Last weekend’s book fair was themed “The science of it”, but I couldn’t help wondering, “The science of what?” Nevertheless, I enjoyed the interplay of science within various literary realms. Being a scientist who writes for a living, it makes sense that I would.
What surprised me, though, is that often I heard people voice some serious resentment towards science and scientists. Participants were commenting about how scientists only see the world as facts and figures. One speaker actually announced that science is a tool of oppression! Yow! I have to say that I could not disagree more; if anything, science allows for empowerment. Knowledge is power; it’s not just a bumper sticker!
The resentment towards science might be based in rationalization, meaning: “Since I don’t understand it, then it must be some kind of conspiracy theory.” Or perhaps it is a blowback from the assumption that science is against religion. But the gist of the book fair comments was different, as if science disrespects diversity of culture. All of these fall squarely at the feet of science educators who teach by rote memorization what other people pronounce as true, instead of encouraging children to explore and experiment for themselves.
Just as science and religion are not mutually exclusive, science and culture are not mutually exclusive. Scientists don’t declare that if you can’t measure it, it doesn’t exist, as someone said during a book fair discussion. It’s more about trying to understand the world around us, the universe in which we exist. And the more we understand, the more glorious the universe is, our sense of wonder expands exponentially. The more we understand God’s creation, isn’t that a form of worship?
Until next weekend,
~ Lisa
