Those two guys, Miller and Urey ;-)
Our thoughts and feelings are invisible, cannot be explained or defined by the laws of physics, are a reality that exists outside of the physical world, yet this huge truth goes completely ignored.
I suspect intellectuals go deep into attempting to explain the physical world as a means to distract themselves from explaining the ever present truth of their own soul. Which would lead them to the truth of God. Which would mean they would have to humble themselves to a higher being. Which can be uncomfortable.