rational, free-thinking, science based societies

As an introduction, I have a background in science, and thrive on the significant scientific milestones we have reached today, and the continual intellectual stimulation I derive from learning new scientific evidence of our universe and the life within it.

However I myself think that a rational, scientific based society calling itself a "free thinking" society is in itself a conundrum. To be a free thinker one  must be able to go outside the box, be imaginative, expressive , and a little self-indulgent. Quite often a free-thinker might even have to challenge the accepted norm of the society around them. A rational society prohibits any of these expressions, and must resort to only the "known" facts dictated by the scientific intellectuals of their time.

I believe that there is more to the human spirit  that is also satiated by the arts. For example in fine art, a tree may be depicted in so many ways that it is not an exact replica of the image we see growing out of the earth. Is this irrational, is the artist delusional, should this be prohibited in a rational, science based society?

I see the world more than just through the narrow minds of only science or religion. While science is inherently imperative to the material world... religion in its purest form is inherently vital to the human spirit... that is the "irrational " part of the human psyche.  The most beautiful part of humanity is love, faith, hope and charity... none of which is rational, but all of which is a very real part of healthy living.  We as human beings have many struggles in life - spirituality is about finding the strength to love oneself, and in so doing, being able to love those around us.