Absolutely lovely op-ed piece in the New York Times today by physicist Brian Greene entitled “Put a Little Science in Your Life.” There are, of course, lots of reasons why science matters. Perhaps even more so in today’s world where certain leaders so determined to ignore evidence and base their decisions on preconveived notions of how the world works. What makes this article special is that 1) it is exceptionally well-written and 2) hits all of the right notes. For example:
But here’s the thing. The reason science really matters runs deeper still. Science is a way of life. Science is a perspective. Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding in a manner that’s precise, predictive and reliable — a transformation, for those lucky enough to experience it, that is empowering and emotional. To be able to think through and grasp explanations — for everything from why the sky is blue to how life formed on earth — not because they are declared dogma but rather because they reveal patterns confirmed by experiment and observation, is one of the most precious of human experiences.
This article passes the ultimate litmus test for excellence: I wish I wrote it.
There was a teacher who had posted on the classroom door, “Science is a world view.”
Okay, the teacher was me, and I wish I’d written this article, too. Science may not yet, or ever, have all the answers, but having all the questions is a good start. And encouraging people to ask those questions is what it’s all about.
Left by Nattu Swiete on June 4th, 2008