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The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast
The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast
Author: Dr. Lee Warren
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© Dr. Lee Warren
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Neurosurgeon and award-winning author Dr. W. Lee Warren, MD delivers weekly prescriptions from neuroscience, faith, and common sense on how to lead a healthier, better, happier life. You can’t change your life until you change your mind, and Dr. Warren will teach you the art of self-brain surgery™ to get it done. His latest book, Hope Is the First Dose, is available everywhere books are sold.
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Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Sunday Self-Brain Surgery," a new series aimed at going deeper into the spiritual side of our faith-science integration that lies at the heart of self-brain surgery.
I introduce the concept of intentional engagement with our spiritual selves and discuss the benefits of practices like meditation, prayer, and gratitude for mental resilience and physical health, backed by neuroscience. Central to this episode is a self-brain surgery operation called "The Ascription Prescription,” a method of enhancing self-worth and relationships by focusing on positive qualities in ourselves and others.
I provide practical applications for cultivating gratitude and improving connections with loved ones through affirmations and loving expressions.
We all know that life poses great challenges, but our spiritual responses can foster resilience and help us develop resilience and lead to flourishing.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
Holidays are wonderful. but they can be stressful. And stress can trip us up if we're trying to make major changes in our lives. Here's an episode from 2024 about how to use self-brain surgery to avoid falling back into habits we're trying to break.
It's the second in the Sunday Self-Brain Surgery series.
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and check out the three 5-minute self-brain surgery operations we'll be bringing to you this coming week.
Merry Christmas!
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
It's Frontal Lobe Friday!
Today, I give you a brand new self-brain surgery operation, the self-talk switch." a method to transform negative self-narratives into empowering truths.
In this often hard world, you have enough to deal with without having an adversary in your own head, right? Eliminating negative self-talk turns your inner voice into an ally instead.
I outline five steps to tame your self-talk: assessing negative thoughts, uncovering their origins, replacing them with positive affirmations, practicing realistic and positive self-talk, and grounding new beliefs through action.
We explore the neuroscience behind self-talk and emphasize the importance of self-awareness and scriptural wisdom. You don't want to miss this one.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss the weekly exclusive training videos!
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, we examine three key brain networks that can either help your life flourish, or lead you to floundering: the Default Mode Network (DMN), Central Executive Network (CEN), and Salience Network (SN).
I discuss how the DMN can lead to rumination while also being essential for self-reflection. The CEN enables control over our thoughts for constructive action, and the SN helps direct our focus toward positive outcomes.
We'll smash faith and neuroscience together and use self-brain surgery techniques to shift negative thinking patterns and encourage narrative healing.
This one is a game-changer for self-brain surgeons who want to achieve healing, find hope, and break through to higher performance!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss the weekly exclusive training videos!
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances but the lies you believe?
In this episode, I expose three common lies that quietly undermine your health, happiness, and performance and that keep you stuck even when you’re trying hard to change.
I’ll show you:
🧠 Why your mind and brain aren’t the same thing, and why that matters
⚙️ How to automate healthier thought patterns instead of battling your thoughts
🔄 What identity-level change really looks like in everyday life
If you’re ready to stop believing what’s holding you back and start moving forward, this episode is for you.
Let’s get after it.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss the weekly exclusive training videos!
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
It's Frontal Lobe Friday!
In this episode, I introduce "The Unstuck Operation," a technique to overcome feelings of stagnation. We explore mental patterns that hinder progress and provide actionable strategies for breaking free. Highlighting insights from a listener, I emphasize the importance of mindset in self-brain surgery.
I outline a process that includes recognizing negative thoughts, engaging in small tasks to spark motivation, and understanding the neuroscience behind our feelings. I give you practical tools to use faith and neuroscience together to get unstuck!
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, we explore how our thought patterns impact personal growth and healing. By examining the mindset of self-brain surgeons, we learn that overcoming feelings of being stuck starts with redefining our internal narratives.
