I am frustrated by the recent influx of letters regarding the creation of matter. Some argue that matter was created by spontaneous biophysical events and that matter evolves through natural selection. Others argue that matter was created by a divine being and is continuously supported by this entity.

I am frustrated because currently, both points of view are mere theory and have not been conclusively proven. Thus, we can argue these points until we are red in the face and ultimately make little, if any, progress.

In his book “Ishmael,” Daniel Quinn suggests that regardless of whether one believes in evolution or the divine, mankind perceives itself as the pinnacle of creation-that is, that mankind is the final product of evolution, or that God created the universe for mankind to rule. This has created a tragic mindset of, “since the world was created for us, we can do whatever the heck we want to it.”

So, rather than squabble over the accuracy of religion and science, let’s agree on this: We are driving a horrifically large number of species into extinction by the day. We are gutting our planet of its resources, slowing bleeding it to death. And, as a direct result, we are in an inevitable march towards the extinction of mankind itself.

Perhaps if we quit the useless banter and realize that we are not the final product of creation, but rather only one component of a beautiful and functioning biological community, we can avoid this catastrophe.

Nate Guerette, Auburn