Question of the Year

"What do you believe is true even though you cannot prove it?"

That's the question of the year for 2005, posed by Edge, a literary/philosophical Web site the focuses on the world of science.

The answers, all from scientists and researchers, are fascinating. Read an excerpt from The New York Times' Science section here, or go to the Edge's site and read all 119 (!) answers here.

Here's just a bit from some of the answers:

... I believe that microbial life exists elsewhere in our galaxy....

... I believe, but cannot prove, that babies and young children are actually more conscious, more vividly aware of their external world and internal life, than adults are. ...

...I believe that consciousness and its contents are all that exists. ... The world of our daily experience - the world of tables, chairs, stars and people, with their attendant shapes, smells, feels and sounds - is a species-specific user interface to a realm far more complex, a realm whose essential character is conscious. ...

If I were to answer the question of the year, I would say something sappy about the power of love. The scientists would likely snort in derision. Except for one, who said he believes without proof in true love.

How would you answer?