Science Rocks!
“Galileo – the father of modern physics – indeed of modern science.” ~Albert Einstein
The definition of science is: the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Or in layman’s terms, science is the study of what we observe in the world around us. Science has given the world so many benefits to our modern world it is unfathomable to think of a world without it. Scientific study gives us electricity, clean and safe water, warm and comfortable homes, the clothes on our back, the cars we drive and the toys we play with. Without science, we might as well be living in caves with nothing but tree leaves to cover our nakedness. On this date in history in 1633, Galileo was confronted by officials of the church in Rome about his belief that the Earth was not the center of the solar system but that the sun was. This theory was not new to the scientific community or the church leadership but it was a taboo subject that the Catholic Church deemed heretical and against the teachings of the church. Galileo was, according to Albert Einstein, the father of modern physics/science and after his time with the inquisition, Galileo was placed under house arrest for the last eight years of his life. It was while he was under house arrest that Galileo wrote his groundbreaking book, Discourses and Mathematical Demonstrations Concerning the Two New Sciences. The manuscript was smuggled to Holland where it was printed and published for the enrichment of all humanity. The two “new” sciences were the study of materials and the study of motion, precursors to physics as we understand it today. Galileo was 77 when he passed away.
I am writing about science today not just because of the injustice that Galileo faced almost 400 years ago, I am writing about science today because it is a field that is so critical to the future of our nation’s industry and development…and it is in grave danger. On the global stage, the Unite States lags far behind other industrial nations when it comes competencies in certain academic arenas such as math, reading and science and it has been for a long time. And given the recent events in our nation’s capital and the dismissive attitude towards science, it doesn’t look like we will be gaining much ground in the near future. Science is the base for all understanding of medical advancements in medicine, lifesaving technique and lifesaving care. Science is where humanity will discover the cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Science is also the springboard platform to launch our economy to the next level as high tech jobs and manufacturing will expand and provide solid growth. Science will provide innumerable jobs in renewable energy and the technology that goes with this cleaner energy. Hundreds of years ago, humanity looked upon science and mathematics as witchcraft brought about by Beelzebub when really it is a testament to the God given ability for men and women to use reason and forward thinking to gain a better understanding of the world around us. Ask any elementary school aged kid what their favorite class is (after gym and recess) and it is usually science. How did we begin to lose our sense of wonder? Too many video games? I don’t have the answer, I just ask the questions…how do we as a nation find our ability to wonder and ask questions again?
As always, thanks for reading and I encourage you to do some of your own reading on the positive impact of science and how we all benefit. Science is not against humanity…just the opposite, science is very much for the success of all humanity. Have a safe week and take care of yourself and each other, remember, we’re all in this together.
Wm Reid
Best Home Care Services
325 N Eastern Ave
Connersville, IN 47331
765-827-9833
wmreid@bhcshealth.com