I share key strategies to audit thoughts, viewing them as events rather than commands, and highlight the importance of intentional mental focus in shaping our realities. This will help you critically evaluate your internal dialogues and apply core values for healthier mental practices.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
Frontal Lobe Friday is back!
In this episode, I present a self-brain surgery operation to manage chronic stress and anxiety. I introduce the “gratitude graft,” which utilizes gratitude to foster mental resilience and help you find peace.
We explore discuss how faith works with neuroplasticity to optimize emotional regulation, and I share techniques and scripture that helps you get it done. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive mental health management to embrace your potential for transformation, ultimately guiding you toward a more fulfilling life.
This isn't just a listening podcast- it's a self-brain surgery operation you can learn right now. So grab a notebook, and let's get after it!
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, I explore the profound impact of consciously retraining our minds. I discuss our innate capacity to be self-brain surgeons, emphasizing the necessity of intentionally guiding our brain's natural rewiring processes.
We go deep into how our habitual responses shape our behaviors and the distinction between mind and brain. You will learn practical strategies to redirect negative thought patterns, illustrating the power of intentionality in achieving transformation and enhanced mental well-being.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, we discuss the character traits of self-brain surgeons, a transformative process for taking control of mental and emotional well-being. We lean into the power of Triple H therapy to achieve healing, hope, and higher performance, and we embrace resilience, intentionality, and self-reflection as key traits of self-brain surgeons.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, we go deep into both the science AND the art of self-brain surgery, combining neuroscience and faith to foster personal transformation.
There is a special, YouTube-only video episode that gives you some bonus training for this episode! Please subscribe to my YouTube channel, and make sure you see the video called Learning the Thought Biopsy. You don't want to miss this training!
As we're getting close to the February 2026 release of my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, I want you to know in your soul that you can reshape your life by actively managing your thoughts.
We discuss scriptural insights that align with neuroscience, illustrating how directing attention can physically alter your brain. Through tools like the thought biopsy, you can evaluate and replace unhelpful thoughts with empowering truth.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, we go deep into the idea of how we can over-anatomize and over-pathologize ourselves, an exploration that challenges common narratives about mental health and personal identity.
I ask you to reflect on the experiences of feeling limited by diagnoses such as anxiety, ADHD, or neurodivergence. Many of us internalize these labels, allowing them to dictate how we view our capabilities, relationships, and overall life trajectory. We often hear phrases that reference the functioning of our brain components like the frontal lobe, amygdala, or vagus nerve, and when those parts don’t operate as expected, we conclude that we are somehow less than or flawed.Drawing from a historical perspective, I discuss how the mechanistic approach to understanding existence, which began with Isaac Newton nearly 300 years ago, has shaped our perceptions in the Western world. This perspective encourages breaking things down into their individual components and suggests that we can fully understand a system by analyzing its parts. However, I challenge this notion, advocating instead for a holistic view that emphasizes revitalization over disassembly. We need to re-evaluate the way we see ourselves, stepping back to recognize that we are more than merely the sum of our brain parts.The episode uncovers a key principle: what you focus on shapes your reality. Grounding our discussions in current neuroscience and biblical teachings, I highlight the power of neuroplasticity, the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and rewire itself based on our thoughts and focus. By emphasizing this truth, I empower you to reclaim your narrative, reminding you that your thoughts can change your biology. It's crucial to move away from the self-limiting identities formed by our perceived pathologies toward a more expansive understanding of who we are.We often allow labels and diagnoses to overshadow our true essence, believing we are confined to a life predetermined by our anatomy or experiences. Rather than viewing ourselves as mechanistic constructs dictated by conditions and traumas, we should embrace the reality that we are capable of profound change and growth.The episode culminates in a call to action: I urge you to "de-anatomize" yourself. Let go of self-definitions tied to diagnoses and begin to craft identities centered on your direction and potential. By doing this, you can cultivate a mindset that recognizes you as a developing masterpiece, not merely as a collection of flawed parts. I encourage you to articulate a new narrative, one that emphasizes progress and healing rather than limitation.By the end, the message is clear: you are not just your brain functions or life’s traumas. You possess the power to reshape your thinking and, in turn, transform your reality. The journey toward self-brain surgery begins with recognizing your unique capacity for growth and the divine support available to you. Choose to focus on faith. hope, purpose, and your evolving self, and witness how these changes manifest in your life.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, I explore the concept of overcoming persistent challenges that feel overwhelming, such as chronic illness or complex relationships.
