, “The rocks are part of the Earth, yes. But while we can’t prove anything just yet, we have a hunch the rocks came forth from the same forces that caused the earthquakes. We will travel to the Great Mountain many weeks from here to investigate further.”

Months passed before the science-inclined people returned. When they finally returned, they carried with them samples of different types of rocks. The science-inclined folks called a town meeting.

“We have traveled to the Great Mountain and spent many weeks looking at the rocks. In our possession, we have samples of many types of rocks, many of which have the same properties of the rocks found around our village. Sometimes, the rocks are all of one property, one type. Sometimes the rocks have a few of the many parts and sometimes the rocks at the Great Mountain have more!”

“At the top of the Great Mountain, there is an opening with very, very hot fluid flowing out that, upon observation, forms new rocks. The liquid is so hot that your fingers would melt off immediately if you touched it.”

The crowd oohed.

“The liquid seems to have no end and potentially comes from the deeps of the Earth. Based on my observations, we think rocks come from the liquid, from the Earth, and that these rocks somehow form other rocks. We have come to something we call a theory: That earthquakes bear no relationship to God, but rather to the forces that create these rocks!”

The crowd stirred disapprovingly, angrily. “Heretic!” One yelled. “God will bring us great pain for your terrible words!” “You will stand trial for your outlandish claims!”

The next day, the scientists were brought before the town council to answer for their claims.

Upon fierce questioning, they defended their position passionately. To no avail. Before sentencing, they were allowed an opportunity to speak their peace. They looked at each other, whispered something, and spoke in unison.

“All we were having was a conversation. We’d like to continue it.”

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