The Illusion of Believing in Truth

The chiasmus between science and religion in Cat’s Cradle, directs us to see that religion is just a bunch of lies and the majority of science is bunch of untruths as well. In Cat’s Cradle, science has both truths and untruths.  Dr. Hoenikker’s creation of the atom bomb is a truth.  From previous knowledge, we know that it is possible to construct an atom bomb. Dr. Hoenikker’s supposed creation of “Ice-nine” is a humorous mockery at science. It is not possible, not yet, that an exceptionally small particle can freeze and ultimately cease all life on earth. We naively believe in science because we have been told, outside of this book, that science is truth. Religion, on the other hand, embodies all lies and “harmless untruths”, according to Vonnegut. In the pretext, we are aware that Bokononists, “live by to foma (harmless untruths) that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy.” (The Books of Bokonon. I:5)  Bokononism is a religion constructed on falsehoods; however, we willing start believing in the possibility that there is some truth in Bokononism. Countless times, Jonah is being completely honest with us, but we carelessly dismiss it.  This idea is validated when Dr. Dreed says, “New knowledge is the most valuable commodity on earth. The more truth we have to work with, the richer we become” and Jonah responds, “Had I been a Bokononist then, that statement would have made me howl.” (Vonnegut 41) Jonah is revealing to the reader that truth make us naïve. Truth is an illusion we think makes us happier. Regardless of the impossibility and inaccuracy, we still actively follow leaders, evidence, rituals, and results because the illusion of believing in truth gives us hope and distraction. The people of San Lorenzo know that Bokononism is all lies, but they still adhere strictly to the religion because it is an escape from their extreme poverty and dreadful true conditions. Vonnegut leads us to discover that there is no such thing as concrete truth in fiction, but the outrageous untruths are lesson to expose our naivety and vulnerability to why we believe in almost everything we are told.