The discussion focuses on accepting unchangeable realities while reframing our perspectives to alleviate mental and emotional suffering. I emphasize the importance of fostering resilience through gratitude practices, achievable goals, and documenting emotions.
You'll learn to transform your relationship with pain and adversity, viewing them as integral to your journey.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, we dive deep into a new self-brain surgery operation you can use when you're feeling down and out, "microsurgery for your mood."
It's a part of my ongoing mission to empower you to take control of your emotional state and find pathways to healing, hope, and higher performance.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel! We're getting close to 5,000 subscribers, and I'm going to release a special YouTube-only video episode when we reach it!
Click here to subscribe so you don't miss all the exclusive video content!
Hey, if no one else has told you lately- I'm so proud of you for investing your time in this important self-brain surgery!
Today we explore how recognizing your emotional condition can be the first step in not just understanding it but actively managing it to prevent harmful behaviors and reactions. As a neurosurgeon and someone who has faced personal adversity, my approach combines scientific insights with relatable experiences. I guide you through the transformative concept that our moods and feelings are often not reflective of reality but rather neurochemical signals that can be influenced and managed.
Together, we learn to get meta about our emotions, stepping outside our immediate feelings to analyze how they impact our behaviors and interactions with others.
This episode not only prepares you for the upcoming release of my new book, *The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery*, but also gives you actionable steps to begin your journey of emotional self-regulation and growth today. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to create a structural change in how you manage your mind and emotions.
Remember, change doesn’t happen passively; it requires action, and you have the power to take charge!
Let's get after it!
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (put in your order number to claim your bonuses)
In this episode, I speak with bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle about surviving an unwanted divorce.
Lysa shares her personal journey through emotional and physical turmoil, while we examine the ties between mental health and spirituality. We challenge misconceptions in the Christian community regarding valid reasons for divorce and highlight the importance of self-care and healing.
Their collaborative book (along with therapist Jim Cress), Surviving an Unwanted Divorce, offers valuable insights for those navigating this difficult journey, making this episode a beacon of hope for listeners.
Click here for the transcript (Note: Computer-generated transcripts are not perfect. The AI butchered the spellings of both Lysa TerKeurst and Joel Muddamalle's last names!)
Resources and Links
Lysa TerKeurst's website
Dr. Joel Muddamalle's Website
Their podcast, Theology and Therapy (with Jim Cress)
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
Tuesdays with Tata is Back!
In this episode, I engage in a profound discussion with my father-in-law, Dennis McDonald, affectionately known as Tata, exploring the intersection of faith, spirituality, and everyday challenges.
We relaunch "Tuesdays with Tata," focusing on how neuroscience and biblical teachings can collectively enhance our spiritual journeys. Tata shares his insights from Matthew chapter 10, illustrating the importance of trust in God amidst life's difficulties.
We draw parallels between the trials of the early apostles and our modern experiences, highlighting themes of vulnerability, faith, and resilience in the face of hardship. This heartfelt conversation culminates in a prayer for strength and guidance, emphasizing gratitude and the ability to respond to life's uncertainties with faith and community support.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, we continue with 100 days of exploring self-brain surgery as a mechanism for personal growth and transformation, leading up to the launch of my next book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery.
