Chapter 1: The Intersection of Faith and Reason

It may come as a surprise, but I embraced Christianity while studying at MIT. This prestigious institution, known for its technological prowess and scientific achievements, is often perceived as a bastion of logic, reason, and empirical evidence. MIT's motto, "mens et manus," which translates to "mind and hands," emphasizes the importance of applying intellect toward practical outcomes rather than merely engaging in theoretical musings. The implication is clear: one should harness their cognitive abilities to enact change in the world.

This motto suggests a level of human control, whereas faith can imply surrendering that control. How, then, could an MIT student find themselves on a path of faith? Yet, I did so, and perhaps this transformation could only happen within the walls of MIT.

Section 1.1: From Objectivism to Faith

Upon graduating from high school, I had fully embraced Objectivism. Ayn Rand's influential works, particularly "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead," had captivated me. I believed Rand was a visionary and felt that the dismissive attitudes toward her contributions stemmed from a deep-seated cultural misogyny, which often overshadowed the achievements of notable women in science and technology, as well as those from marginalized communities.

Chapter 2: The Search for Meaning

I embarked on a spiritual quest during high school, exploring various religions with my family and friends. I attended Hindu temples, Catholic Mass, and Jewish Seders, even studying the Quran and other spiritual texts. Yet, my relentless search for meaning left me feeling unfulfilled. I entered MIT as a staunch Objectivist—not an atheist, but someone who doubted the relevance of any divine being in my life.

Nevertheless, my time at MIT led me to realize something vital was absent from my existence. The drive to apply our discoveries for the betterment of humanity, as suggested by MIT's motto, raised questions about the importance of such efforts.

Rand and other atheists like Nietzsche and Bertrand Russell seemed to emphasize individual passions over societal welfare. Yet, I began to see that the true benefactors of humanity were those who persevered through adversity to create remarkable contributions.

The first video, "MIT Professor Finds Meaning of Life in God, not Science," explores the intersection of faith and scientific inquiry, shedding light on how belief can coexist with a rational mindset.

As I delved deeper into my thoughts, I recalled the exemplary life of Benjamin Franklin, a figure I had long admired. However, upon reflection, I felt discomfort over his treatment of his daughter and wondered about his own evolving beliefs—from atheism to agnosticism, and ultimately to a faith in something greater.

The second video, "MIT Professor Rethinks Religion After Discovering THIS!" examines how personal experiences can reshape one's understanding of faith and its significance in life.

Ultimately, I attribute my journey toward faith to the insights gained from MIT and the writings of Ayn Rand—both of which illuminated the void of living a life solely governed by reason. Among my peers, I observed a yearning for empathy and connection, often found in those who held a belief in something beyond themselves.

The characters in Rand's stories felt superficial compared to those in the complex narratives of Russian literature, where the struggle with faith was depicted with profound empathy.

As I consider the influences that have shaped my journey, I find myself questioning the intersection of rational thought and spiritual belief. I plan to share more about this journey in future writings. Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections.

As I battle stage IV cancer, any support to help with medical expenses or even a gesture of kindness would be immensely appreciated.