Photosynthesis is a cosmic parable rather than merely a biochemical, scientific fact. It provides a powerful illustration of evolutionary grandeur, with light penetrating and impregnating the nebulous uninformed membrane of primeval life. Little wonder that all the great religions and philosophies consider light to be a supreme symbol of life and meaning. Little wonder that all the great scientists from Galileo to Einstein, and Hawking in our own time, are fascinated by the nature of light and spend a great deal of energy and enthusiasm trying to fathom its meaning.
— Diarmuid O'Murchu, Quantum Theology