A book by Divan Fard
The wonder
of being here.
Science, God, and the Mystery of Our Existence
From the first stars to the living cell, from consciousness to questions of meaning—an invitation to look at our familiar world with fresh eyes.
“Why is there a world in which
such a story could unfold?”
The extraordinary in the ordinary
A glass of water.
A universe of questions.
Some of the deepest questions begin with things we think we already know.
A glass of water carries a history reaching through ancient stars to the young Earth. A living cell opens a world of intricate chemistry. Our own awareness invites questions that reach beyond what we can measure.
The Wonder of Being Here brings these stories together in a warm conversation about discovery, faith, and what it means to exist. Familiar examples keep the main journey accessible; optional “For the curious” passages invite a closer look.
Scientific findings and philosophical interpretations are distinguished throughout, making room for both careful evidence and honest reflection.
Fourteen chapters. One unfolding journey.
Follow your curiosity.
Travel from the origins of the universe to the questions closest to home. Select a chapter to discover its theme.
A moment from Chapter 2
The familiar,
seen anew.
“We began with a glass of water. Its story carried us toward the early universe, through ancient stars, across the spaces between them, and finally to the young Earth.
The water looks much as it did when we began. Our way of seeing it may have changed.”
From “A Glass of Water and a Deeper Question”
Professional portfolio · Open education
Divan Fard Publications
Publications, November 1, 2026
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemistry and Global Awareness, for Liberal Arts Students
- Chemistry for Liberal Arts Laboratory Manual, Chem 11
- Organic Chemistry, I
- Food Chemistry
- General Chemistry, 1A and 1B (Shasta College)
- General Chemistry II, Chem 1B
- General Chemistry II Lab Manual, Chem 1B Experiments
- General Chemistry Lab Manual Chem 1A Experiments
- Introduction to General Chemistry, Chem 1A
- Introduction to General Chemistry
- Introduction to General Chemistry Lab Manual
- Organic Chemistry II
- Organic Chem I, Laboratory Manual
- Physical Science Survey
- Physical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
- Organic Chem II, Laboratory Manual, Chem 71A
- Physical Chemistry Laboratory Manual
An invitation to keep looking
The lights are still coming on.
Discovery need not diminish wonder. Sometimes, understanding a little more is what allows us to see how much remains to explore.
Begin with a chapter ↑Book publication details will be added here.