"It is the business of the future to be dangerous; and it is among the merits of science that it equips the future for its duties"

Alfred North Whitehead’s observation evokes the inherent uncertainty and dynamism of what lies ahead. He calls attention to the idea that the future, by its very nature, carries elements of risk, change, and unpredictability. Rather than being a calm or secure domain, the future is “dangerous”, not necessarily in a negative way, but rather because it ushers in the unknown, challenges established norms, and disrupts the familiar. This dangerousness is an inescapable characteristic of progress; it is through engaging with danger, novelty, and the unforeseen that societies evolve and individuals discover new possibilities.

Whitehead then highlights the unique role of science within this context. Science does not merely serve as a repository of knowledge or a tool for technical advancement, it functions as a means of equipping humanity to face the unpredictable. By fostering a spirit of inquiry, skepticism, and adaptation, science prepares us for the demands and challenges that the future inevitably brings. The scientific method, rooted in observation, experimentation, and constant revision, mirrors the qualities required to thrive amid the dangers of the future: openness, resilience, and adaptability.

The passage suggests that one of the greatest virtues of science lies in its capacity to empower, rather than shield, us in the face of uncertainty. Armed not just with facts but with habits of thought and approaches to problem-solving, individuals and societies can approach novel challenges with confidence. The “duties of the future” are multifaceted, encompassing technological, ethical, social, and existential dimensions. Science, in this context, is the training ground for embracing change, allowing people to prepare for what they cannot fully anticipate.

Whitehead ultimately argues for an active engagement with what is to come, seeing danger not as something to fear but as a vital aspect of growth, and viewing science as the essential companion on this journey into the unknown.