I introduce a new operation called the "Settle for More Shift," focusing on overcoming feelings of stagnation and dissatisfaction. I empower listeners to reassess their mindsets and identify areas of complacency through self-assessment and practical strategies like journaling.
By fostering a growth mindset and using visualization techniques, I encourage you to replace limiting beliefs with empowering narratives. This journey emphasizes aligning your goals with deeper callings while resisting fear and self-doubt.
I provide tools for proactive mental health and personal growth, inviting you to embrace the potential within and embark on a path of transformation.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, we enter 100 days of exploring self-brain surgery as a mechanism for personal growth and transformation, leading up to the launch of my next book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery.
Drawing from my experiences as a neurosurgeon and the loss of my son, I emphasize the necessity of reshaping our thought patterns to alter our circumstances.
We do a deep dive into neuroplasticity and its role in overcoming sadness, sickness, stress, feelings of being stuck, and settling for less. I provide actionable strategies and principles that encourage you to take control of your mental narratives and foster meaningful connections.
The discussion highlights the importance of envisioning your aspirations, addressing your past, and taking definitive steps toward a clearer future. Each episode this month will equip you with practical tools and insights for profound life transformation. I invite you to join me on this journey to harness your mind's power for healing, growth, and hopeful change.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on October and its impact on our journey together as Self-Brain Surgeons.
As we transition into November, I want to introduce a shift in focus towards the core concept of self-brain surgery, a practice I believe will significantly enrich your life.With my forthcoming book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, coming in February, November will set the stage for a deeper dive into the mechanics of self-brain surgery, as we explore its potential to reshape not just your thinking, but your entire life.As we embark on this transformative journey, I encourage you to challenge negativity in your thoughts and replace it with constructive possibilities. Embrace the idea that what you focus on in your mind can indeed come to fruition. I reintroduce the concept of the premortem analysis, a strategic approach for evaluating potential outcomes and redefining your path toward success.Your thoughts and perceptions shape your reality. Embracing a mindset of hope and possibility can dramatically change the course of your life. So, this episode wraps up with a powerful question that can annihilate anxiety: "What if everything goes right?"
Remember, you've been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, and that empowerment is at the heart of what we're cultivating through self-brain surgery. In this episode, I'll show you that having all your fears come true is no more likely than everything working out okay, and how you use your mind to map out your steps helps determine where you wind up. Join me as we gear up for a powerful November packed with tools, training, and the support you need to rewrite your narrative. Together, we will harness the power of self-brain surgery to navigate your path to purposeful living, inspired action, and profound change. Let’s step into this new chapter ready to reshape our thoughts, lives, and destinies meaningfully.
Click here for the transcript
Resources and Links
Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Pre-order my new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery and get three amazing bonuses! (Enter your receipt/order number to claim your goodies!)
In this episode, I speak with Leanne Ellington about the intersection of neuroscience and faith. Leanne shares her journey of overcoming struggles with food and body image, advocating for women to break free from societal pressures. We discuss her application of self-brain surgery and how understanding neuroplasticity leads to transformative change.
We explore the complexities of habit change and practical strategies for rewiring the brain, emphasizing that true transformation starts within.
Leanne underscores the importance of accountability and radical responsibility in the healing process, offering resources for listeners to further their journey. This episode reinforces that change is possible through the blend of faith and neuroscience.
Click here for the transcript.
Resources and Links
Leanne's website
Leanne's guest host of Spiritual Brain Surgery (She recently hosted THREE episodes, and you can find them all on our YouTube channel)
Leanne has two incredible podcasts, What's God Got to Do With It? and Outweigh.
My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of You
Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!
Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (Get my free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe!)
Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify




"Feelings are not facts." "Most of my automatic thoughts are not true." "Thoughts become things." Changing your thinking can change your life.
this episode is labeled wrong
"A bit of science distances one from God, but much science nears one to Him." Louis Pasteur "The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator." Louis Pasteur