Science is a valiant attempt to impose reasons on the irrational (the world of nature). Though it falls short in understanding the workings of the mind, it does succeed in describing the world of abstracts, the world of matter. Science stems from our inability to live with the unknown. When faced with a problem that denies the existence of a rational frame of reference (within which to understand it), we compound the dilemma by imposing a blatantly artificial framework that operates on the basis of fixed rules and conventions.

The use we put to science (and education) is important. More so as knowledge is easily obtainable in measured packets nowadays. It cannot be overemphasized that science is merely a tool that should be used for the cause of humanity. It is neither an end in itself, nor is it a means for the attainment of sectarian goals. Allied with a sense of purpose, it allows us to fulfill higher values in life. Our education system, if it is to be a complete one, should integrate moral values with scientific learning in a conducive environment. We should not be drilled full of meaningless facts and figures in our education. These facts and figures do not, in any way, make us better or happier persons. On the other hand, the education system should lay the basis for mutual cooperation and scientific inquiry. If this generation cannot be salvaged, it should at least be possible to bring up the next with a proper perspective of its duties and to the earth, and to the human race. Of course, hard work and inspiration are vital to bring these correct ideals to fruition. The essence of the scientific method is that one should proceed (step by step) from practice to precept at a pace one is comfortable with. Practice is what is feasible in real life situations; while precept is the right ideal one hopes for. On the education front, real life experiences can be translated into a concrete line of thought (or a philosophy of life) on which one can act upon. Any attempt to base one’s whole life on an esoteric philosophy which has not been developed through experience will end in failure.

We feel ill at ease when presented with a problem that has two or more valid solutions. Human thinking, over the ages, has been conditioned to believe that there can be only one solution for one problem. This automatically restricts our attitude to living, and our awareness of the diversity of life. When faced with a problem with no apparent solution, we just wait and hope for the best possible outcome under the circumstances. We are left to console ourselves with the philosophical intricacies of the situation, and their reverberations. We must look towards developing composite results – from the synthesis of different views – into an inclusive whole.

It is logical that most persons should strive for betterment or change in life. But one of the primary reasons we are unsettled by change is that we always expect things to remain as they were. This is seen as the natural, inviolate way of things. At a turning point – what one would prefer to call a decision point – we are placed in a dilemma when confronted with change from our normal routine. And we are forced to make a choice whether to accept the change or to resist it. At such moments we tend to postpone any decision or, even if a decision is reluctantly arrived at, we attempt to avoid the personal responsibility resulting from that decision. The fear to improve is an ever-present one, for we find comfort in the in the present conditions – however ordinary they may be. The desire to stay put is somewhat ingrained in the human psyche. It is sometimes diagnosed as lassitude, but it stems from wariness to change, and uncertainty as to its outcome. However, if we prepare ourselves, we will be surprised at the prospects the future holds out to us. Change is part of our secular and scientific education. Change is also part of the growing up process (or maturation) that teaches us to accept responsibility for our actions, and to learn from our past errors.

Human civilization is in a period of transition from a pastoral culture to a technology based culture. It is increasingly filled with expectations of hope. In this period of shift (in orientation) and redefinition of meaning, a positive interpretation of one’s roots becomes increasingly important – as a focal point of stability in a time of changes. We need to be receptive to the message of our ancestors. We yearn for stability - and for change as well, for civilization can be a somewhat dull and tedious affair. In the process, the dynamism and variety sought after should not degenerate into savagery; and violence should not engulf mankind. In this regard, we should be particularly distraught at the imagery from the past as we prepare for the future.

Science Fiction prepares us for the future – a future we may have to dwell in sooner rather than later. A future beyond the realm of science, where extra sensory perception is a source of hope to some. A future where the evolution (through eugenics) of a race of supermen would have a singular effect on our culture and ethos. Though such a process of selective human breeding is still considered reprehensible. (Darwinism is the evolution of man and ape from a common ancestral stock – and not the evolution of man from ape, as is commonly misunderstood). A future where communication with an alien intelligence is possible if our mind is open to the alien mentality. Though man has lived with the ape, dog, elephant and dolphin for so many years, we are still unable to recognize their intelligence, let alone learn to commune with them. Precision – not indifference – in what we say and do is the answer to the problem of communication. This, coupled with a better use of language, would lead to understanding. A future where man searches for extra-terrestrial intelligence. It is speculated that the other worlders probably do not approach earth for they are immortals (gods). It is not possible for mortals and immortals to live together in peace or harmony. The other worlders must be immortals – the level of technology that would permit them to span the stars would also permit them to conquer death.

The unfolding of the cosmic egg into the physical universe is an act of creation – vast in magnitude and beyond description. Yet this unfolding is so precise, and its mechanism so finely tuned, that the mass of the universe may be exactly that which would result in equilibrium being reached when the unfolding is completed. It is believed that the universe will neither expand infinitely (resulting in a cold death) nor will it contract upon itself (resulting in a big crunch). It may reach the point of equilibrium, and maintain it for infinity. The recycling of energy from heat to useful forms may take place across higher levels of order in such a way as to neutralize the expected increase in entropy.